Improving Food Security in the Highlands of Ethiopia through Improved and Sustainable Agricultural Productivity and Human Nutrition

Transcription

1 Improving Food Security in the Highlands of Ethiopia through Improved and Sustainable Agricultural Productivity and Human Nutrition (No & ) By Dr. Sheleme Beyene (PhD) Dr. Walelign Worku (PhD) Dr. Bunyamin Taran (PhD) Dr. Fran Walley (PhD) Report type: First Progress Report Report period: September 2010 to February 2011 Research Institution: Hawassa University, P.O.Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia Team members: Dr. Sheleme Beyene (PhD) Dr. Walelign Worku (PhD) Address of team members: Date submitted: March 2011 Table of Contents Page Synthesis 1 The research problem 2 Research findings 2 Project implementation and management 3 Project outputs and dissemination 4 Capacity-building 5 Recommendations 5 Impact 5 Recommendations 5 Annex 1 6 Annex 2 9 Annex 3 11

2 1. Synthesis: Ethiopia suffers from food insecurity, which is increasing due to population pressure, reduced farm size, land degradation and climate change (drought). Subsistence farming has resulted in land degradation, and reduced soil fertility, which in turn have increased the number of food insecure months and malnutrition. There is a need for a research intervention with integrated approach in order to improve food security through increased productivity, sustainable soil management and nutrition status of people. Therefore, this project was initiated with a goal to increase the capacity of Ethiopia to improve food security and human nutrition, through training agricultural specialists and research on the breeding, agronomic and nutrient management of pulse crops in order to enhance productivity and provide a much-needed source of protein to local farmers. The project is carried out jointly by Hawassa University (HU) in Ethiopia and University of Saskatchewan (U of S) in Canada. The methodology includes the following: Survey and assessment to identify target research sites and to know farmers capacity to grow pulse crops and the associated constraints; establishment of demonstration trials involving improved chick pea, lentil and faba bean varieties with improved technologies; germplasm acquisition and testing for chickpea; upgrading the laboratory capacity of HU; provision of advanced training (MSc and PhD) to selected Ethiopian professionals; baseline nutrition and health characterization; investigator led research to come up with soil management and agronomic strategies for improved pulse productivity. The project work was started by selecting four sites in southern Ethiopia for the implementation of the activities. The selected sites include, Jole Andegna (or Ele), Taba, Huletegna Choroko and Teticha Kebeles. A baseline survey on the selected sites assessed socio-economic aspects, cropping systems potentials and constraints of the area. Following this, a two day inception workshop with stakeholders identified three pulse crops (chickpea, lentil and faba bean) to work on and gaps in the areas of pulse productivity, human nutrition and gender equality. Team members of the partner university (U of S) were participated in the workshop and a joint meeting with HU team members worked a common strategy in carrying out the project, especially regarding advanced training. The findings of the baseline survey and the inception workshop are organized into a report and proceeding, respectively. In line with addressing the technology gaps, four sets of chickpea germpalsm are introduced from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and seven released chick pea varieties are obtained from Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). To create awareness about the nutritional value of pulses, the nutrition team from U of S has prepared a poster and was distributed during the workshop. Moreover, a mini-workshop was conducted at U of S in relation to the project under the theme of Celebrating International Research and Development. Training of agricultural specialists in the area of soil management, agronomy and nutrition in relation to pulses is one key components of the project. To this end, three MSc students in soil and crop management and three more in human nutrition are conducting their thesis research in the selected project sites. Moreover, three staff members from HU who are supported by the project have obtained admission from U of S for PhD training and one more is on the way. The PhD candidates and MSc students in nutrition are jointly advised by staff of the partner universities in Ethiopia and Canada. One of the challenges faced so far is that admission of PhD students, which has taken more time than anticipated by the project and this will cause a delay in running the program. The second is that the one and half crop season available in the whole project life span is inadequate to make a proper germplasm and variety evaluation. Thus, extension of the project duration will be useful towards fulfilling project objectives. 1

