Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDCA)

Project Code: 044-595-020	Start Date: 01-Aug-92	End Date: 01-Mar-95
Commitment: £225 724	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
Since 1988, CONCERN has been developing soil conservation and land use techniques, through a project including elements of horticulture (fruit trees) agroforestry, tree planting and gully stabilisation. Based on experience gained to date CONCERN is now embarking on a three year Natural Resources programme the first year of which is detailed in th current proposal.

Project Objectives:
The overall aim of the programme is to work with the relevant Government bodies to improve the economic position of the small holding peasant farmers through the promotion of improved farming practices, and to reduce rural deforestation and urban soil erosion through the promotion of practices aimed at protecting the environment. Agricultural Extension Component. The aims of this project are to improve food security by: Introducing improved varieties of staple crops suitable for low external and low cash input agriculture in the region, and teaching seed production to contact farmers. Forestry component To help the local population maintain an environment in which their needs for trees and tree products of all types can be met in compatibility with other demands on land use, both through direct work and indirectly through support to and training of local government structures. To introduce a greater understanding of the importance of fruit for improved diet and as a potential source of income. To improve the capacity of the family sector to produce fruit of varied species and ultimately to produce fruit trees from seed as well. To help the residents of the bairros of the city protect their houses and their environment from the damage caused by erosion, using measured and means at their disposal. To improve the technical capacity available in Nampula to tackle these problems and to disseminate this knowledge to those affected.

Intended Outputs:
Trained extension network of six extension workers and supervisor. Participatory relationship established with camponeses in 8 zones. Analysis of, and measures begun to tackle problems of poor soil fertility, erosion, pest control, general agrotechnical practices, poor access to seed, poor marketing opportunities. DPA and CONCERN extensionists trained in seed production and storage, groundnuts, cassava and sweet potato multiplication and production. Improved varieties of groundnuts, cassava, sweet potato and maize brought into Nampula for multiplication and testing. Their distribution to 25 camponeses for evaluation. Production of quality seed of improved groundnut variety (RMP 12) by 25 camponeses. 2 tonnes of this seed produced and purchased for sale next year. Investigation and collection by research station staff of promising local varieties of cassava for subsequent multiplication and testing on the station and on farm. Three primary schools growing field crops and vegetables and contacts established to begin programmes with three more. Trained staff in District Agricultural Directorate of Murrupule to work with Health staff on vegetable growing at the Murrupule Nutritional Centre. Horticulture teaching ongoing to mothers of malnourished children at the Nutritional Centre vegetable garden. 50,000 tree seedlings of various species produced and distributed. Improved nursery facilities and efficiency. Continuing expansion of knowledge of an experience with new speices. Increased local awareness of the value of trees, different tree species, the possibility of planting trees, the need to protect and manage more effectively existing trees. Increased awareness on the part of local structures of the above and improvement in their capacity both to act and to teach and encourage others to act to arrest deforestation, and manage the environment. 500 grafter trees and 2000 non-grafted trees for sale. Well trained nursery staff. Increased experence of new species and techniques of production. One or two mini-nurseries outside Nampula City producing fruit-trees for the producers own use. better awareness by the camponeses sector of the value, range and care of fruit trees. Six trained extension workers with trained supervisor (all of whom will work part time as forestry extensionists). Measures taken by the residents of six bairros to include a total of 150 wooden check dams built, vegetation planted along gullies and as protection for houses, contour bunds around houses in a number of cases, and protection of these bunds by appropriate vegetation. Investigation into possibilities of different vegetation - e.g. viteveria, sugar cane. Courses to be run in conjunction with GAMA.