Improvement of Vegetable Production

Description

The aim of the Project is to improve the quality and quantity of vegetable production in the Governorate of Fayoum. The aim of the
Project will be achieved through the following specific objectives:

• to provide vegetable growers with viable and healthy seedlings of recommended varieties of selected vegetables (mainly tomato);
• to improve crop husbandry of vegetables at farm level;
• to carry out field trials to test research results and to give recommendations at farm level;
• to develop appropriate messages, based on research of actual farmers’ conditions for agricultural practices for selected categories of farmers;
• to carry out demonstrations;
• to advise different categories of farmers of vegetable crops on post-harvest activities;
• to provide further training at appropriate levels;
• to extend the growing season in view of marketing possibilities.

In Phase I (1983), the project tested new vegetable varieties, selected and trained extension officers, and established a seedling nursery. Phase II (1988-1990) focused on the production of tomatoes and other summer vegetables. Phase III (1993-1997) intended to increase the farm income of small vegetable growers through the promotion of improved horticultural crop production within the present farming system. Extensive Meetings were held in the women’s groups, men’s groups, and individual interviews with male farmers and women involved in agricultural production.

Services

NSCE conducted a short-term rapid assessment of cropping systems in three villages in Fayoum Governorate, as socio-economic and agro-economic data, including the role of women in agricultural production, are lacking.