3 2. The research problem: Ethiopia is one of the world s poorest countries, ranking 170th out of 177 countries in the 2004 UN Human Development Index (CIDA). The present population of 85 million is expected to reach 100 million by 2015 (CIA, 2010). Most of Ethiopians live in the highlands, which include only 40% of Ethiopia, and smallholder mixed farming is dominant. Small farm size (as low as 0.25 ha per farm), insecure land tenure, lack of fertilizer, removal of plant residues, erratic rainfall, and rapidly increasing population have limited the potential of the highlands. Land degradation and increasingly occurring droughts due to global warming threaten their food security and nutrition, resulting in increased dependency on food aid or other forms of external support. Millions of Ethiopians live in conditions of chronic hunger with both a low average daily energy supply of 1880 kcal/capita/day and a very high (44%) prevalence of under-nourishment (Adenew, 2004). The Ethiopian economy is heavily based on agriculture, which contributes 45% to GDP and more than 80% of exports, and employs 85% of the population. Agriculture is the country's most promising resource with a potential for self-sufficiency in grains and pulses. The highlands of Ethiopia are well suited for the development of pulse crops. Intercropping pulse crops with cereal crops (maize and teff) not only provides improved nutrition for the local farmers, it also improves soil fertility, and thereby land sustainability. Pulse crops, namely chickpea, lentil, faba bean, cowpea, and grasspea because of their high protein content (23-26%), are able to provide a major portion of the daily protein requirements and are the second most important component in the national diet. We hypothesize that vigorous establishment of pulse crops such as chickpea, lentil and faba bean can lead to improved N fixation, and nutrient accumulation, which ultimately improve system productivity, food security and human nutrition. Consumption of pulses, being rich source of iron, zinc and other nutrients (Welsh, 1998) can address iron deficiency and stunting caused by inadequate intakes of iron and zinc. Moreover, knowledge about processing and nutrient utilization of pulse products, including iron and zinc, is needed. In seeking to address food security we also need to understand and develop local dietary patterns (including pulse crop usage), food beliefs, and food consumption patterns of the targeted population. 3. Research findings: Objective 1: To assess farmers capacity for growing pulse crops and their productivity across the target production region A baseline survey (see Annex 4) and the inception workshop (Annex 5) identified three pulses (chickpea, faba bean, and lentil) as intervention crops. The following problems were also identified: Lack of awareness of farmers in production and benefits of pulses Wrong perception about pulses (considered as secondary) Weak seed supply system Lack of technology & insufficient adoption of available technologies Lack of proper storage Drought, disease, weeds Weak market linkage These points serve as an entry point for the project to address the underlying problems that limit expansion and productivity of the selected pulses. The discussion of these gaps among the various 2

4 stakeholders will enhance policy makers, researchers and farmers in understanding the limiting factors and work on measures for improving pulse production in the target region. The project invited policy makers in the area of crop production and research for consultation through the inception workshop. This enabled to discuss on opportunities and problems in relation to pulse crop production and gender issues in the presence of all stakeholders. The awareness creation could help the policy makers to take measures that address the gaps. Objective 2: To enhance farm productivity and sustainability through participatory establishment of low input pulse crops and participatory approach Two graduate (PhD) students are working on soil management in relation to pulse and N fixation at the target sites and two others are working on chickpea and green bean agronomic management. Besides, three MSc Theses projects on soil management are being conducted in the target areas. The three MSc Theses research focus areas are: Thesis research 1:The research is being conducted in Taba Kebele, Damot Gale district of Wolaita zone, which one of the selected research sites of the project. The research is investigating effects of different land use change on physicochemical properties and identifying soil characteristics that are sensitive to land use management in order to ensure sustainable use of Vertisols. Thesis research 2: This research is conducted in Taba watershed focusing on the effects of drainage methods and sowing dates on yield and yield components of Chick pea, which is one of the project crops. Three seedbed preparation methods (broad bed furrow, ridge and flat bed) will be examined in combination with three sowing dates. Thesis research 3: The research is on investigating the influence of topography and land use patterns on soil physicochemical properties in Ele watershed. The site, which is located in Meskan district of Guraghe zone is the second selected project site. Objective 3: To introduce and test improved germplasm, soil quality and sustainable agricultural production for pulse crops Chickpea germplasm that consists of four sets of trials each with more than 40 entries that will be used for the project work is acquired from the International Center for agricultural research in Dry Areas (ICARDA). Moreover, seven improved varieties are acquired from EIAR. These materials will be seeded and evaluated in 2011 growing season at the selected research sites. A test was made on four lentil cultivars in one of the sites to see the adaptability of lentil to the area. The test result showed that the Taba site in Damot Gale district is potentially suitable for lentil production. One of the major project crops, chickpea, will be useful in risk-mitigation and will contribute for sustainable food security because the crop is grown at the end of the rainy season after the harvest of the main season crop. This will enable farmers to get additional produce and also minimize risk of total crop failure due to unfavorable weather. 3

