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1
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
2
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
3
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.
4
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
5
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
6
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.
7
Presentation & discussion
Practical on field
layout
Forage seeds
identification and
MPTS seed treatment
Presentation of action
plan by districts
8
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.
9
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
10
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
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
11
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
12
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
13
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
14
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
(Presentation and discussion)
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
(Presentation and discussion)
Mergia
Tesfaye
14:00-15:00 Establishment and production techniques of major
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
15
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
13:30-14:30 Establishment and production techniques of major
herbaceous legumes with emphasis to highland agro-
ecological set up
(Presentation and discussion)
Worku Tesfaye
14:30-14:45 Coffee break Mengistu/Aklulu/Tinsae
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
15:30-16:00 Coffee break Mengistu/Aklulu/Tinsae
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