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Monitoring
&
Evaluation
Report
1. Introduction
The in situ monitoring of nine projects of Agricultural Innovation Marketplace –
MKTPlace took place at Embrapa Mid-North on March 15 and 16, 2016. Projects in
progress with approximately one year of execution in partnership with African
institutions were chosen. These projects have Brazilian co-leaders bound to this
Embrapa unit as counterparties.
A meeting also took place, where researchers José Oscar Lustosa de Oliveira
Júnior (Head of Administration and Finances), Flávio Favaro Blanco (Head of Research
and Development), Luciano Nass and Rodrigo Ferraz (members of the MKTPlace M&E
team) were present, in addition to the researchers responsible for conducting the
research projects. The meeting was initiated by the General Head of the unit, Luiz
Fernando Carvalho Leite, and, later, conducted by MKTPlace members.
2. Objectives
The main objectives of the monitoring and assessment mission were:
• To check the progress of activities and partial results of the projects;
• To identify potential bottlenecks in the performance of the projects;
• To propose solutions to the bottlenecks identified.
3. Methodology
The methodology used for the monitoring and evaluation of the projects
included: 1) reading of the project proposals; 2) reading of the annual reports; 3)
presentation of the partial results by the co-leaders; 4) argumentation by the
appraising members; 5) roundtable for discussion of bottlenecks and opportunities for
the projects.
For project ID 2341, a different methodology was used, since the Brazilian co-
leader could not attend the monitoring meeting. Therefore, the choice was to debate
with one of the members of the project team, and later a telephone contact was made
with the co-leader in order to discuss the project results, the progress of activities and
possible doubts.
4. Evaluated Projects
4.1 Project: Comparative evaluation of different manual cassava harvesting tools
ID:777
Co-leaders: Luiz Guilherme (Embrapa Mid-North)
Shadrack Amponsah (CSIR - Crops Research Institute)
Beginning of the project: 11/20/2013
Conclusion: 11/20/2015
Extension: 05/20/2016
4.1.1 Assessment of the progress of the project
The first contact for the elaboration of this project came from the African
institution and the initial contact was arranged by Dr. Tonya Dinkins, project team
member and colleague of Dr. Luiz Guilherme. The project creation strategy was based
on the perspective of generating a better technique for the manual harvest of cassava
and amore adapted instrument for the conditions of both countries. This project aimed
to reduce the total cost of production and post-harvest losses, improve the market
value of cassava and provide a positive impact on the health and quality of life of
smallholders.
It was noted that the activities set in the project are happening within the
established schedule, thus, the co-leader hopes that the main goal of the project – to
evaluate the efficiency of five manual tools of cassava harvest in areas of flat and
rough relief – must be achieved. Regarding the specific objectives of the project, it is
noted that all of them were practically concluded: to evaluate the level of work,
degree of damage to the root and field capacity associated with different manual tools
of cassava harvest; to identify which relief and type of soil preparation are more
adequate for the manual harvest of cassava; to analyze the economic feasibility of the
use of several manual harvest tools for cassava; to promote the use of the best
techniques of manual harvest of cassava by smallholders.
The Brazilian co-leader informed that the contact with the African team is made
weekly via Skype and that several trips were also made to Africa, aiming to articulate
and schedule the activities of the project.
The project had a series of significant partial results with high potential for
impact, such as the training of African researchers in Brazil, the fostering of artisans in
the manufacture of the tool to harvest cassava, besides the fact that the technology
developed is adaptable to both countries of implementation of the project.
The financial implementation is going as expected. The Brazilian co-leader
emphasizes the constant effort of the team to maximize the use of resources,
occurring also the integration of this project with other projects that the researcher
has in the MKTPlace. During the monitoring of the project, it became evident how the
Brazil/Africa cooperation is important for the generation and sharing of expertise and
technology.
4.1.2 Advances
• The identification of tools for the cassava harvest, agricultural practices and
obstacles for the production was made through an survey with the
participation of local farmers in Ghana;
• Four fields of cassava production with different varieties in four agroecological
areas in Ghana were established;
• The analysis of physical and chemical properties of the soil before and after its
preparation for the plantation was made;
• Data about the growth and development of the cassava planted in these soils
were collected monthly.
4.1.3 Difficulties/Bottlenecks
• Difficulty in using CSIR vehicles for the field activities set in the project.
4.1.4 Lessons Learned
• The project allowed the strengthening of the collaboration between the
research institutions involved;
• Although they are culturally different, Brazil and Ghana have similar issues and
technologies that can be perfectly adapted from one country to the other;
• Despite the difference between the languages, the technical and practical
formation helps the comprehension and communication among the co-leaders.