5 Objective 4: To improve research facilities at Hawassa University and provide research opportunities for scientists and junior researchers List of research equipment for purchase is prepared and communicated to IDRC. The procurement process is underway and hence acquiring the facilities will enhance the capacity of the students and Faculty to conduct research. The purchase of a double cabin pick-up for field trip was approved by the concerned authorities and advance payment was made. The vehicle is expected within 30 calendar days and acquiring it will alleviate the shortage vehicle for trips to the selected sites. HU has provided vehicle for the project activities to date. This project is enhancing the capacity and strength of research groups of Hawassa University in soil science, agronomy, horticulture and human nutrition. The project contributed by creating new opportunities, new partnerships and resources at the researchers disposal. For instance, research on crops like chickpea which was not part of the research before is started because of the project. Moreover, in relation to this, contact has been established with ICARDA for the supply of germplasm. The Canadian expertise is part of the project in the following areas: 1. Joint supervision of students at the graduate and pots graduate level with staff at University of Saskatchewan. Two PhD and three MSc students are being supervised jointly by Hawassa University and University of Saskatchewan staff. The subject areas include agronomy, soil sciences, horticulture and human nutrition. Two more PhD students are on the way for joint supervision. 2. Use of research facilities of the University of Saskatchewan by postgraduate students and senior researchers from Hawassa University is planned. 3. Course offering to post graduate students by the University of Saskatchewan is incorporated. Objective 5: To design and implement a nutrition intervention program for health promotion and improved food security enhanced pulse availability and consumption on food security and human nutrition. Three MSc graduate students are working on assessment of food security, nutritional status, pulse consumption patterns and nutritional improvement on three of the target areas. The project is addressing dietary diversity for women and children through the work of three graduate students with the following research focus area: Thesis research 1: The research is investigating the existing knowledge on broad bean consumption, factors affecting nutrient intake and formulation of food with improved protein and micronutrient contents of broad bean for the study area. The study will be conducted at Teticha Kebele, Hula district of Sidama zone, which is one of the selected project sites. Thesis research 2: The research is being conducted at Taba Kebele, Damot gale Woreda of Wolaita zone. It is on assessment of food security status of households, nutritional status of infants and young children and gender disparity in relation to complementary feeding practices. 4

6 Thesis research 3: This research is assessing Anthropometric status and evaluate dietary intakes of adolescent girls, assess indigenous knowledge on the role of pulse foods in adolescent girls. The research is being conducted at Huletegna Choroko Kebele, Alaba Special district, which is one of the selected project sites. A nutrition promotion poster to raise awareness of the nutritional benefits of lentil and chick pea has been produced and distributed to the inception workshop participants. 4. AFS Outcomes: It is too early to see the outcomes of the project. However, some indications of expected outcomes are provided in Annex 2 5. Project implementation and management: Activities supported during the last six months are: 1. Site selection survey An eight membered team from Hawassa University made a survey to select specific sites for the project on 23 and 24 July The selections were carried out in collaboration with development agents and farmers of the area. Accordingly, three project sites were selected with two of them to be used as alternatives. The existing Hawassa University site that is selected as community village is also included. Thus the project sites are: Jole Andegna, Taba, Laignaw Choroko and Teticha. 2. Baseline survey A participatory survey was conducted by consultants on the selected specific sites in order to gain information regarding socioeconomic status, possibilities of pulse production and limiting constraints. It took place in August The major findings of the survey were presented for discussion among the stake holders during the inception workshop. The report from consultant on baseline survey is attached. 3. Inception workshop An inception workshop took place on 14 and 15 October 2010 (see Annex xx). The major objectives were: i. To identify and prioritize problems for the proposed research work involving the target pulses under the various fields, ii. To obtain valuable inputs and suggestions from the participates that will be required to improve the planning and execution of the project, and iii. To create awareness about the project so that future cooperation among the various stakeholders will be more fruitful There were about 100 participants drawn from universities, NGOs, Institute of Agricultural Research, Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, National Soils Laboratory, University of Saskatchewan, IDRC, farmers and prospective graduate and post graduate students. Resource people were invited and made presentations on pulse crops and soil management. The workshop was held for two days with greater number of 5

