TIGRAI AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

(TARI)

MEKELLE APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

RESEARCH STRATEGY

FIRST DRAFT

JUNE 2005, MEKELLE

 2

1.Acronyms used in this document

 AIRIC Agricultural Implements Research and Improvement
Center
 ATF Appropriate Technology to Farmers
 ARDU Arsi Rural Development
 BoWME Bureau of Water, Mines and Energy
 BBM Broad Bed Maker
 BoANR Bureau of Agriculture and Natural Resources
 BoARD Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development
 CADU Chillallo Agricultural Development Unit
 DA Development Agent
 E.C. Ethiopian Calendar
 EARO Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization
 EEC European Economic Commission
 ESRDF Ethiopian Social Rehabilitation and
Development Fund.
 FAO Food and Agricultural organization /UN/
 FDRE The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
 GO Governmental Organization
 GTZ German Technical Co-operation
 MATRaDC Mekelle Appropriate Technology Research and
Development Center
 MPPC Mekelle Poultry Production Center
 MRTPC Mekelle Rural Technology Promotion center
 NACID Nazareth Children’s Integrated Development
 NAMRIC National Agricultural Mechanization Research Center
 NRS Nazareth Research Center
 NSIA National Seed Industry Agency
 NGO Non Governmental Organization
 RELMA Regional Land Management Unit
 REST Relief Society of Tigrai
 RTPC Rural Technology Promotion Center
 SEDU Southern Ethiopia Development Unit
 STVC Selam Technical and Vocational Center
 TAHADU Tahtai Adiyabo and Hadegti Agricultural

2
 3

Development Unit
 TARI Tigray Agricultural Research Institute
 UNDP United Nations Development Program
 WADU Wolaita Agricultural Development Unit

C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 3

 4

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS

4
 5

L.no. Description Page

number

1. Background 6
Regional Agricultural Development Policy
2. 6
Establishment of Rural Technology Development program
3. 7
Missions , strategy and objectives
4. 7
Establishment of Mekelle Rural Technology Promotion Center
5. 9
Major activities carried out by the Center
6. 10

7. Basic problems prevailing in the Center 11

8. Measures taken to alleviate the problems 12

9. Review of current agricultural implements research 13

10. Regional level 13

11. Federal level 14

12. The need for the establishment of Appropriate Technology Research and 17
Development Center

13. The influence of agro-ecology in the research of appropriate technologies 17

14. Research Strategy indicative facts 17

15. Capacity Building 17

16. Farm power 18

17. The household energy research 18

18. Exploitation degree of existing work shop machines and facilities 18

19. Regional Appropriate Technology Research and Development Programs 19

20. Regional Appropriate Technology Research and Development future desire 20

21. Gap analysis 21

22. Regional Appropriate Technology Research and Development goals (out puts) 21

23. Appropriate Technology Research and Development Plan 22

C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 5

 6

24. Organizational Structure 22

25. Organizational structure Monogram 23

26. Manpower requirements and schedule of placement 24

27. Relation with other technological research centers 26

28. Research staff up grading 26

29. Research staff accommodation 26

30. Review of strategy plan 26

31. References 27

6
 7

3. Background

Tigray region, with a population of more than 3.5 million, is one of the drought and
war affected regions of Ethiopia. The region is characterized by subsistence dry-land
agriculture. Crop production is highly dependent on seasonal and unreliable rainfall.
The topography is dominantly rugged (with few exceptions of Humera, Adiabo, &
Raya plains) & the cultivated land is fragmented into small land holdings making it
difficult for mechanized farming. Besides, the farmers have been using relatively
backward technologies. These and other related factors have resulted in low
productivity and food shortage.
Livestock and crop husbandry plays a considerable role in subsistence farming of
Tigray. The majority of the population, above 83% of the total, is dependent on this
ancient form of plough-based cultivation. Subsistence farming has been practiced in
the region without showing improvements. Semi -mechanized farming is being
practiced in the western lowlands. Climate, terrain and population are the three major
factors that appeared to have influenced both the uses of the land and the natural
vegetation cover type.
The agricultural potential and natural resource bases of the region have been
continuously exploited for a long period of time, without appropriate conservation
practices.