4.1.5 Recommendations
Due to the low availability of vehicles at CSIR, it was suggested to the co-leaders
the lease of a vehicle in the upcoming missions in Africa so that the field activities of
the projects are not compromised.
4.2 Project: Increased smallholder food production through implementation of water
conserving aquaphonics-based food systems
ID:1096
Co-leaders: Luiz Guilherme (Embrapa Mid-North)
Shadrack Amponsah (CSIR - Crops Research Institute)
Beginning of the project: 02/06/2014
Conclusion: 02/06/2016
Extension: 08/06/2016
4.2.1 Assessment of the progress of the project
This project aimed to develop an alternative to reduce the scarcity of food for
smallholders in Ghana through the transference of knowledge in the area of integrated
food systems. For this purpose, small low cost food cultivation systems were built, in
order to work as pilot units of demonstration for the production of organic grains,
poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables at Embrapa Mid-North and CSIR. These
demonstrative units have been used mainly to promote their potential impact on the
production of foods and to check their long-term capacity in the preservation of
natural resources. Additionally, they have been used for the training of interested
smallholders.
Since the project is implemented by the same team of the project Comparative
evaluation of different manual cassava harvesting tools (ID 777), a great interaction
between the activities developed was observed - this has been done aiming to
optimize the financial, human and organizational resources.
It was noted that the activities set in the project are happening within the
schedule, thus, the co-leader expects that the main goal of the project will be
achieved. Regarding the specific objectives, it is noted that all of them were practically
concluded, and in some cases surpassed, such as: the performance of workshops;
maintenance of demonstrative units; development of manuals about the system in
different languages; and training of more than 50 smallholders and technicians.
Lastly, the Brazilian co-leader emphasized during the visit that the MKTPlace
forum was essential for the organization of activities and the establishment of the
project foundations, since both did not know each other in person. Additionally, other
characteristics considered relevant were: the great institutional ability of the CSIR for
the performance of the proposed objectives and the fact that the performance of the
project only became possible due to MKTPlace resources.
4.2.2 Advances
• Demonstration units were established with the productive activities integrated;
fish tanks, a coop, rabbits, a house (for the technicians), a composting unit, a
place for ducks, a snailery, a shed for vermiculture and plantations of grains
and vegetables;
• Sale of the food produced in the demonstration units for the local population;
• Implementation of the integrated production system (Aquaphonics-based Food
Systems - AFS) in another African region, in addition to the CSIR;
• Two demonstrative events were conducted to disseminate the AFS benefits;
• A 30-minutes documentary was made about the project.
4.2.3 Difficulties/Bottlenecks
• Lack of availability of a motor-driven pump in the market of Ghana to be used
in the fish tank;
• Difficulty to obtain polyethylene sheets resistant to ultraviolet rays in the
dimensions needed for the coating of the tanks in Ghana.
4.2.4 Lessons Learned
The co-leader highlighted that the cultural differences between the two
countries, Brazil and Ghana, did not affect the acceptance and the adaptation of
technology and the choice of recipients of the project.
4.2.5 Recommendations
There were no recommendations from the evaluation team.
4.3 Project: Utilizing sustainable energy for water management in semi-intensive
aquaculture
ID:411
Co-leaders: Luiz Guilherme (Embrapa Meio-Norte)
Lawrence Obeti (National Agricultural Research Organization - NARO)
Beginning of the project: 06/25/2014
Conclusion: 06/25/2016
Extension: 12/25/2016
4.3.1 Assessment of the progress of the project
Fish farming in Uganda is mostly characterized by its’ low production capacity
and use of traditional tanks. In this scenario, the intensive aquaculture is almost
incipient, especially due to the high costs related to equipment and the energy
required for the recirculation of water. Considering this challenge for the local
production, the general aim of this project was to develop semi-intensive aquaculture
production systems for the producers in peri-urban areas.
It was noted that, despite the delay for the signature of the agreement, all the
activities established were performed, such as: construction of tanks using low power
solar pumps for the recirculation of water; construction of a residual water treatment
station using crop cultivations; and assessment of the recirculation system regarding
its efficiency in the reutilization of water and energy demand.
The co-leader considers that the project has great potential to promote impact
on both countries, given the generation of expertise and the development of a low-
cost technological component as a focus on poor populations. In Brazil, the technology
generated has already been used as part of a public policy in the Northeast.
In comparison to the other projects, the Brazilian co-leader considers that the
communication with their counterpart was less effective. However, both intend to
continue the partnership, even after the conclusion of the project. It is worth
highlighting that due to its good results the project has resources from other sources.