7 participants, although it was originally planned as a one day event with fewer participants. The proceedings of the Inception workshop is attached to this progress report. 4. Visit of selected sites with UofS partner staff and IDRC representative The partner team from University of Saskatchewan and an IDRC representative were taken to the selected sites in order to get first hand impression about the sites. Informal discussions were also made with farmers and development agents on the site. This took place just before and after the inception workshop. 5. Joint meeting of HU and U of S partners The team members from the two institutions had meeting on 16 October In this meeting possible schedule and plan of action for the PhD students training and visit schedules for the partner team members were agreed up on. Moreover, supervisors were assigned to the candidates. 6. Selection of female graduate student grantees Five female graduate students were selected for a scholarship grant through open competition in October The grantees will get a full scholarship for the two year period of the training. This is a program to encourage capable females to join the graduate program. They have now successfully completed their first semester course work. 7. Selection of graduate students for research grants Three MSc students in soil science and a further three in human nutrition were identified to receive a research grant. The selection was made on competitive basis and the six students are now working on their research. 8. Selection of post graduate candidates Four post graduate candidates were selected through open competition in Oct Two of these have secured admission from the U of S while two are on the process. Currently, the two selected candidates registered in the Department of Plant Sciences, UofS and are in progress of developing their PhD research proposal. 9. Germplasm acquisition Chickpea germplasm that will be used for the project work is acquired from the International Center for agricultural research in Dry Areas (ICARDA). This germplasm will be seeded and evaluated in 2011 growing season at the selected research sites. 10. Preliminary lentil test A test was made on four lentil cultivars in one of the sites to see the adaptability of the area for lentil production. The test result showed that the Taba site in Damot Gale district is potentially suitable for lentil production. 11. Mini workshop A mini workshop was conducted at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources of the U of S on February 7, 2011 (9:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m.). The workshop was intended to introduce the current project and the overview of food security in Ethiopia in general to the University of Saskatchewan community and other interested parties. This mini workshop coincided with the celebration month of International Research and Development at U of S. The workshop was a success and was 6

8 attended by more than 30 people in the room at all times, and there were people coming and going throughout the morning. The attendees included a scientist from the University of Alberta specializing in gender issues. The people that attended were very keen and asked good questions. The list of speakers and the topics presented during the mini workshop are following: Dr. Mike Grevers Soil Science Dept. (Emeritus) The long-term U of S and Hawassa University Partnership to Improve Food Security in Ethiopia. Dr. Fran Walley, Soil Science Dept., U of S Soil Quality and Sustainability in Ethiopia: Issues and Challenges. Dr. Bunyamin Taran, CDC/Dept. of Plant Sciences, U of S Pulse Production and Food Security in Ethiopia. Dr. Carol Henry, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, U of S - Pulses for Improved Nutrition and Food security in Ethiopia. Dr. JoAnn Jaffe, Dept. of Sociology and Social Studies, University of Regina Initial Reflections on Social Issues in Food Security in Ethiopia: Local Knowledge, Gender and Equity. Dr. Diane Knight, Soil Science Dept., U of S The Grad Student Experience in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities. 6. Project Outputs and Dissemination: Current outputs (Also, please see annex 1 and annex 3): 1. Workshop proceeding 2. Baseline survey report 3. Nutrition promotion poster 4. Mini workshop announcement 5. Mini workshop presentations Planned outputs: No. Output Time Remark 1 15 MSc theses will be produced Aug Five technologies in soil management,, 3 Three technologies in human nutrition,, 4 Four technologies in pulse agronomy,, 5 Two technologies in pulse protection,, 6 One socio economic analysis,, 7 Germplasm introduction and demonstration Aug Four PhD dissertation will be completed Dec Capacity building: 1. Upon completion of their studies, the 15 MSc and 4 PhD project supported candidates will play an important role to carry on the started work further and initiate relevant research especially in the area of soil management, pulse production and human nutrition. This will be 7

