livestock and irrigation value ... - lives-ethiopia...

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LIVESTOCK AND IRRIGATION VALUE CHAINS FOR

ETHIOPIAN SMALLHOLDERS (LIVES) PROJECT

Training (TOT) of Extension Staff on Establishment & Production of Improved

Forage as Feed and Farmer-Based Seed/Cuttings Supply in Sidama Zone

(Level 1)

A REPORT COMPILED BY

LIVES SNNPR Team

August, 2014

Hawassa

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Table of Contents

1. Background .............................................................................................................................................. 3

2. Objective .............................................................................................................................................. 4

3. Output of the training ........................................................................................................................... 4

4. Themes and major areas of the training ............................................................................................... 4

5. Place, duration and schedule of the training ........................................................................................ 4

6. Participants ........................................................................................................................................... 5

7. Approach followed ............................................................................................................................... 5

7.1 Planning and preparation ................................................................................................................... 5

7.2 Implementation of the Training ......................................................................................................... 6

7.3 Setting action plan, and compiling lessons and report ..................................................................... 8

8. Training materials used and documentation ............................................................................................ 8

9. Analyses and Key insights ....................................................................................................................... 9

10. The follow up action plans and the way forward and .................................................................... 10

11. Annexes.............................................................................................................................................. 10

Annex 1. List of participants ......................................................................................................................... 10

Annex 3. Formats for setting action plan to establish improved forage at farmers plot (Improved forage

Development Plan) ......................................................................................................................................... 13

Annex 3. Schedule of the Training ................................................................................................................ 14

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1. Background Sidama is one of the 2 zones targeted for LIVES interventions in SNNPR. There are three

clustered districts (Arbegona, Bona zuria and Bensa) identified for LIVES interventions in the

same zone. Interms of agro-climatic conditions, the clustered districts of Sidama are generally

categorized as Moist Weyna dega, Wet Woinadega, dry Degaa, Moist Dega and wet Dega, which

are all suitable for livestock production. Although the predominant livestock genetic resources kept

by farmers are indigenous, there are also improved (crossbred and high-grade) dairy cattle breeds

in the districts. The recent OSMAI program is also expected to contribute more to the number of

improved dairy cattle in the area.

Despite the population, the productivity of livestock including improved cattle is limited. One of

the major problems that contributed for such low productivity is inadequate year round feed

supply, both in terms of quantity and quality. The productivity (biomass yield) of the local forage

materials is also poor. Topographically, the Sidama highlands have a rugged terrain which

contributes to degradation of the grazing land, since it has not been managed judiciously. Given

the size and importance of livestock in the clustered districts and intensity of grazing pressure, it is

utmost important to introduce and establish improved forages under small holder farming system.

Despite some efforts to introduce improved forage grasses and legumes, there is still shortage of

planting materials and yet the only source is the office of Agriculture. There have not been any

efforts made to establish farmer-based forage seed/cutting supply system in the area. On the other

hand, the production of improved forage grasses and legumes remained around fences and

conservation structures, and poorly managed/utilized. Cognizant to the preceding challenges, the

LIVES project has been engaged in the introduction and demonstration of improved forage

materials as fodder and seed sources. However, previous capacity gap assessments showed that VC

actors (mainly producers) and service producers (particularly extension staff) lack the required

knowledge and skills towards the development of improved forage grasses and legumes. For

example, there is lack of experience on the adaptability and suitability of forage materials (grasses,

multi-purpose trees and herbaceous legumes) to various agro-ecology, establishment of grass-legume

mixed stand, forage development strategies that are suitable to Sidama highlands, application of fertigation

and staggered planting on sloping lands, key agronomic practices, conservation & utilization. Hence, a two

stage capacity development of key frontline extension staffs had been intended: 1) Level-1 on

Establishment & Production of Improved Forage as Feed and Farmer-Based Seed/Cuttings Supply;

2) Level-2 Proper Harvesting, Conservation/processing, Marketing & Utilization of Forage as feed

and seed.

Therefore, this level-1 TOT training has been conducted to develop the capacity of public extension staff

(SMSs/DAs) drawn from BoA of the clustered districts of Sidama zone on development of improve forage

as feed and seed. The trained staff will train producers at grassroots level and provide the required technical

support.

