Introduction of small-scale irrigation for horticultural development
Introduction of small-scale irrigation for horticultural development
Are you looking for a way to improve the lives of the Irob people in Ethiopia? Do you want to support their economic and social development? If so, you should consider investing in these agricultural transformation projects that could make a huge difference for them.
The first project is the introduction of small-scale irrigation for horticultural development. This project aims to target the Sangade, Daya, Kallasaá, Dawhan & Alitenta villages along the green parts of the Assabol reservoir sketched on the right (Bruno Strebel) by introducing fast-reaching annual fruits and horticultural crops. Develop manpower along this project by training youth at the Kallassa TVET college and organizing them in co-ops. The project will provide food security, income generation, and employment opportunities for the local communities. It will also help conserve water and soil resources and enhance the resilience of the ecosystem. You can learn more about the Assabol Reservoir here.
http://www.strebel-consulting.com/wasser/stories/images/buch_ass.pdf
Cactus industry (fruit gathering, storage/preservation, agro-processing & marketing)
Cactus industry (fruit gathering, storage/preservation, agro-processing & marketing)
The second project is the cactus industry (fruit gathering, storage/preservation, agro-processing & marketing). Irob is the first place where the Cactus (Opuntia Ficus-Indica) was introduced in Ethiopia by a Catholic priest from Italy in the 1840s. Now, it is expanded to most of Eastern and Southern Tigray. There is a huge untapped resource as almost every household owns a big farm of Cactus (beles) that feeds the family for a minimum of up to 3 months every year while some places like Woratle extend up to 5 months. However, most of the harvest is wasted due to excessive abundance during the July to September season. Organize youth co-ops to develop and develop full cycle cactus fruit gathering, preservation, transportation, and marketing nationwide and abroad as it is very rare anywhere else. This project will also gradually start processing belles partnering with the Irob government and Kallasaá TVET center. This project will create a sustainable and profitable business model for the cactus resources that will boost the local economy and culture.
Apiculture (Honey Bee Farming)
Apiculture (Honey Bee Farming)
The flora of Irob Highlands are unique. It is never like any surroundings. The main similarity is with the Arabian Highlands on the opposite side of Red Sea. This might have to do with the common parent material and age of both regions related to the creation of Great Rift Valley. Primarily, attributed to this uniqueness of flora and the microclimate of the region, Irobland is known for best quality honey regions in the nation. So, modernization of honeybee farming is a must priority.
Poultry and dairy production (Livestock management/Control feeding)
Poultry and dairy production (Livestock management/Control feeding)
The quality of agricultural and dairy produces from Irob are very popular. For example, the butter and goat from Irob, the Banana and Orange fruits from Gunda-Gunde, etc., are from top market products in the regional markets. Thus capitalizing on those qualities is key to supply poultry products for regional markets to satisfy the restaurants.
Introduction of grapes, olive trees, and other drought resistant economic trees in farmlands
Introduction of grapes, olive trees, and other drought resistant economic trees in farmlands
This would create the youth an economic opportunity in agriculture and agroindustry. It will also create a positive spill effect on the other two programs. Particularly it will help to succeed in the upland restoration and development program as it will slow down the encroachment to new semi-wilderness sites in search of additional land to compensate for declining production per area.
The region is believed to be ideal for grape production. Some households do have a tree or two of grape plants in their homes where you see them thriving without much nurturing at all. The soil conditions and agro climate resembles very much that of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern region where grapes thrive. This is an excellent commercial crop. Likewise, olives and jatropha are candidate tree plants to pilot.
General Approach
General Approach
Form youth cooperatives of up to 5 members.
Provide them with small starting capital most likely in the form of loans and equipment/tools
Provide basic project-focused training at Kalsa’asa TVET College.
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