These inappropriate use and lack of attention by the previous regimes have led to:
 Cyclic and recurrent drought
 Overall environmental degradation
 Declination of agricultural productivity
 Poverty

3.1. Regional Agricultural Development Policy

The government of FDRE has designed a development policy to bring about

sustainable development in a short period of time. The Regional Government of
Tigray has also adopted the rural centered agricultural led industrialization with the
following directions:
 Ensuring food security;
 Nature conservation and environmental protection;
 Supplying industrial raw materials;
 Employment opportunity;
 Poverty reduction through mitigation of root causes of poverty;
 Improved livelihood;
 Sustainable development;

C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 7

 8

One of the measures the regional government of Tigray took to improve the rural
population livelihood is, establishment of Mekele Rural Technology Promotion under the
Bureau of Agriculture and Natural Resources Development.
Rural technology promotion activities started initially by the name ‘‘rural industry
promotion’’ being part of the development activities of different development projects, in
different parts of the Country; namely CADU /later ARDU/, WADU, SEDU &
TAHADU, in which the latter was not functional due to security reasons. The other
projects had progressed effectively and resulted in the establishment of Assella, Bako, &
Sodo Rural Technology Promotion Centers respectively; each being equipped with full
manpower & machinery. These centers were totally managed by the respective projects
until the rise of the Derg Regime to power in 1967 E.C.
The main aim of the promotion activity was to bring about rapid change on the lively-
hood of the rural community, through introduction of small-scale rural industries,
small-scale agricultural implements and establishment of skill centers. At that time,
the centers’ activity was only limited to their vicinities and were promoting different
agricultural implements and small-scale food processing technologies namely; mould
board plow, animal drawn carts, oil extractors and Jaggery technology /making sugar
out of sugar cane juice/ etc.

3. 2. Establishment of Rural Technology Development Program

In the Derg era, a rural technology promotion department was initiated under the Ministry
of Agriculture responsible for the promotion activities of appropriate technologies for
farmers, in agricultural implements, rural energy, and rural industry sectors. Besides
promotion activities, the department had established other four rural technology
promotion centers (RTPCs) namely; Harar, Jima, Bahir Dar, and Kombolocha, to fulfil
the objectives of RTPC in their respective surroundings.

3. 3. Missions, strategy and Objectives

i. Mission

Selection, demonstration, promotion and dissemination of appropriate rural

technologies that go in line with the level of development of the regional agriculture.

ii. Strategy

Technology selection

The development program does not carry out research activities. It rather facilitates
the technology transfer process by:
8
 9

 taking experience of other countries;

 taking experience of research institutions and universities ;
 taking experience of other RTPC’s in the country;
 collecting technologies available elsewhere in the country;
 Collecting and improving individual innovations.
Demonstration

Technologies selected for their appropriateness need to be demonstrated under farmers

management /assisted by RTPC experts/ at selected demonstration sites. This approach
allows the farmers to be acquainted with the technologies and has to be carried out until
awareness is created.

Work shops

The other way to acquaint appropriate technology is by arranging workshops for experts
and farmers.
Promotion

Those technologies accepted by farmers need to be promoted. This is realized through

training of woreda experts and DAs who are responsible for the follow-up and assistance
of beneficiary farmers.

iii. General objective

Select, demonstrate and promote improved technologies that cope up with the
level of Ethiopian agricultural development
.
iv. Specific objectives
 increase productivity of small-scale farmers & reduce drudgery by
introducing improved agricultural implements;
 introduce small-scale food technologies and hand crafts industries for
processing of agricultural products and natural resources to the need of
farmers and consumers;
 promote the establishment of technical service stations for co-operative
farms;
 assess and introduce small-scale alternative sources of energy for the rural
society;
 Introduce safe and fuel saving technologies.

C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 9

 10

3. 4. Establishment of Mekelle Rural Technology Promotion Center

The current agricultural & rural development policy of the country aims towards
achievement of food self sufficiency, by increasing the productivity. This is realized
through wise utilization of resources and introducing modern agricultural inputs. One of
the initiatives taken by the regional government of Tigrai is the establishment of Mekele
Rural Technology Promotion Center /MRTPC/.
Before the establishment of Mekelle Rural Technology Promotion Center (MRTPC), a
rural technology promotion team was organized in 1984 E.C, under the Bureau of
Agriculture to support the agricultural development program. The main task of the team
was promotion of technologies that are appropriate to the region in agricultural
implements, rural energy, & rural industry sectors; all at small-scale level.

a. Agricultural implements

Some improved agricultural implements and post harvest equipment had been
brought from other centers, and was demonstrated in some selected weredas of the
region. These technologies include EEC- mould board plow, animal drawn spike
tooth harrow, selam ridger, single row planter, engine driven maize sheller, votex
thresher, etc. These technologies had been demonstrated for consecutive years to
create awareness among farmers. EEC-mould board plow and spike tooth harrow
was found too heavy to be drawn by a pair of local breed oxen, although some
modifications had been carried out. Votex thresher was rejected by farmers
because it does not press and chop the straw effectively, hence not palatable for
animals

b. Rural energy

Improved charcoal stoves, brought from other centers, had been demonstrated
to farmers, but this activity was limited to the vicinity of towns, as most
farmers do not use charcoal. In attempt to promote biogas technology three
plants had been constructed at Wukro /eastern zone/, Laelay Maichew and
Tahitay Koraro; one in each wereda. A solar pump was also installed near
Hawzen town to be used for household consumption, domestic animals, and
irrigation. Installation and maintenance activities of engine driven irrigation
pumps were also among the major activities.

c. Rural Industry

10
 11

It had been attempted to strengthen local blacksmith and artisans through training
and supplying production tools.