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1. Objective

The objective of this training (TOT) was to develop the capacity (knowledge/skill) of extension staffs (SMS

and DAs) in order to enable them train/coach/mentor livestock producers of the clustered districts on

establishment and production of improved forages (grasses and legumes) for feed and farmer-based

seed/cuttings/split supply.

2. Output of the training

25 frontline extension staff drawn from the clustered districts of Sidama zone received skill based

training on establishment and production of improved forages (as feed and seed).

Report produced on the approach followed, action plan developed, and lessons drawn.

3. Themes and major areas of the training

The training had both theoretical (1day) and practical training (2 days) sessions. The main themes and

contents are listed below.

Over view of livestock production systems in relation to feed resources: challenges,

opportunities & way forward

Forage development in SNNPR: current experiences, challenges and opportunities

Forage development strategies in highland agro-ecological set up: the case of Sidama

zone

Establishment and production techniques of major multipurpose fodder trees for feed

and farmer-based seed supply system with emphasis to highland agro-ecological set up

Establishment and production techniques of improved grasses for feed and farmer-

based plantlets supply with emphasis to highland agro-ecological set up

Establishment and production techniques of herbaceous legumes for feed and farmer-

based seed supply system with emphasis to highland agro-ecological set up

Improved forage value chain with special emphases on marketing of fodder and

seeds/cuttings

Practical training (group work) on seed treatment (scarification and hot water

treatments) and seed bed preparations for production of MPTs seedlings suitable for

Sidama highlands

Practical training (group work) on seed bed preparation and planting Alfalfa and Desho

grass at Afursana Nameto Kebele FTC of Arbegona district [Sidama]

Developing Action plan of each District based on the knowledge and skill gained from

the training

4. Place, duration and schedule of the training

The training was conducted at Arbegona district from July 17-19, 2014 for 3 consecutive days. The

theoretical training and discussions were undertaken at the AKC using the ICT facilities. The

practical trainings were undertaken at Afursana Nameto Kebele FTC on July 18 & 19, 2014. The

practical trainings focused on seed treatment and seedbed preparations for MPTs and herbaceous

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legumes, establishment of forage as strips, farm boundaries, a sole crop in staggered arrangements

in steep slope areas and fertigation.

5. Participants

Participants of the training were drawn from 18 intervention PAs (6 from each districts). The number of

participants of the training was 27 (11 SMS and 16 DAS), of which 2 were females. Table 1 presents the

number of participants by district, PAs and sex.

Table 1 Summary of participants of the training and targeted PAs

No District/Zone Number of targeted PAs

from where DAs were

identified

No. of participants

SMs DAs

F M F M

1 Arbegona 6 - 4 2 4

2 Bensa 6 - 2 - 6

3 Bona Zuria 6 - 2 - 6

4 Sidama Zone BoA - 1 - -

Total 18 - 9 2 16

6. Approach followed

The level-1 training focused on improved forage production and management as feed and seed. Level 2 will

focus on harvesting, postharvest processing and conservation, marketing and utilization of improved forage

(for feed and seed), and will be conducted in the second half of the project fiscal year. The current training

had 3 parts: planning and preparation, conducting the training and setting action plan, and compiling report

and lessons.

7.1 Planning and preparation

Given the fact that LIVES capacity development intervention is need-based, the knowledge and

skill gap of the extension staff was assessed prior to organizing the training. Moreover, appropriate

forge grasses, herbaceous legumes and multipurpose trees that are suitable for the cluster districts

were identified. Accordingly, the seeds and cuttings were searched from reliable sources. The

training objectives and contents that would enable to fill the knowledge and skill gaps were

identified. Terms of reference were developed with strong justification of the need of the training

with clear approach (methodologies) and reasonable budget request. This was followed by

identification of resource persons to deliver the skill-based training and selection of suitable

candidates from the districts for the training. The resource persons were identified from regional

BoA, SARI, and LIVES regional staff. Although both SMS and DAs were considered for the TOT

training, the focus was on the latter since they are easily approachable by the farmers than the

former. District level experts are highly mobile and there is high turnover compared to

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development agents. The development agents considered for the training have a background in

animal science (a minimum of diploma in the area) and strong interest/experience on forage

development. Discussion with BoA at all levels about the importance of the subject, appropriate

dates of the training (particularly with zone), and preparation of letter of invitation (signed by the

Head of Zonal BoA) were also accomplished during this part. Preparation of schedule of the

training, arrangement of the training rooms, procurement of training materials, and arrangement of

logistics were made before the training.