9 valuable in addressing issues towards improving food security on a sustainable manner in southern Ethiopia. 2. The project is useful in creating new opportunities for senior researchers of Hawassa University through improved access to facility and new partnership. The joint supervision of post graduate students and research facility access at Hawassa University and University of Saskatchewan will enhance staff competence. This will be vital for success of the newly established PhD program at Hawassa University. 3. The experience shared from the partnership will be a basis for future collaborations also. Moreover, the knowledge gained from running the project will be useful in initiating follow-up projects. 4. The five full scholarships awarded to women is important in addressing gender equality and also will be useful in enhancing women s aspirations to undertake graduate studies. Moreover, the human nutrition studies and interventions will contribute in addressing gender related problems of rural women. 8. Impact: Expected impacts are: 1. Expansion and improved productivity of chickpea and lentil production in the target areas. 2. Improved nutritional status of households because of better knowledge and increased pulse availability. 3. Increased research focus and extension on pulse production in southern Ethiopia. 4. Physical and human capacity building at HU for further training and research. 9. Problems and challenges The following were faced: 1. Delay in getting admission of PhD students at U of S This prevented two PhD candidates from traveling to U of S in January 2011 according to plan. The other travel option, August 2012, will coincide with the experiment planting season which will cause a further delay. 2. Delay in purchase of equipment Buying equipment from in-country suppliers is difficult because of lack of equipment with desired specifications. 3. Germplasm testing and adoption will be a lengthy work Germplasm introduction would require screening and performance trial. There is effectively one and half cropping season for the entire project period. This will be a constraint for identification of suitable genotypes. 10. Recommendations The project will benefit from extension of the duration. 8

10 ANNEX 1 - OUTPUT SHEET Types of Outputs Peer reviewed article(s) Workshop/pre sentations Project Title and number: Improving Food Security in the Highlands of Ethiopia through Improved and Sustainable Agricultural Productivity and Human Nutrition (No & ) Title / Reference & Summary Description 1. Lessons from previous partnership and introduction to the project 2. Introduction to IDRC Grant 3. Project sites: survey report 4. Soil and plant nutrition research: Canadian and international experience 5. Lentil and chick pea research: Canadian and international experience Date of the output 14 Oct 2010,,,,,,,, Primary authors/ organizations responsible Dr. Sheleme Beyene (HU 1 ) Dr. Pascal Sanginga (IDRC) Dr. Worku Tessema (HU) Prof, Fran Walley (U of S 2 ) Dr. Bunyamin Taran (U of` S) Was this output disseminated? If yes, how? Please indicate what type of audiences have been reached (i.e. policy makers, researchers, others? These papers were presented at an inception workshop that included policy makers, researchers, partners, farmers, extension agents and prospective graduate and post graduate students. The proceedings is made available. For full list of participants, please see the attached proceeding. Location of the output Please provide weblink if applicable Separate attachment as: Annex 5 Evidence of use/uptake, if applicable 6. The role of chickpea and lentil in improving food security and nutritional status 7. Status, Constraints and Prospects of Chickpea Production and Research in Ethiopia,,,,,, Dr. Carol Henry (UofS) Dr. Million Eshete (EIAR 3 ) 9