All of these activities were carried out when the team had only few staff
members.
Replacing the above team Mekele rural Technology Promotion center was
established in 1988 E.C to support the agricultural development program of the
region.

d. Work shops and other facilities

To fulfill its objectives the Center is provided with a production unit having three
work shops (i.e. metal, machine, & wood shops), and promotion sections; farm
implements, rural energy, & rural industry.
Since its establishment, the Center has been producing and disseminating various types of
animal powered and human powered agricultural implements and energy saving
technologies to be used by the farmer. These include tie-ridger, ridger, broad bed maker
(BBM), maize sheller, carts, treadle pump, weaving machine, wood stoves, solar cookers
and so on. The dissemination activity is carried out in collaboration with the Extension
Department of the aforementioned Bureau. The sources of the technology are mainly the
farmer himself, national research institutions and universities engaged in the innovation of
appropriate technologies, and experience of other countries shared through excursion.
After the establishment of the Center, a study was carried out to identify the major
problems of farmers related to agricultural implements, energy and rural industry. The
results and recommendations of the study had been strengthened in a workshop held at
MRTPC in 1989 E.C. As a result the center changed its strategy of promotion, i.e.
carrying out verification tests prior to demonstration while introducing any new
technology. Moreover production of technologies to be promoted has been consider as
part of the strategy to inherence the technology transfer process.
In 1994 E.C., following the organizational restructuring of the Bureau, the Center had also
made changes on its organizational structure. As a result the rural industry team has been
eliminated and parts of its activities have been shifted to Agricultural Implements team.

3.5 Major activities carried out by the Center

In the past 10 years, the Center has pursued production, introduction and promotion of
appropriate technologies and to farmers, in which the major ones are sited below:

 Paper presentation of newly introduced implements on the extension

intervention workshop held at Mekele in 1988 E.C.;
 A region wide study on agricultural implements, rural energy and rural
industry had been carried out to identify the existing problems and to indicate

C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 11

 12

priority intervention areas; a study document, which was strengthened by a

workshop organized regionally, had been produced;
 Selection & verification of technologies researched and developed by other
sources to evaluate its adaptability to the Region;
 Arranging workshops and seminars;
 Training of field experts and development agents, for proper applications of
adopted technologies;
 Demonstration of selected technologies under farmers management at selected
sites;
 Promotion of already accepted by farmer technologies;
 Manufacturing of different appropriate technologies;
 After sales service in maintenance and parts supply;
 Establishment of seed cleaning system that gives service to farmers in all zones
of the region using seed cleaning machines delivered by NSIA, UNDP, NACID
& ESRDF;
 Region wide survey to identify the existing capacity of private work shops to
manufacture treadle pumps and bee hives;
 Training of private work shop owners and technicians, focusing in
manufacturing techniques of treadle pumps and bee hives
 Quality controlling and inspection of treadle pumps and bee hives
manufactured by private work shops
 Manufacturing of 12,000 bee hive with in five months ( by campaign)
 Establishment of a system that links the private manufacturers and end users in
collaboration with concerned governmental organizations.
Moreover, more than 21 types of various improved rural technologies have been
developed and produce by the Center.

3.6. Basic problems prevailing in the Center

 Under utilization of heavy-duty machines due to limited area of production;

 Attrition of well experienced personnel due to low salary and poor working
conditions;
 The existing policy does not allow the Center to generate its own income by
 Manufacturing other products besides that are supplied to BoANR;
 Installing and maintaining solar and engine driven pumps;
 Giving training services in different areas of agricultural engineering,
etc.
 The center lacks autonomy in terms of;
 Budget allocation;
 Procurement of equipment, raw materials and spare parts,
 Recruitment of workers, etc.
12
 13

 Poor design, production and quality control system of the production

unit , and improper utilization of labor, machinery and raw materials;
 Limited exposure in fields such as diesel-mechanics and wind energy that could
be beneficial to the target groups;
 Lack of training facilities and documentation system;
 Limited access and exposure to appropriate technologies that can be introduced
to the farmer both in quality and variety;
 Low capacity of manpower and facility that enables technology verification;
 Poor linkages with relevant local and international institutions ;
 Gap on full understanding or defining that the Center can play in transforming
the agricultural technology.

The above mentioned problems were known to all levels of management bodies of the
Center and the BoANR and concerned officials of the regional government. Hence,
some efforts were made to upgrade the Mekelle Rural Technology Promotion Center
since its inception. Among these efforts very limited ones were accomplished and
most of them remained suspended.

3.7. Measures taken to alleviate the problems

1. In the year 1991 EC a link was established with RELMA/RSCU and it was
proposed to hire a short-term expatriate staff to support the production unit of the
Center for a certain period of time. Accordingly discussion was made between the
Center and two representatives from Nazareth Technical College, delegated by the
aforementioned organization. Nevertheless it could not proceed due to some reasons
unknown to the Center.

