Self Help Africa's Agricultural Co-Operative Development Programme (ACDP) was started in early 2007, to strengthen structures, improve marketing, and support a programme of activities for farming co-operatives in the Oromia and SNNPR (Southern Nationals, Nationalities and People's Region).
The programme is seeking to achieve its objective by :
* Disseminating improved agricultural technologies through the co-op structures
* Improving infrastructure
* Improving marketing of surplus produce
* Provision of rural financing
* Human resources development
* HIV/AIDS sensitisaion and mainstreaming
The project has focussed on a number of key areas since its inception, including the :
Production and distribution through co-ops of improved seed and creation of improved seed multiplication systems
Under this scheme over 2,500 farmers began producing improved grade wheat, while others started production of haricot and soyabean; over 600 members of eight primary co-operatives became multipliers of improved quality wheat, soya and haricot bean seed; and technical training was provided in multiplication techniques and in the production of clean seed.
Potato seed multiplication and distribution
Members of co-operative unions at Robi Berga and Meki Batu were supported and trained in improved seed potato production - producing 144 quintals (14,000 lbs) of seed potato stock for distribution and sale.
Highland fruit promotion
Farmers co-ops are currently engaged in the multiplication of root stock and grafting of high value fruits, including apple and peach trees. More than 100 local farmers are piloting the cultivation of fruit trees in highland areas across the region.
Dairy Production
A range of measures have been introduced to strengthen dairy production in an area traditionally associated with milk production in Ethiopia. Activities have included the construction of collection depots, distribution of equipment to add value to dairy produce (butter churners, etc), cross-breeding of local stock with Dutch holsteins, and provision of training and support to farmers engaged in livestock rearing and dairy.
Support is also being provided to farmers with fodder and forage systems, local dairy farmers have been organised into six primary co-ops (with a total of 267 members), and measures to improve the quality of milk production, and to add value to dairy produce, is also underway.
Training
A programme of activities designed to improve productivity at farm household level, and to improve efficiency at co-operative level are also taking place, including farmers field school training, seed multiplier training, government staff training, and business skills and marketing training.
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