11 8. Status, Constraints and Prospects of Lentil Production and Research in Ethiopia 9. Status, Constraints and Prospects of faba bean Production and Research in Ethiopia 10. Improving food security in the highlands of Ethiopia 15 Oct Jan 2011 Dr. Asnake Fikre (EIAR) Mr. Musa Jarso (EIAR) Dr. Mike Greverse (UofS) Research reports Newspaper article Bulletin, newsletter, pamphlets Other presentations at the miniworkshop? Nutrition Promotion Paper Mini workshop announcement Separate attachment as: Poster-workshop Databases (GIS, and other information systems) Policy briefs Books / Book chapters Thesis, essay, paper Conference proceedings, speech, slide presentation Manual, curriculum, training Proceedings of inception workshop: Improving Food Security in the Highlands of Ethiopia through Improved and Sustainable Agricultural Productivity and Human Nutrition, Oct 2010, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia. HU Separate attachment as: Annex 5 10

12 material Photograph, film 1. Inception workshop Conducted at Hawassa University 14 & 15 Oct 2010 HU Separate attachment as: photo-inception workshop 2. Site selection Conducted with the involvement of project team members from HU, farmers, extension agents and prospective post graduate students 23 & 24 Jul 2010 Separate attachment as: photo-site selection 3. Site visit Visit of one of elected sites by HU and UofS partners 16 Oct 2010 Separate attachment as: photo-site visit Scoping study, baseline report Evaluation report Websites, social media (Facebook, twitter), multimedia (You tube, others) Media coverage. Articles in local or international media Others Baseline survey results in southern Ethiopia. Interview with local media about the project (Southern FM Radio) about the project activities August Oct 2010 HU HU Separate attachment as: Annex 4 HU, Hawassa University; UofS, University of Saskatchewan; IDRC, International Development Research Centre; EIAR, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research 11

13 ANNEX 2 MONITORING AFS EXPECTED OUTCOMES 1. New technologies How is the project testing, adopting and adapting new gender responsive technologies to improve environmentally sustainable food production? 2. Dietary diversity & nutrition The project is addressing dietary diversity for women and children through the work of three graduate students with the following research titles: Anthropometric and dietary assessment of young children: consumption of broad bean and its use for nutritional improvement of diet at Teticha Kebele, Sidama zone, Southern Ethiopia. Food security, complementary feeding practices and nutritional status of 6-24 months old infants and young children at Taba Kebele, Damotgale Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Assessment of nutritional status and pulse consumption patterns among adolescent girls in Huletegna Choroko Kebele, Alaba special woreda, southern Ethiopia. 3. Engagement of Canadian researchers with Southern researcher organizations The Canadian expertise is part of the project in the following areas: 1. Joint supervision of students at the graduate and pots graduate level with staff at University of Saskatchewan. Two PhD and three MSc students are being supervised jointly by Hawassa University and University of Saskatchewan staff. The subject areas include agronomy, soil sciences, horticulture and human nutrition. Two more PhD students are on the way for joint supervision. 2. Use of research facilities of the University of Saskatchewan by postgraduate students and senior researchers from Hawassa University is planned. 3. Course offering to post graduate students by the University of Saskatchewan is incorporated. 4. Research groups This project is enhancing the capacity and strength of research groups of Hawassa University in soil science, agronomy, horticulture and human nutrition. The project contributed by creating new opportunities, new partnerships and resources at the researchers disposal. For instance, research on crops like chickpea which was not part of the research before is started because of the project. Moreover, in relation to this, contact has been established with ICARDA for the supply of germplasm. 5. Food distribution The activity is not carried out during the reporting period. 12

14 6. Food processing The activity is not carried out during the reporting period. 7. ICTs The activity is not carried out during the reporting period. 8. Risk-mitigation One of the major project crops, chickpea, will be useful in risk-mitigation and will contribute for sustainable food security because the crop is grown at the end of the rainy season after the harvest of the main season crop. This will enable farmers to get additional produce and also minimize risk of total crop failure due to unfavorable weather. 9. Food production The graduate students in the area of soil science and human nutrition are conducting their research with participation of the farmers. This is important in extending knowledge and resources to farmers and is useful for sustainable production. 10. Income generation The activity is not carried out during the reporting period. 11. Policy options The project invited policy makers in the area of crop production and research for consultation through the inception workshop. This enabled to discuss on opportunities and problems in relation to pulse crop production and gender issues in the presence of all stakeholders. The awareness creation could help the policy makers to take measures that address the gaps. 13