Summary of Agricultural and Livestock Services in the Juba Valley
This document provides an analysis of the agricultural and livestock service sector in the Juba Valley, Somalia, as of April 1984. It evaluates the institutional framework, services provided, and offers recommendations for improvement.
1. Introduction
The report emphasizes the importance of agricultural and livestock services for development in the Juba Valley. It highlights the dependency of agricultural success on institutional support, including technical know-how, farm inputs, machinery, credit, and market organization.
2. Institutional Framework
The report describes key institutions involved in agricultural and livestock services:
Ministry of Agriculture (MOA)
Responsible for research, planning, plant protection, land and water resources, and cooperatives. Key departments include:
- Department of Plant Protection and Locust Control
- Department of Land and Water Resources
- Department of Agricultural Cooperatives
Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC)
Monopoly on grain marketing, handling sorghum, maize, and rice. Storage and transport facilities are detailed in tables.
ONAT (Farm Machinery and Agricultural Service Organization)
Provides tractor hire services for land preparation. Staff and equipment are listed, showing 75 tractors and 9 bulldozers in the Juba Valley.
AFMET Project
Focuses on agricultural extension and training. The project includes the National Extension Service (NES) and Farm Management Advisory Service (FMAS).
Ministry of Livestock, Forestry and Range (MLFR)
Manages animal health, production, and research. The National Range Agency (NRA) oversees grazing land and livestock marketing.
Financial Institutions
Somali Development Bank (SDB) and Commercial and Savings Bank of Somalia (CSBS) provide limited agricultural credit.
3. Services in the Juba Valley
Marketing
ADC dominates grain marketing, but private traders are increasingly active. Price comparisons show private traders often pay higher prices than ADC.
Machinery Service
ONAT provides tractor hire services, but demand exceeds supply. The government subsidizes services, but inefficiencies persist.
Extension and Research
AFMET's extension work is in early stages. Research stations exist but lack impactful results.
Input Supply
Limited availability of inputs like seeds and fertilizers. AFMET is expected to improve distribution.
Credit Supply
Limited access to credit for farmers. SDB and CSBS focus on medium-term loans and short-term working capital, respectively.
4. Conclusions and Recommendations
The report identifies inefficiencies and suggests improvements:
- Marketing: Reorganize ADC to stabilize grain prices and balance supply.
- Machinery Service: Privatize ONAT or increase hire prices to cover costs.
- Extension: Strengthen AFMET and link it to research for long-term success.
- Input Supply: Develop a national seed program and involve private retailers.
- Credit: Expand SDB and CSBS services to meet farmers' needs.
The report underscores the need for institutional reforms to enhance agricultural productivity and support farmers in the Juba Valley.