aistand south~ern afrkca - (PDF, 101 mb) - USAID

District. This includes 17 improved cows, two
bulls, 11 female calves, seven male calves, 11
riult zebu cows, and 7 Fl zebu cross calves,
Bull services
As the Project also aimed at upgrading zebu cows
and back-crossing the crossbred animals, it was
necessary to have in place either artificial
insemination (A) or bull services. The AI service
was not viewed as a practical proposition. Some
alternative ideas were therefore reviewed by the
team:
" An individual or a group ofindividuals should
buy a bull collectively to service t.heir cows.
Fees foe servicing the cows of individuals
would be decided by the bull owners. The
money generated would help the farmer(s)
maintain the bull,
" The Project would purchase the bulls and
supply them to selected farmers in the project,
area with the proviso that the farmer(s)
would keep the bull for a certain period, for
example three to fo~ur years after which he
would be allowed to own it. During this
period, the bull would provide services free of
charge.
* Establish bull centres which would avail the
bul!s to the farmers when required. However,
it was found that management of these
centres could prove difficult,
" Conduct artificial insemination (Al) services,
As most villages in the closed areas are
situated in remote places where transport is
problematic, Al was not considered a viable
proposition,
The idea of individuals to siare the .Lstof
purchasing the bulls was considered to be the
most appropriate approach. Initiully, three
groups of farmers shared the costs of purchasing
three improved bulls from LPRI, Mpwapwa. The
bull's breed mix was about 34% Bos taurus
blood.
The research team agreed to assist one
progressive farmer in the closed area who had a
considerable amount of land and i.cal zebu cows
and was prepared to upgrade his herd.
Furthermore, the farmer agreed to sell the
offspring to interested farmers in the area. As an
incentive to the farmer, the Project undertook to
provide some technical and financial support.
This was regarded as an effecLive means of
propagating improved stock and zero-grazing
technology in the closed areas.
Introduction of improved
pastures
'wo plots of improved pastures were established
in two villages uider the Project. In each
location, different species oflocal and introduced
pasture grasses, legumes and browses were
planted in replications measuring 20 x 20 m and
2O4
managed by LPRI staff. The plots were utilised
for demonstration purposes to create an
awareness to the existence of different types of
pastures for animal production and their
management. The Project also used the ploti as
sources of pasture seeds and fodder for farmers.
Furthermore, the plots were used for screening
forages for adaptability and production.
Advisory services
The Project implementors considered that as
part of the process of the transfer of technology
it was important for farmers to be exposed to
innovations on-statiun and on-farm. Farmers
were given opportunities to invite their fellow
farmers from other areas of the district and
exchange ideas and experiences. On other
occasions, farmers from the closed areas were
invited to participate in field days in other parts
of the semi-arid zone. These field days have
proved to be one of the most successful ways of
increasing the confidence of farmers practising
zero-grazing technology in the HADO areas.
Visits to the LPRI research station reinforced
these ideas. In addition, LPRI staff have
attempted to conduct frequent seminars, farm
visits and meetings with farmer,- in the project
area.
A staff house for LPRI staff has been
constructed in one ofthe five villages to facilitate
delivery of advisory service. In view of the nonexistence
of delivery services for inputs, Project
funds were used to purchase some of the
veterinary drugs and equipment. Costs were
recovered through the sale of the same to the
farmers.
Linkages with other departments
and policy makers
In order to ensure viability and wide acceptance
of a project in q rural setting (with linkages to
other ministries sad other institutions), the
project developeu linkages between HADO
project staff, policy makers, faziners and heads
of departments within and outside the region. A
public awareness campaign on the objectives,
implementation and achievements of the project
peaked around the field days. These relationshipi
have hitherto evolved positively and public
awareness on the project is good. On field days,
policy makers from the ministries, regional .nd
district heads of departments and members of
parliament are invited. In addition, seminars
involving the regional heads of departments
are arranged by LPRI annually with similar
aims.
Th2 Kondoa District livestock extension office
and HADO office in Kondoa offer assistance to
LPRI staff in the form of transport, manpower,
advicm and equipment whenever required.