Report of the Investigation Team on Possible Actions in the Jijiga Area
Commissioned by the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee on Agricultural Project Identification, June 1970
1. Introduction
The report investigates agricultural development potential in the Jijiga area of Ethiopia, focusing on recent expansion of tractor cultivation and its impacts. The team visited in April 1970, consulting local officials, farmers, and merchants.
Key Background:
- Jijiga has seen rapid growth in tractor use (125 tractors purchased in 6 years)
- Population of Jijiga town grew from 4,000 (1956) to 18,000-24,000 (1970)
- Main crops: Sorghum (80% of cultivated area), wheat, maize, barley
2. Current Agricultural Activity
Climate and Soils
- Rainfall: Highly variable - 676mm annual average (1952-69), but recent years much wetter (1966-69 avg: 1,089mm vs 1952-63 avg: 557mm)
- Soils: Generally fertile - dark colored, loam to clay loam, high in organic matter and nitrogen but low in phosphorus
Crop Production
| Crop | Good Yield (Q/ha) | Average Yield (Q/ha) | Bad Yield (Q/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sorghum | 20-25 | 12-15 | 0-4 |
| Wheat | 10-15 | 5-7 | 0-4 |
| Maize | 20-25 | 12-15 | 0-4 |
Major Challenges
Bird pests: Estimated to cost ~$40/ha in control measures, primarily affecting sorghum and wheat
Rainfall reliability: Recent wet years may not be representative of long-term patterns
3. Development Potential and Recommendations
Expansion Possibilities
- Current cultivated area: ~33,000 ha (25,000 ha by tractor)
- Potential expansion: Up to 100,000-130,000 ha of suitable land
- Need to balance with livestock grazing needs
Key Recommendations
- Bird control: Seek technical assistance from UK or FAO to address serious bird pest problem
- Agricultural research station: Establish multi-purpose station focusing on:
- Seed multiplication
- Variety selection
- Improved cultivation practices
- Bird control methods
- Livestock investigation: Study potential conflict between cultivation and grazing
- Water supply: Explore groundwater potential and improve water access
- Mechanization support: Improve tractor servicing and spare parts availability
Caution: The team recommends against immediate large-scale investment until key questions about rainfall reliability, bird control, and livestock-crop balance are resolved.
4. Economic Considerations
Costs and Returns (Sorghum Example)
| Cost Category | Range ($/ha) |
|---|---|
| Production Costs | 38-218 |
| Overhead Costs | 16-64 |
| Total Costs | 54-234 |
| Average Net Return | ~$70/ha (good years) |
Marketing
- Jijiga prices generally higher than Dire Dawa/Harer (except barley)
- Main markets: Somalia (sorghum), local/Ogaden (wheat, maize)
- Transport costs to Dire Dawa: ~7.50 Eth.$/ton
5. Conclusion
The report concludes that while the Jijiga area shows significant agricultural potential, particularly for mechanized cereal production, several critical issues need addressing before major development investments should be made. Priority actions include establishing the research station, solving the bird pest problem, investigating livestock potential, and improving water supplies. A cautious, research-based approach is recommended to ensure sustainable development in this semi-arid region.