7.2 Implementation of the Training

The training was arranged in a way to address both theoretical and practical knowledge/skill gaps

of extension staffs, who will train producers in their respective PAs and districts in a form of TOT.

The first day of the training was invested on theoretical aspects (two way discussion whereby the

participants had enough time to discuss about the challenges). During this part of the training the

challenges of livestock production system in the Sidama highlands with emphases to feed

resources, and experiences and strategies of forage development in the region were presented by

experts from LIVES and regional BoA and discussed. This was followed by presentation and

discussion on establishment and production techniques of grasses, herbaceous legumes and multi-

purpose tress by different experts drawn from LIVES and SARI. During the second and third days

of the training, the trainees traveled to an FTC at Afursana Nameto PA (about 10 km from the

center of the district) and participated in the practical aspects of improved forage establishment

and production techniques. These included identification of different types of forage seeds and

cuttings, seed treatment techniques, seed bed preparation for seedling production, land preparation

for establishment, field lay out techniques at different slopes, staggered planting of grasses in steep

slope areas, sowing of legumes, planting of different grass cuttings/splits. Moreover, the trainee

visited improved forage production integrated with fertigation and the condition of grazing land in

Arbegona district. The visit enabled the participants to understand the integration of livestock with

forage, and the importance of forage development in natural resource conservation especially in

steep slope areas which are common in Sidama zone. The trainees were also exposed to exercise

on grazing land assessment techniques such as herbage compositions, basal cover, slope, and soil

compaction on selected natural grazing lands in the district.

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Presentation & discussion

Practical on field

layout

Forage seeds

identification and

MPTS seed treatment

Presentation of action

plan by districts

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7.3. Setting action plan, and compiling lessons and report

Since this training was TOT, the trainees are expected to train and coach producers at their

respective intervention PAs. This approach is expected to have multiplier effect in addressing

many households within short period of time. Thus, an action plan was developed by the trainees,

discussed and enriched at the end of the training. The action plan contained list of activities with

time frame, and the role and responsibilities of development agents, district and zonal level SMS

and LIVES. Development agents (frontline extension staff) planned to organize and facilitate skill

based trainings for farmers at the FTCs of the respective PAs. The trained households are expected

to start in the demonstration of improved forage production for feed and/or seed supply. The zonal

and district level SMS staff agreed to coordinate the program at district level and coach/mentor

development agents during the implementation of the training and establishment of improved

forage at PA level. LIVES staff continued to provide the necessary technical backstopping and

making training facilities available.

The following major lessons were drawn from this training.

This training demonstrated that most of the extension workers participated in the training have little

understanding on proper establishment and production techniques of improved forage (grasses,

herbaceous legumes and MPTs). Given the fact that year round feed supply is a major challenge

particularly in the Sidama highlands the training area was quite relevant and timely.

Conducting the theoretical training and discussions ahead of the skill training enabled to clearly

understand the major skill gaps among the trainees and shape the practical trainings accordingly.

The practical trainings enabled the trainees to have a better skill and knowledge on the subject and

helped them to cascade the training to producers

The field visit to improved forage fields of producers enabled participants to understand the

integration of livestock with forage (via fertigation) and the importance of forage

development in natural resource conservation especially in sloping lands which are

common in Sidama zone.

The demonstration on grazing land assessment conducted at the field helped the trainees to

understand the techniques employed

The experience and strategies of the region in forage development helped participants to

understand the strategies, identify gaps and provide feedback

The use of resource persons (experts) from different institutions provided an opportunity to

combine their experiences for better delivery of the training

7. Training materials used and documentation

The training materials used were from various sources including ILRI documents, EIAR and own

resources from the trainers. Copies of the training (reading) materials were compiled and provided

to the trainees. Moreover soft copies of all presentations made during the training have been

documented and provided to each AKCs to serve as reference materials for extension staffs

(institutional memory). Besides, the processes of the training (theoretical and practical) were

documented in a form of pictures and some Videos.