2. Later on the same organization tried to study the problems of the Center by
assigning one consultant from Selam Technical and Vocational Center (STVC)-Addis
Ababa. The consultant tried to investigate the organizational structure of the Center
and internal capacity of the production unit, including the workflow, quality control
mechanism and the like. The recommendations drawn from this study were however
not appreciated by the center as well as the BoANR management. It set a vast
organizational structure but did not touch the way of governance of the center.

3. Similarly UNIDO carried out a study a Countrywide study for all RTPCs in the
country in1993 EC to gear them towards the development of agricultural machinery.
One short-term national consultant was assigned to assess the situation of the Center
and the findings were presented in a workshop organized at federal level. The output
of this study is not yet implemented and is still suspended.

C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 13

 14

4. In 1994 EC another link was established with STVC and a task force was formed to
pursue the issue. A term of reference was prepared by MRTPC with the objective of
restructuring the Center and adoption of immediately needed equipment in the region.
Accordingly certain implements particularly water lifting devices were rendered by
STVC so that a demonstration field can be established in the Center. The restructuring
of the Center was expected to be carried out simultaneously but was not put into
practice. The main reason for the delay is probably financial limitation and slow
response of the policy makers.

Generally speaking efforts made so far were not effective and did not bring the issue
to an end. Rather the Center was forced to carry out its current activities and the
problems remained unsolved. Hence, the huge and expensive machinery remains to be
fully unutilized.
Finally the regional government of Tigray has decided to change MRTPC to Rural
Technology Research Center and to be administered under TARI.

4. Review of current agricultural implements research

4.1. Regional level

During April to July 1976 (G.C.) an FAO engineer and his counter part staff have
established an agricultural implements research section in Mekele town. During the
indicated period the following activities have been attempted:-

4.1.1. Work shop establishment

Work shop equipment such as heavy duty electric welder, mechanical hacksaw,
bench drilling machine, bench grinder, bench vices, forge equipment and wide
section of hand tools were purchased at Addis-Ababa and had been brought to
Mekele town. Due to lack of government promises, the equipment was
temporarily installed in Hunting (foreign development organization) work shop.
This was very unsatisfactory as three phase electricity was not available. After
a week operation, it becomes possible to move it to a small SIM (foreign
religion organization) workshop, which was equipped with three-phase
electrical power and office space. A stock of raw materials, which was large
enough for 12-month operation, was purchased at the cost of 15,000 Birr (1976
G.C. price).

4.1.2. Research operation

14
 15

During the indicated short period the work shop was in operation, various small
items were made for agronomist, soil and water conservation expert at Mekele
research station. The items includes:
1- A Stephen screen stand;
2- An anemometer stand;
3- An infiltrometer;
4- A light weight water cart;
5- A self-siphoning tank;
6- Maximum water level recorder.
The only engineering development to take place was on the maximum water
level recorder while the other initiated activities were abandoned for good
during the same year. As a result it has become impossible to make critical
review regarding implement research activities at the regional level. It has also
become difficult to locate the work shop facilities and make some statement
about it.

4.1.3. Conclusion

The above brief review reveals that some twenty two years ago a concerted and
coordinate effort of implement, agronomy, soil and water conservation research
program was existing at Mekele research station which depicts the right
direction for the regions agricultural development endeavors. However the
implement component of the research program was discontinued because the
FAO engineer was unwilling to settle in Mekele town; due to lack of
government premises and unavailability of three-phase electrical power. As a
result, in April 1976 (G.C.) the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR)
decided to transfer the program to Nazareth Research Station (NRS) due to the
above lam reasons in general and security reasons in particular. Since then, the
gap still exists till this day.

4.2. Federal Level

The federal agricultural Implements research program was established in July 1977
(G.C.) by one FAO engineer transferred from Mekele and one newly recruited
national Agricultural-engineer staff in the compound of NRC. Since then the program
has changed many times its objectives and target group. To begin with, it was named
Appropriate technology for Farmers (ATF), then it was named Agricultural
implements research and improvement center (AIRIC) and currently it is called
National Agricultural Mechanization Research Center (NAMRC) and it is operating
at a division level. so far there is no a single document which explains why such
periodical changes of names were introduced.
C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 15
 16

The overall objective of the division is “to raise farmers productivity and improve
their livelihood by introducing new technologies through utilization of farm power
(human, draft animal, mechanical) and new farm implements that are suited to
Ethiopian condition.”

Since its inception the division has under take many activities the major ones being
the following:

4.2.1. National agricultural implements survey

In 1984 (G.C.) a national survey was conducted on agricultural. implements

related production and productivity constraints and as a result research
priorities have been set-up. But the survey didn’t include the Tigrai region as a
hole, again on security reason. Therefore, the identified constraints and
established priorities may not equally reflect and be applicable to the region’s
ecological conditions.

