Report of the Investigation Team on Possible Actions in the Jijiga Area

Commissioned by the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee on Agricultural Project Identification

Ministry of Agriculture, June 1970

Key Findings:

• Location: Jijiga area in Ethiopia, bordering Somalia
• Main Crops: Sorghum (80% of cultivated area), wheat, maize, barley
• Agricultural Expansion: Rapid growth in tractor use (125 tractors in 6 years) leading to increased sorghum production
• Land Area: Approximately 250,000 ha semi-circle around Jijiga, with 33,000-40,000 ha currently cultivated
• Climate: Average annual rainfall 676mm (1952-1969), but highly variable with recent years significantly wetter

Major Challenges:

• Bird Pests: Significant problem causing costs of ~$40/ha (Queles Queles birds)
• Rainfall Reliability: High variability makes dry farming risky
• Land Use Conflicts: Potential competition between expanding cultivation and traditional livestock grazing
• Mechanization Issues: Lack of proper servicing and spare parts for tractors

Recommendations:

1. Request technical assistance (UK or FAO) for bird control measures
2. Activate the Ministry of Agriculture's multi-purpose station for research and seed multiplication
3. Investigate livestock potential and reconcile with cultivation expansion
4. Improve tractor servicing through agreements with dealers
5. Conduct groundwater exploration
6. Implement credit programs only after resolving key challenges

Economic Aspects:

• Current private investment in equipment: ~$2 million
• Potential gross value of annual production could reach $15-20 million with expansion
• Jijiga prices generally higher than Dire Dawa and Harer, except for barley

Note: The report emphasizes the need for further investigation before major investment decisions, particularly regarding livestock development and rainfall reliability.