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8. Analyses and Key insights

Before the start of the training, the participants mentioned their expectations from the training

orally. Moreover, a pre-training assessment format was distributed and filled by the participants to

assess their level of knowledge and skills on establishment and production techniques of fodder

grasses and legumes. This was conducted for two main reasons: 1) To identify the major gaps in

skills and knowledge among the majority of the participants; and 2) To collect baseline

information to measure the level of learning progress/achievement. As shown in Figure 1, the level

of knowledge and skills of most of the participants on main areas of the training was very low

before the training.

Figure 1Pre-training knowledge and skill assessments of participants of the training

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Categorise suitable fodder grasses and legumes byagro-ecology

Identify major improved grass species

Identify major improved herbaceous legumespecies

Identify major MPTs used as source of feed

Knowledge on major forage developmentstrategies

Knowledge and skills on establisment andproduction of improved fodder

High

Medium

Low

V.low

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At the end the training, participants were provided with the same questionnaire that was used for the pre-

training assessment to assess the effect of the training in improving their knowledge and skills. According

to the assessment, the majority of the participants transformed the level of their knowledge and skills from

low and very low (before the training) during the pre-assessment to high and medium levels after the

training (Figure 2).

Figure 2 Post-training knowledge and skills assessment of the trainees

9. The follow up action plans and the way forward and

The trained development agents in collaboration with the district level experts have planned to train up to

30 households that are interested to engage in improved fodder grasses and legumes production for feed and

seed supply. The LIVES staff will facilitate the PA level trainings. The trained households will establish

different types of improved fodder grasses, MPTs and herbaceous legumes using appropriate strategies.

They will be coached and mentored by the LIVES staff. There will be field days to initiate other households

in fodder production. As some of these households will supply legume seeds and grass cuttings, more

households are expected to engage improved fodder production in the next few years.

10. Annexes

Annex 1. List of participants No. NAME Sex

District

PA for DAs

Telephone

Email

1 Esayas Yanbo M Arbegona Shafamo 0916371158

2 Gishe Chulka M Arbegona Gute 0916436799

3 Marege Teferi F Arbegona Bechasa 0916956650

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Categorise suitable fodder grasses and legumes byagro-ecology

Identify major improved grass species

Identify major improved herbaceous legumespecies

Identify major MPTs used as source of feed

Knowledge on major forage developmentstrategies

Knowledge and skills on establisment andproduction of improved fodder

High

Medium

Low

V.low

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4 Worknesh Mesfin F Arbegona Toshine 0926586939

5 Tunsisa Eshine M Arbegona Rikame 0916436569

6 Kebede Karte M Arbegona H/Nameto 0926315647

7 Eyayu Tilahun M Arbegona - 0920068595

8 Lema Manisa M Arbegona - 09265252257

9 Tamirat Wakeyo M Arbegona - 0939476722

10 Mengistu Bankurso M Arbegona - 0916370665

11 Daniel G/Giorgis M Bensa Shentegolba 0916361020

12 Derese Donka M Bensa Gonjobe 0916368061

13 Aschenaki Worku M Bensa Shenteweyne 0616370102

14 Kumo Choka M Bensa Hache 0916528853

15 Deneke Donka M Bensa Denbi 0916648280

16 Tulu Keteto M Bensa - 0916369802

17 Kinde Tefera M Besna Horotibiro 0916312558

18 Yetsedawork Tekalign M Bensa - 0910745140

19 Sirak Kabiso M Bona Zuria worancha 0933983274

20 Tesfaye Dereso M Bona Zuria Olonso Hore 0916437103

21 Belamo Bate M Bona Zuria Gobacho 0916437237

22 Teshale Desalegn M Bona Zuria Bishiro dalo 0916437188

23 Abebayehu Akalu M Bona Zuria - 0916437025

24 Yismaw Tadesse M Bona Zuria - 0912257848

25 Debebe Degiso M Bona Zuria B.gute 0926963532

26 Anteneh Hankamo M Bona Zuria Miride 0916054185

27 Aklilu Bekuka M Zone BoA - 0916526105

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Annex 2.Formats for setting action plan to train producers on Establishment and Management of

Improved Forages

District: ______________________________

N Kebele Number of producers Date of the

training FHHs MHHs Youth

group

members

(Male)

Youth group

members

(Female)

Total

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Total

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Annex 3. Formats for setting action plan to establish improved forage at

farmers plot (Improved forage Development Plan)

District: _______________________________

Multipurpose Trees

N Kebele Sesbania sesban (>1m2 seed

bed/HH)