4.3.2 Advances
• A workshop was made at the beginning of the project aiming to disseminate
the knowledge and the activities of the project at NARO;
• A social and economic survey was made on the semi-intensive and peri-urban
production of fish in three selected districts;
• Prototypes of the tank were built in peri-urban areas using the proposed
technology;
• An artificial swamp was established to treat the water of the fish tanks.
4.3.3 Difficulties/Bottlenecks
• Bureaucratic processes of acquisitions at NARO, delaying the implementation
of the activities established as a result;
• Difficulties in the importation of equipment, delaying the construction and
assessment of the tanks.
4.3.4 Lessons Learned
Considering their experience in other MKTPlace projects, the Brazilian co-leader
highlighted the need to keep a more effective and constant communication with their
counterpart, in order to improve even more the results of the project.
4.3.5 Recommendations
It is suggested the establishment of a communication plan between the parties,
in order to surpass this obstacle.
4.4 Project: Farming insects as a possible alternative for high protein feed for chicken
and fish in Cameroon and Brazil
ID:2341
Co-leaders: Janaina Kimpara (Embrapa Mid-North)
Paulin Nana (University of Dschang)
Beginning of the project: 11/20/2015
Conclusion: 11/20/2017
4.4.1 Assessment of the progress of the project
The primary aim of this project is to use insects as a protein alternative source
in the farming of poultry and fish, since the nutrition is the most burdensome part of
this production chain.
According to the research schedule created by the co-leaders, the strategy for
the performance of activities was established in a way that the development of a
production system of insects is made in Cameroon and most part of data analysis is
made in Brazil. For such, a visit of the Brazilian researcher to Africa for the
transference of the production system technology and a visit of the African co-leader
for the beginning of laboratorial activities in Brazil were already scheduled.
Since the project obtained an external grant to encourage research, a new
member was added to the team in order to assess the carcass of the animals fed with
the insects produced. This will allow the integration of the activities with other
MKTPlace projects, since the selected animals will come from the Increased
smallholder food production through implementation of water conserving
aquaphonics-based food systems (ID 1096) project.
This project is expected to result in the reduction of production costs, the
income increase of producers and the environmental sustainability in Brazil and
Cameroon.
4.4.2 Difficulties/Bottlenecks
The loss of the legal agreement between the institutions on the execution stage was
reported. However, according to the co-leader, this did not cause any impact on the
performance of the activities.
4.5 Project: Cashew fruit – Adding value for food security
ID:1622
Co-leaders: Ana Lúcia Barreto (Embrapa Meio-Norte)
Nina Ackah (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Food Research
Institute)
Beginning of the project: 12/09/2014
Conclusion: 12/09/2016
4.5.1 Assessment of the progress of the project
Considering that cashew is an underused culture in Ghana, this project aims to
formulate two microbiologically and nutritionally stable products from the stem of the
fruit (cashew powder as drink and cereal for breakfast).
It was noted that most part of the activities established were performed, even
though the general aim proposed - to make the generated products arrive at the local
market - was not achieved. However, from the perspective of generation of expertise,
important information was obtained about the effect of freezing on the sensorial and
nutritional properties of the fruit; the microbiological quality of both products; and
their acceptability among consumers. It is highlighted that, if these products arrive at
the market, the following is expected: positive economic impact on the cashew sector;
increase of the aggregate value of the cashew production; and social and economic
gains to the producers of this culture. Additionally, the co-leader believes that the
products have great potential to be used in Brazil.
Regarding the creation and performance of the project, the initial contact came
from the foreign institution, through the Embrapa Mid-North international articulator
at the time, Dr. Geraldo Carvalho, having an important role in promoting and assisting
the development of this proposal. It was also noted that the activities of the project
are being developed in parallel in both countries. However, there is not a regular flow
of communication, with peaks happening depending on the activities being developed.
4.5.2 Advances
• A research on the cashew plantations was made in four cities. Through
interviews, it was found out that cashew producers changed their cashew
plantations to mango due to the disparity of the financial return between the
production and commercialization of both fruits in the country;
• The reduction of the cashew fruits tannin was made through four methods.
However, tests to check this reduction could not be made due to delays in the
acquisition of chemical and reagent supplements;
• A type of cashew with a higher level of acidity and greater value in the Brix
scale was identified;
• Cereals ready consumption made of corn, rice, millet or soy and peanut or
cashew nut and sugar or honey were produced;
• Clones of dwarf cashew trees developed by Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry
were collected and plated in experimental fields of Embrapa Mid-North. The
Follin-Denis method was used to determine the total level of phenolic
components in the cashew stem;
• Formulation of the breakfast cereal from dehydrated samples from the cashew
clones.