4.2.2. Draft animal power studies

Basic studies were undertaken on oxen, selected from central Ethiopia, and
recommendations have been made on the proper use of draft-oxen power in
general. In future, such recommendations may need to be re-tested and re
approved in order to ascertain its applicability to the region‘s oxen-draft power.

4.2.3. Standard test procedure

A standard test procedure for agricultural implements suited to Ethiopian

conditions were developed on other country experiences. However, this may
require further studies under local conditions in order to verify its relevance to
dryland agricultural production, implements and system.

4.2.4. Introduction of improved implements

Several types of improved agricultural implements have been imported and

introduced from different countries. These were tested on representative agro-
ecologies of Ethiopia. However, there is no single document, which depicts that
the northern agro-ecological zones were represented during the mentioned test.

16
 17

Therefore to any attempts it is difficult to accept the recommendations for the

region under consideration.

4.2.5. Research program

Soon, following the introduction and testing of imported implements, design

and development related research activities were under taken for several years
on pre-harvest, harvest and post-harvest and farm power tools, implements,
devices and equipment. Some important and promising results have been
achieved. However these achievements have yet to be seen under practical
conditions whether they are equally applicable to the various agro-ecological
conditions or not.

4.2.6. Pre-extension activities

Recently some pre-extension activities have been started on few promising

implements. The activity is only limited to the Vicinity of NRC

4.2.7. Research infrastructure

The national agricultural implements division has established a reasonable

research infrastructure only at NRC. This includes office rooms, workshop with
adequate facilities, a laboratory with sufficient instrument and equipment and
draft animal power studding indoors and out door structures. At present, such
infrastructure may seem to be adequate. However, if the division is going to
handle its Federal mandate properly, then additional facilities outside NRC are
highly required, which is not yet met.

4.2.8. Management structure

The division is located at Melkasa village under NRC. It is directly managed

and administrated by the Center. The division coordinator has no authority to
manage the implement research program annual budget. This has often created
big inconveniences and introduced many unnecessary problems, which
eventually reduce the division's efficiency. Such problems existed in the past, it
is prevailing today and there is no any glimpse that it will be improved in the
future.

4.2.9. Research strategy plan

C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 17
 18

During the era of IAR the division had developed a research strategy and it has
been applying it up to June 1998 (G.C.). Currently IAR has been completely
and officially dissolved and replaced by the Ethiopian Agricultural Research
organization (EARO). Consequently, the division has reviewed its old strategy
document and has published a new strategy document entitled “Agricultural
Power, Implements and Mechanization Research strategy’’ in December,
1999.

4.2.10. Conclusion

The current review of the Federal agricultural implements research programs

status clearly indicates the weakness, strength and problems associated to it.
The division has a federal mandate to carryout research activities on
agricultural implements. However its existing organizational structure coupled
with lack of representative organizations at regional level; its location and
physical distance from Tigrai region has limited its effort in the vicinity of the
Center and pose issues regarding it's representation to the region under
consideration.

5. The need for the establishment of Appropriate Technology Research and

Development Center

Agricultural development activities of our region have been highly victimized due to
lack of appropriate technologies in each agricultural activity. More ever past
experiences on the promotion of improved agricultural implements have proven the
need for evaluation research on different agro-ecological conditions, to come up with
proper application recommendations.
During the past effort of the Center and concerned governmental organizations, great
result has been achieved in linking the private manufactures and end users. As a result
the mass production activity is being well accomplished by private workshops with no
need of governmental organizations involvement.
Hence, to bridge up the gap and speed up the research of appropriate technologies at
regional level, it has become essential to transfer the Mekelle Rural Technology
Promotion Center to Mekelle Appropriate Technology Research and Development
Center which will serve the hole region.

6. The influence of agro-ecology in the research of appropriate technologies

It is obvious that appropriate technologies are designed to meet wide range of agro-
ecological needs through provision of adjustments. But there are cases in which agro-
ecology has a direct influence on the type of technology to be developed. Taking the
18
 19

case of humera area for example, it is characterized by light soil, which doesn’t fit to
the conventional tillage system, and hence minimum tillage is being practiced. Agro-
ecology can also affect means of applying the technology. The time of application of
tie ridging in Raya azebo and Alamata areas has been highly influenced by their
weathering conditions, and is being applied during cultivation operation. Hence
evaluation research of developed technologies need to be carried out on different
agro-ecological situations to come up with proper application procedures.
To properly address agro-ecological impacts, problem appraisals and technology selections of
all technological researches need to critically consider the agro-ecological variations of the
region.

7. Research strategy indicative facts

7.1.Capacity building

The major focus of the Center as a whole during short term will be on
demonstration of already developed and evaluated technology visa-vis
fulfillment of laboratory and field equipment. Manpower development through
short training will also be the other focus area to upgrade the skill of research
staffs. The major capacity building activities of the staff as a whole will be
treated in the long term of the strategy through long training.

