Cereal and Livestock Smallholder Development Project in the Wilaya of Tiaret

In 1984, through the Cereal Intensification Programme the government had begun to address the issue of lack of development of cereal and livestock production. Building on this programme, the Cereal and Livestock Smallholder Development Project supported the government’s development strategy by working to overcome the two main constraints facing small and medium-sized private farms in the project area, specifically the low level of technology and the inadequacy of support services.

To improve the technology level, project activities included:

• gradually promoting reduction of fallow land and introducing annual fodder crops in rotation
• improving soil preparation and harvest operations by increasing the availability of mechanical equipment
• promoting adequate use of modern inputs such as improved seeds and fertilizers
• stocking fodder for dry periods
• upgrading animal health and genetic improvement capacities

To improve the institutional level, the project introduced new approaches relative to small farmers, taking advantage of the government’s more liberal policy towards the private agricultural sector.

The project has promoted better coordination between production support services and their availability in rural areas. The project also promoted the active participation of rural women in development.

Source: IFAD