4.5.3 Difficulties/Bottlenecks
• There were delays in the beginning of the field activities due to the seasonality
of the fruit, since the resources of the project were received at the end of the
period suitable to the cashew plantation.
• The purchase and delivery process of the reagents required for the
performance of the activities of the project took a lot of time and, because of
this, implied in delays in these activities;
• Exit of one of the project members, who had to be replaced;
• Due to a prolonged drought in Brazil in 2015, only one of the clones was able to
produce enough material for the harvesting.
4.5.4 Lessons Learned
The Brazilian co-leader highlighted that the experience of being part of the
MKTPlace was very positive and that it served to broaden the cultural and
technological expertise of the participant researchers.
4.5.5 Recommendations
Since the Brazilian co-leader does not know the implementation institution of
the project in Africa, it was suggested a visit to the CSIR – Ghana to check and discuss
the progress of the project and to align the activities.
4.6 Project: Narrowing the yield gap of food legumes through integrated management
of parasitic weeds in the highlands of Ethiopia
ID:524
Co-leaders: José Oscar Oliveira Jr. (Embrapa Mid-North)
Seid Kemal (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas -
ICARDA)
Beginning of the project: 11/20/2013
Conclusion: 11/20/2015
Extension: 05/20/2016
4.6.1 Assessment of the progress of the project
The project was created with the primary aim to reduce losses in the
production of food legumes (faba bean lentil, field pea) in the Ethiopia highlands
through an integrated management to fight against the Orobanche crenatae weed,
and consequently increase the income and the nutritional status of farmers. For such,
the qualification of farmers, researchers and extension employees was made through
field days and training, using a participative approach. Additionally, college students
were involved in the project to generate new knowledge about parasitic weeds.
The project activities were developed primarily in Ethiopia, since this parasite
species still does not exist in Brazil. It is worth noting, though, that it was already found
in Chile, making its study strategic to Brazil.
It can be highlighted as main results of the project so far:
• Identification of the main leguminous and other host plants (cultivated and
wild) affected by parasitic weeds in Ethiopia.
• The increase of warning about the dissemination of parasitic weeds in Ethiopia,
allowing bigger emphasis on the integrated management in the local extension
systems.
• Identification of food legume crops most resistant/tolerant to the local parasitic
weed populations.
According to the co-leader, this project obtained results that might help the
reintroduction of food legumes in the highlands of Ethiopia. In addition, it has great
potential for impact on the region, since an increase of 50%-90% of productivity is
expected in the areas affected through the use of the IPWM (Integrated Parasitic
Weed Management) system.
Lastly, it was reported that the initial contact for the creation of the project
was made by ICARDA via the MKTPlace system, and the communication between the
project members was kept mainly through Skype. The Brazilian co-leader has visited
the project sites and activities.
4.6.2 Advances
• Holding of two meetings between team members to debate the
implementation and progresses of the project.
• Researches were made in five areas of the Northeast of Ethiopia in order to
determine the composition of species, distribution of parasitic weeds and a
data distribution map;
• Tools were prepared for a study on the impact of weeds in the welfare of
farmers;
• Different weeds management options were tested;
• Three dates and two methods (dry and wet) of seeding of weeds in leguminous
plants were assessed in two places;
• Two levels of application of glyphosate in cultivations of genetically improved
broad beans were assessed.
• The assessment of the effects of fertilizers (organic and inorganic) on weeds of
leguminous plant was made;
• The multiplication and distribution of partially resistant seeds of broad beans to
local farmers was made with the aim to monitor the production;
• The sorting and identification of genotypes of broad beans for future tests were
made;
• Identification of the weed with higher incidence in plantations;
• Identification of 14 SSR polymorphic markers transferable from Orobanche spp.
to O. crenata.
4.6.3 Difficulties/Bottlenecks
• Suitability (topography) of the fields selected and accessibility to them to
execute the trials;
• Appearance of a new disease in on faba bean which is the key focus of this
project, what has reduced its harvest;
• Difficulty in identifying Orobranche spp.;
• Little experience of researchers with data analysis and poor awareness of policy
makers and extension personnel on impact of parasitic weeds on food legumes.
4.6.4 Lessons Learned
The Brazilian researcher highlighted that the MKTPlace forum was essential in
the organization and planning of the project activities. He also reinforced some
strengths of the MKTPlace which helped the good operation of the project, such as:
the fact that the Platform allows the formation of new partnerships focusing on trust;
the establishment of a multi-institutional vision; a differentiated dynamic in
comparison to conventional projects; the flexibility of the budget; in addition to being
a great opportunity to practice new languages.