Tree lucerne (>1m2 seed bed/HH)

Number of

farmer

Number

of FTCs

Dead line/time

frame

Number of

farmer

Number

of

FTCs

Dead line/time

frame

1

2

3

4

5

6

Total

Herbaceous legumes

No Kebele Vetch

(>500m2/HH)

Alfalfa (>100m2/HH) Desmodium (>1000m

2/HH)

Number

of

farmer

Number

of

FTCs

Dead line Number

of

farmer

Number

of FTCs

Dead

line

Number

of farmer

Number

of FTCs

Dead

line

1

2

3

4

5

6

Total

Grasses No Kebele Elephant grass (>500cuts/HH) Desho grass (>500 splits/HH) Guatemala grass (>500 cuts/HH)

Number

of

farmer

Number

of

FTCs

Dead line Number

of

farmer

Number

of

FTCs

Dead line Number

of

farmer

Number

of

FTCs

Dead line

1

2

3

4

5

6

Total

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Annex 3. Schedule of the Training

TOT of Extension staff on Establishment & Production of Improved Forage as feed and farmer

based seed/cuttings supply in Sidama zone (July 17-19, 2014, Yaye town, Arbegona District)

Time Activities Responsibility Facilitator

Day one- (17/07/2014) 8:30-9:00 Registration

Participants

Mengistu/Aklilu/Tinsae

9:00-9:15 Welcome remarks Head of Zonal

BoA/ Woreda

Administrator

Aklilu/Mengistu/Tesfaye

09:15-09:25 Key note address Head, Woreda BoA

9:25-09:35 Expectation of participants and pre assessment Participants Tesfaye

9:35-09:45 Self- introduction, group formation, & election of

group leaders

Participants Aklilu/Tesfaye

09:45-10:00 Introduction and objective of the training Tesfaye Aklilu

10:00-10:30 Livestock production systems: challenges,

opportunities & way forward

(presentations and questions)

Yoseph Tesfaye

10:30-11:00 Coffee break Mengistu/Aklulu/Tinsae

11:00-11:30 Forage development in SNNPR: experiences,

challenges and future strategies

(Presentation and discussion)

Matias

(Livestock feed

Higher Expert,

SNNPR)

Birhanu/Yoseph

11:30-12:00 Forage development strategies in highland agro-

ecological set up: the case of Sidama zone


Tesfaye S

12:00-13:00 Lunch break Participants Self

13:00-14:00 Establishment and production techniques of major

improved grass types with emphasis to Sidama

highlands


Mergia

Tesfaye


fodder trees (MPTs) with emphasis to highland agro-

ecological set up

Birhanu

15:00-15:30 Coffee break Mengistu/Aklulu/

Tinsae

15:30-18:00 Field visit/ Grazing land management

Participants Mengistu/Aklilu/Tesfaye

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Day 2 (18/7/2014) 08:30-12:30 Practical’s on establishment and production

techniques of major grass type (Desho, Elephant,

Phalaris) suitable to Sidama zone

Mergia/Tesfaye Mengistu/Aklilu

12:30-13:30 Lunch break Participants Self


herbaceous legumes with emphasis to highland agro-

ecological set up


Worku Tesfaye


14:45-18:00 Practical’s on establishment and production

techniques of major herbaceous legumes (Alfalfa and

vetch) suitable to Sidama zone

Worku/Tesfaye

Day 3 (19/7/2014)

08:30-09:30 Improved forage value chain with special emphases

on marketing of fodder and seeds/cuttings

Tadiwos Birhanu

09:30-09:45 Coffee break Mengistu/Aklulu/Tinsae 09:45-12:45 Practical’s on establishment and production

techniques of major fodder trees (MPTs) suitable for

Sidama zone

Birhanu/Tesfaye

12:45-13:45 Lunch break

13:45-15:30 Preparation and presentation of action plan per district District level

forage/nutrition

coordinators

Tesfaye


16:00-16:30 Feedback and post assessment Participants Tesfaye/Tadiwos

16:30-17:00 End/Closing Remark D/Director,

Livestock

Development

Agency [SNNPR]

Tesfaye/Aklilu

Jointly organized by Livestock and Irrigation Value chain for Ethiopian Smallholders /LIVES/ Project & Sidama Zone Bureau of Agriculture

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