Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (AGHCD)

Managing Institute:
SOS Sahel International

Contractor:
SOS Sahel International UK

Project Code: 020-595-006	Start Date: 01/02/1990	End Date: 30/09/1997
Commitment: £1,469,020	Status: Awaiting Confirmation of Completion	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
SOS Sahel's Koisha Rural Development Project (KRDP) aims to increase food production and strengthen the rural economy in Koisha, North Omo Region, by means of participatory community- based interventions in the agricultural, environmental and livestock sector. The project collaborates with and supports local government services, in particular the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and the Ministry for Natural Resource Development and Environmental Protection (MNRDEP). SOS Sahel has signed a bipartite agreement with MOA covering its activities in Ethiopia. It also has a close working relationship with other agencies in the area including FARM Africa, Inter-Aide, GTZ and CONCERN.

Koisha Woreda has a population of around 149,000 (RRC estimate, March 1994) - about 20,000 households, of which the project hopes to reach 12,000. The land is under intense cultivation, with the majority of householders farming for subsistence. Yields are low, and most families suffer food shortage for five months in each year. Cash incomes are also extremely low and many farmers are in debt.

KRDP aims to promote long-term sustainable agricultural development through assimilable agricultural inputs and techniques. In an area which has become dependent on relief, and in order to understand better the implications of the hungry season and provide an effective long-term response, SOS Sahel has also embarked upon a separately funded Food Security Research Project in the Koisha area.

Project Objectives:
To increase food security in Koisha to help farmers to achieve sustainable improvements in the productivity of their agricultural systems to assist in the building-up of the capacity of local communities to manage their own future agricultural development to improve access to remote rural areas and thus improve contact with markets and local services.

Intended Outputs:
Raise or stabilise agricultural production through planting of new or improved crop varities, applying soil fertility maintaining techniques, use of improved tools and establishing forage plots and vetinary care of animals. Using participatory methods, adapt technologies to reduce degradation of the local environment. Diversification of sources of household incomes, through provision of credit, and identification and promotion of viable income generation activities. Enhanced community and group capacity for self-reliant development, through training of SOS Sahel committees and women's credit groups. Improved access to markets and services. Employment based safety net structure operational.