7.2. Farm Power

Animal traction (dominantly ox plough) has been a major source of farm power
since ancient time for most farm activities and will still remain to be a
dominant source of farm power for the following reasons:

Currently there is no other alternative source of farm power that can cope up
with the economic and technical capability of the farmers; High skill of farmers
on animal traction system, developed in the past, will serve as input for the
future in creating effective and efficient traction system. High potential
resource of animal traction power is available in the region.A survey carried out
by MRTPC indicated that; in Tigray 585,720 oxen, 366,451 equines, and
30,710 camels are available, MRTPC survey, (1997).

C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 19

 20

Hence the agricultural implements research strategy to be developed should consider

animal traction as main source of farm power for its medium phase. Long term of the
strategy may focus on other alternative power sources such as tractors in plain areas of
the region, when the economic and technical level of the farmers has improved.
Consequently, the major focus of research on medium phase will be diversification of
farm power source by designing efficient harnessing system that can achieve best use
of the traction animals available in the region. Optimizing small-scale tillage
implements for efficient and timely operation will be the area of focus in the long term
of the strategy.

7.3. The household energy research

Household energy needs to be urgently address, as it is one of the major problems of

the region. Hence research of energy issues at household level will be one of the
concerns of the Center, as there is no other institute engaged in this area of research at
federal and regional levels.
Currently the major source of household energy in the rural community is bio-
mass (fuel wood).
To come up with sustainable development the short-term strategy will focus
mainly on modification and research of fuel-saving technologies. Research and
development activities on alternative sources of energy will be the major focus
area, which will be treated on medium and long term of the strategy.

8. Exploitation degree of existing work shop machines and facilities

Past experience of the Center indicates that most of the huge machines available in
the machine shop of the MRTPC have never been used. This is mainly due to the fact
that technologies so far produced by the Center didn’t invite utilization of such
machines. Those machines, which were engaged in the manufacturing process, had
also been under utilized due to restricted management system and limited production.
Hence it has remained to be a major problem of the Center till this days and even for
the future it seems to be more worsen with the transformation of the Center to
research activities as the manufacturing activities of the Center will be limited to
prototypes.

9. Regional Appropriate Technology Research and Development Programs

9.1. Objective

This strategy plan aims at two different but complementary objectives, i.e.
general and specific objectives:
20
 21

a. General Objectives

The general objectives of the regional appropriate technology research and

development program are to make effective contributions towards the overall
regional agricultural development sectored policies and development plan of
Tigrai State. Thus:

1- Up-grading the living standard of the rural community through

food self-sufficiency on sustainable bases;
2- Conserve natural resources, increase labor and land productivity;
3- Improve quality of work, reduce drudgery and minimize harvest
and post harvest losses;
4- Improve water resource utilization efficiency through
improvement and introduction of water lifting devices and
techniques;
5- Improve household energy utilization efficiency through
introduction and improvement of fuel saving technologies &
techniques, and alternative sources of energy.

b. Specific objective

The specific objective of the regional appropriate technology research and

development program is to establish and under take research activities,
(Verification research during short and medium terms and basic research during
the long term plans), on continuous bases, as a fulfillment towards the Regional
Agricultural research packages out put.

10. Regional Appropriate Technology Research and Development future desire

(Scenario)

10.1. Focus:

C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 21

 22

The main target groups of this future desire are the rural peasants of the region
and the BoARD, commercial farmers are also beneficiaries of the research out
puts.

10.2. Future desires:

a. Short term (2005 - 2007)

1. Embarkation of a full fledged and goal oriented (need-based) appropriate

technology research and development program on continuos bases;
2. Rigorous identification of agricultural production techniques and
implements related productivity constraints thereby setting up research
activities on priority bases;
3. Rigorous identification of household energy sources and appliances and
techniques, drawbacks and constraints thereby setting up research activities
on priority bases;
4. Realization of concerted and coordinated efforts of various organizations
involved in appropriate technology research and development related
activities;
5. Verification of already developed technologies;
6. Demonstration and training of already verified technologies;
7. Recruitment of new research and support staffs;
8. Human resource development (short-term training);
9. Research facilities fulfillment (field and lab equipment);
10.Office facilities fulfillment;
11.Equipping the Center with information technology facilities.

b. Medium term (2007-2011)

1. Verification of technologies currently under development research ;

2. Demonstration and training of technologies currently under development
research;
3. Evaluation and ascertaining local innovations;
4. Human resource development (short and long term training);
5. Strengthening capacity of the center in all aspects.

c. Long term (beyond 2011)

22
 23

1. Strengthen and up-grading the short and long term desires;

2. Build innovative (design) and information generation capacity;
3. Create a “customer demand” system of research;
4. Technology development research of identified problems.

