Summary: Report on Agricultural and Livestock Development in the Jijiga Area (1970)
1. Background and Purpose
This report was prepared by an investigation team commissioned by the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee on Agricultural Project Identification. The team visited the Jijiga area in April 1970 to assess agricultural development possibilities, focusing on the rapid expansion of tractor-based farming in the region.
Key Findings: The Jijiga area has experienced significant agricultural expansion with 125 tractors purchased in six years, primarily for sorghum production. The area has potential for further development but faces challenges including unreliable rainfall, bird pests, and potential conflicts between crop cultivation and livestock grazing.
2. Current Agricultural Activity
Farmers and Land Use
- Approximately 125 tractors in operation (95 owned by farmers, 30 by merchants)
- Estimated cultivated area: 33,000-40,000 hectares (25,000 ha by tractors)
- Potential cultivable area: 100,000-130,000 hectares (of 160,000 ha suitable land)
- Main crops: Sorghum (55%), Maize (20%), Wheat (15%), Barley (10%)
Soils and Climate
- Soils described as dark-colored, ranging from brown to dark reddish brown, well-supplied with organic matter and nitrogen
- Average annual rainfall (1952-1969): 676 mm, but highly variable (370 mm in 1961 to 1,406 mm in 1968)
- Last 4 years' average (1966-1969): 1,089 mm, nearly double the first 14 years' average (557 mm)
- Main rainy months: April to September, with April and August as peak months
Production and Yields
| Crop | Good Year (q/ha) | Average Year (q/ha) | Bad Year (q/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sorghum | 20-25 | 12-15 | 0-4 |
| Wheat | 10-15 | 5-7 | 0-4 |
| Maize | 20-25 | 12-15 | 0-4 |
| Barley | 30-40 | 25-30 | 0-4 |
Major Challenges
- Bird pests (Quelea Quelea): Costs about $40/ha for protection, considered a major constraint
- Rainfall variability: Recent high rainfall may not be sustainable based on longer-term records
- Land tenure: Mix of government and individual holdings, with potential conflicts between crop cultivation and grazing rights
3. Livestock Production
- Extensive herds of cattle and sheep in the area
- Potential conflict between expanding cultivation and traditional grazing areas
- Significant unrecorded export of "Berbera" sheep to Somalia
- Water access critical for livestock, with competition likely to increase
- Team recommended urgent investigation of livestock potential and grazing patterns
4. Recommended Actions
Immediate Priorities:
- Bird control: Request technical assistance (FAO or UK) to address Quelea Quelea problem
- Activate agricultural station: Establish multi-purpose station focusing on seed multiplication, variety selection, and cultural practices
- Livestock investigation: Thorough study of grazing patterns, herd numbers, and market potential
- Water supply: Investigate groundwater resources and improve water access
- Tractor services: Establish service and spare parts facility through agreement with tractor dealer
Longer-Term Recommendations
- Develop dry-farming techniques appropriate for the area's rainfall patterns
- Investigate potential for integrating crop and livestock production
- Improve road infrastructure to reduce transport costs
- Consider credit programs only after resolving bird problem and improving farming techniques
5. Conclusion
The report concludes that while the Jijiga area shows significant agricultural potential, particularly for mechanized cereal production, major uncertainties remain regarding rainfall patterns and the balance between crop cultivation and livestock grazing. The team recommends a cautious approach, focusing first on research and solving immediate problems (particularly bird control) before considering large-scale investment programs. The demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit of local farmers deserves support, but development should proceed in a measured way based on better understanding of the area's ecological and economic constraints.