Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (PAND)

Managing Institute:
Concern Worldwide

Contractor:
Concern Worldwide

Project Code: 063-680-030	Start Date: 01/04/1992	End Date: 31/03/1997
Commitment: £139,321	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - JFS

Project Background:
This project is a follow up to Ismani Agricultural Extension Project which ran from January 1988 to December 1991 (ONG/167/89/IRL). The earlier project was evaluated in August 1991 by a team comprising two external consultants, one in agriculture economics and one in agricultural extension, the regional Extension Officer and the Assistant Field Director of CONCERN Tanzania. Evaluation recommendations have been incorporated into this proposal. The programme has the support of local government in terms of staff and has been welcomed by the beneficiaries. It has been discussed with both the regional Agricultural and Livestock Development Officer (RALDO) and the District Agriculture and Livestock Development Officer (DALDO). The proposal builds on the experience built up over the last three years in enabling farmers to modify their farming systems, using few external inputs and minimising risks. Farmers will be encouraged to investigate sustainable methods of increasing production by exerting control over such factors as timeliness of operation, quality of cultivation and effective weed control. These will be combined with such techniques as intercropping and organic manuring to arrest environmental degradation and further increase annual production.

Project Objectives:
The wider objectives of the project are: To improve food security in the area and most especially for the target group To improve access to improved basic living requirements such as housing, furniture, clothing, consumer goods and social services To stabilise and improve the environment. The immediate objectives are: To improve the government extension system in Ismani Division To continue activities leading to an increase in crop yields To reduce vulnerability to drought conditions To promote a more diverse cropping pattern which will include cash crops To encourage land use practices which are more environmentally sustainable e.g. agroforestry, soil and moisture conservation, intercropping To encourage farmers to continue operational research on their own plots To promote increased use of oxen for cultivation.

Intended Outputs:
Well trained, motivated extension staff. 390 farmers per year improve yield/income/food security/sustainability of farming system. 24 schools per year improve yield/income/food security/sustainability of farming system. Informal on-farm trials conducted with 50 farmers. Agroforestry research plot.