11. Gap Analysis

11.1. Considerations

Gap analysis is an important analytical tool, which is useful for comparing and
contrasting current situation viz-à-viz future desires of a particular research
program‘s objectives, outputs, capabilities and strategies. If it is correctly applied
it will be helpful for identifying the needed challenges so that the gap created
would be effectively closed or bridged. It mainly deals with resources that the
region could realistically mobilize and can allocate to the particular program under
consideration.

11.2. Gap identification

Currently there is no any appropriate technology research and development

program going on in the region. Therefore rigorous gap analysis is quite
difficult to make. Obviously, by defacto, the appropriate technology research
and development related gap in the region is 100% and as a result the required
or desired change is not the question of gap closing or bridging. Instead it
would be the question of establishing an important missing appropriate
technology research and development in the region.

A temptation might arise to consider the Nazareth Implement’s Research

Program as a representative for the region and to take it a reference for the sake
of comparison purposes in order to identify the regional gap. However, such
temptation would be unrealistic and may lead to wrong conclusions simply
because due to the reasons mentioned earlier in the critical review part of this
document.

12. Regional Appropriate Technology Research and Development Goals

(outputs)

The short and medium term (2005-2011) research goals (outputs) are being
considered here while the long term ones (beyond 2011) are deferred for later times,
as it will be unrealistic to consider them at the present.

C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 23

 24

12.1. Short term goals (outputs) 2005-2007

1. The former Mekelle Rural Technology Promotion Center will be transferred

into an appropriate technology research and development center, and
relevant core research staff, facilities and infrastructure that will be
responsible and capable to undertake pertinent testing, evaluation and
selecting of appropriate technologies relevant to the region, shall be
established;
2. An authenticated document of survey identified agricultural production and
productivity and household energy sources constraints shall be produced;

12.2. Medium term goals (outputs) 2007-2011

1. An authenticated publication and workable prototype for each tested and

evaluated tool, implement, device and equipment shall be produced
2. Technical manuals (operation and use) for training extension and
development agents) shall be produced.

13. Appropriate Technology Research and Development Strategy Plan

13.1. Organizational Structure

The proposed appropriate technology research and development center will be

established in the compound of former Mekelle Rural Technology Promotion
Center.
It is envisaged that the Center will be organized in four departments namely:
1. The agricultural implements research and development department;
2. The rural energy and irrigation equipment research and development
department;
3. The socio- economics research and research extension department
4. The support department (technical and administrative supports)

A laboratory with testing and evaluation instruments and equipment will be

established to complement the activities of the two research and development
departments.
The organizational structure for seen for the short and medium terms are
indicated in the following page.

24
 25

13.2. Regional Agricultural Implements Research Proposed Monogram

bbbb TARI

Center Manager

Secretary
Internal Audit

Agricultural
Rural Energy and Socio-economics research
Implements Irrigation equipment and Research extension Support
Research and Department
Research and Department
development development
Department Department
Socio-economics
research Team
Pre-harvest Household Administrative
& Harvest Energy Research Technical support Team
Research and and Development Research extension Support
Development Team Team Section
Team Administration and Finance
Section
Laboratory
Design, prototype
Post harvest & fabrication and Finance &
Agro- maintenance Sub section Property
Irrigation Planing Team
Processing Equipment Administration
Equipment Research and Metal workshop
Research and Audiovisual, information technology,
Development Team
Development library and documentation Team
Team Wood Work
Shop Personnel &
Budget General Service

C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 25

 26
13.3. Manpower Requirements and schedule of placement
Activities Position Profession Qualification Qty Short term Medium term

05 06 07 08 09 10 11
Center Manager Ag.r. eng. Msc. 1 X
Internal Auditor Accounting Dip. 1 X
Secretary Secretarial science & 1 X
office Management
Agricultural Department Head Agr. .eng. Msc/Bsc. 1 X
Implements Pre-harvest Research officer III Agr. .eng. Msc/Bsc.
Research and & harvest Research Officer II Ag.r. eng. Msc/Bsc. 1 X
Development Team Research Officer I Ag.r. eng. Bsc. 1 X
Department Technical Assistant Agr. Dip.
Field Assitant - 10th
Post harvest Research officer III Agr. .eng. Msc/Bsc. 1 X
& Agro- Research Officer II Ag.r. eng. Msc/Bsc. 1 X X
processing Research Officer I Ag.r. eng. Bsc. 1 X X
Team Technical Assistant Agr. Dip. 1 X
Field Assitant - 10th 1 X
House hold Department Head Agr. .eng. Msc/Bsc. 1 X
Energy & Household Research officer III Agr. .eng. Msc/Bsc.
Irrigation Energy Team Research Officer II Ag.r. eng. Msc/Bsc. 1 X
Equipment Research Officer I Ag.r. eng. Bsc. 1 X
Research and Technical Assistant Agr. Dip. 1 X
Development Field Assitant - 10th 1 X
Department Research Officer III Agr. .eng. Msc/Bsc. 1 X
Irrigation Research Officer II Ag.r. eng. Msc/Bsc. 1 X
Equipment Research Officer I Ag.r. eng. Bsc. 1 X
Team Technical Assistant Agr. Dip. 1 X
Field Assitant - 10th 1 X
Socio – economics And Research Officer II Agr. Economics Bsc 1 X
Research Extension Research Research Officer I Agr. Economics Bsc 1 X
Department Technical Assistant Economics Dip 1 X

