AG. SERVICES

closed

The project represents a national program designed to strengthen agricultural services, livestock and environmental protection extension with a view to generate increased agricultural production and sustained growth of farmers' and herders' incomes. The project builds on experience gained during the implementation of a pilot project. The main elements of the program are: (i) efficient organization of extension services, provided with adequate human and physical reosurces, at the farmer, regional and national levels; (ii) regular and continuous training of staff at all levels by means of a system of fortnightly, monthly and annual training sessions; (iii) better linkages between extension and the national and regional agricultural research; (iv) strengthening of relations between crop farming, livestock and environment services; and (v) functional literacy and numeracy training for both men and women. Investment will be in: (a) civil works; (b) vehicles and equipment; (c) incremental operating costs; (d) training; and (e) short-term technical assistance to establish and periodically supervise a project accounting and budgeting system.