26
 27

Activities Position Profession Qualification Qty Short term Medium term

05 06 07 08 09 10 11
Support department head Acc/Mng/Economics BA/B.Sc. 1 X
Secretary Computer/Typing Certificate 1 X
Administrative support section head Acc/Mng/Economics Dip 1 X
Sub section head Acc/Mng/Economics Dip 1 X
Accountant Accounting Dip 1 X
Finance and property Purchaser Acc/Mng Dip 1 X
administration sub Cashier Acc Dip 1 X
Administrative support Section

section Store keeper 1 X

Sub section head Management Dip./Certificate 1 X
Personnel Management Dip./Certificate 1 X
Personnel and General service head 12th 1 X
general service sub Archive 12th 1 X
section Drivers 3rd grade driving 4th grade 3 X
license
Guards 4th grade 4 X
Support Department

Janitors 4th grade 4 X

Gardener 4th grade 1 X
Technical support section head Mech. Eng. B.Sc. 1 X
Audiovisual, Audiovisual technician and Audiovisual 10+2 1 X
information librarian (Certificate)
technology, IT & documentation expert Information Dip. 1 X
documentation and technology/Computer
library sub section science
Sub section head Mech. Eng. B.Sc. 1 X
Metal shop foreman GM/Manufacturing Dip. 1 X
Design, prototype Wood shop foreman Wood technology Dip 1 X
fabrication and Metal senior machinist GM/Manufacturing Dip/Certificate 1 X
maintenance sub Metal machinist GM/Manufacturing Dip/Certificate 1 X
Technical support Section

section Metal ass. machinist GM/Manufacturing Dip/Certificate 1 X

Welder GM/Manufacturing Dip/Certificate 2 X
Wood senior machinist Wood tech./GM Dip/Certificate 1 X
Wood machinist Wood tech./GM Dip/Certificate 1 X
Wood ass. machinist Wood tech./GM Dip/Certificate 1 X
Lab technicians /senior & Senior lab Technician Dip. 1 X
Junior/ Lab Technician Dip 1 X
Budget Budget expert Economics Dip 1 X

C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 27

 28

14. Relation with other technological research centers.

Melkassa research center and all other technological research centers located in other
regions of Ethiopia will be considered as sources of technologies applicable to the
region. Experience sharing and information exchange is also the major area to be
dealt with the other research centers. Melkassa is also considered as a major place for
capacity building of the staffs of the Center.

15. Research Staff up grading

Periodical research staff up grading should be one of the basic components of a

strategy plan. The minimum requirement of a researcher is an M.Sc degree
specialized in a particular discipline or field. There fore, B.Sc. Staff with good
research experience and academic potential should be given, as much as possible, an
opportunity for further studies. Similarly an M.Sc. staff should be trained for Ph.D.
degree. Other technical staff also must be exposed to short or intermediate term
improvement training.
Although the above statement is true, in this strategy plan, it has become very difficult to
indicate training types, schedule and budget provision requirements. In future, this should
be dealt with and adjustments shall be made through fellowship offered by international
assistance

16. Research staff accommodations

Any strategy plan that does not include accommodation programs for permanent
research staff and guest researchers can not be considered as a complete plan. In this
strategy document this has not been considered due to logistic problems. In future
necessary efforts should be made to include this important component in the next
strategy plan review.

17. Review of strategy plan

This strategy plan should be reviewed initially at the end of the short-term period and
subsequently at the completion of each phase during the medium term period.

28
 29

18. REFERENCES

1. Araya kebede: A proposal too Re-establishment of Regional small Implements

Research Team (As a component of dryland farming research
Program); IAR; Mekele Research Center; Hidar 1986; 10 pages

1. M.s. Reddg & Araya kebede: Trip Report on visit to Mekele; IAR; 16-22 Feb.
1993;
6 pages

2. M.S.Reddy & Kidane George: Dryland Farming in Ethiopia Review of the Past
and
thrust in the nineties; IAR, 1993.

3. AIRIC: Agricultural Mechanization Research strategy for Ethiopia; TAR, NRC,

1995, 29 pages.

4. NAMRC: Agricultural Mechanization Research division progress report; 1994-

1997;
NRC.
5. Mekele Research Center: Northern Region progress report; April 1975 to
dec.1976;
Addis Ababa;1979.

C:\My Document Regional Ag.Implements Research Strategy Plan 29

30

30