4.6.5 Recommendations
It was recommended to the Brazilian co-leader the increase the number of
team members in a potential upcoming project, to avoid damages in case of
unpredicted situations. In this project, for instance, there were difficulties of
interaction and execution in the second year due to the fact that the Brazilian
researcher took over a new position in the leadership of his unit.
In addition, it was suggested to the researcher the use of the remaining
financial balance to purchase equipment and consumption material for the project or
unit, in order to avoid the return of the resources to MKTPlace.
4.7 Project: Assessment of the Booroola Fecundity (FecB) gene in Ethiopian sheep
breed for improvement of sheep production
ID:554
Co-leaders: Geraldo Carvalho (Embrapa Mid-North)
Yisehak Redda (Mekelle University)
Beginning of the project: 02/18/2014
Conclusion: 02/18/2016
Extension: 08/18/2016
4.7.1 Assessment of the progress of the project
The performance of the project began through the MKTPlace matchmaking
system, with the researcher being aware of the initiative since he was the international
articulator of the Embrapa unit at the time the project was created. The development
of the project was motivated initially by the fact that the sheep breeding is the main
husbandry activity in Ethiopia, and therefore, very important for the rural economy
and national GDP. In addition, the country has a wide genetic diversity of sheep, but
with low reproductive efficiency.
As an implementation strategy, the project aimed to assess the genetic
potential of the breeds of sheep from Ethiopia by the presence of the booroola gene,
for the genetic improvement through reproductive management, consequently
increasing the size of the brood and influencing the profitability of the production of
sheep.
The progress of the project activities is according to the schedule, and as main
results so far it can be highlighted: the characterization of the presence or absence and
frequency of the fertility gene (fecB); the characterization of polymorphism of the gene
and its association with fertility; the use of marker-assisted selection and the
consequent impulse in cutting-edge researches in Ethiopia; the qualification of
associated researchers and students in reproduction techniques at a molecular level;
the increase of the reproductive and productive efficacy; and the establishment of
laboratories (molecular genetics and microbiology) in the African university, with it
being currently maintained with resources of the project.
From the operational point of view, the implementation of resources occurs
adequately and the co-leaders have frequent communication via Skype and mutual
trips.
Lastly, it is noted that the co-leaders were already experienced in development
projects and intend to continue the interaction – they’ve already held a meeting with
other members from Mekelle University to discuss the continuation of the partnership
and the possibility of new collaborations between the institutions.
4.7.2 Advances
• The standardization of protocols of sample collections and preparation of
questionnaires was made;
• The training of the people in charge for the blood sample collection, the visits
for identification of the area to be studied and the obtaining of laboratory
materials and equipment was made;
• Several meetings with local leaders were held for the promotion of the aims
and potential impacts of the project;
• The Brazilian co-leader made a presentation on the project at Mekelle
University with his African counterparty;
• Promotion of the project in the local media;
• Blood sample collections from 7 of the 12 breeds which will be studied;
• Six Veterinary Medicine students (four Masters’ students and two Doctorate
students) are committed to the project.
4.7.3 Difficulties/Bottlenecks
• Lack of suppliers of specialized consumption material in the Ethiopian market;
• Lack of qualified personnel and specialized laboratories in the local market,
what hinders the outsourcing of technical activities;
• The high inflation in Ethiopia has made the purchase of supplies difficult;
• Lack of reagents suppliers.
4.7.4 Lessons Learned
The Brazilian co-leader presented as main lessons the need to:
• Take advantage of opportunities of trips abroad (MKTPlace workshop, for
instance) to purchase materials that do not exist in the African market;
• Outsource activities that can be made by commercial laboratories, for example,
genotyping;
• Plan in advance the activities that are crucial to achieve proposed aims.
4.7.5 Recommendations
It is suggested for the Brazilian co-leader to try to involve the other members
that are part of the team in Brazil more effectively, in a way to ensure the continuity of
the project in case of unpredicted situations.
4.8 Project: Screening indigenous strains of lactic acid bacteria for development of a
high quality probiotic for poultry
ID:2512
Co-leaders: Geraldo Carvalho (Embrapa Mid-North)
YisehakRedda (Mekelle University)
Beginning of the project: 09/22/2015
Conclusion: 09/22/2017
4.8.1 Assessment of the progress of the project
The poultry production is the most important farming activity of Ethiopia, and it
is common to use antibiotics in the food of these animals. This project aimed to
isolate, characterize and choose lineages of lactic acid bacteria collected in poultry for
their potential use as probiotic supply in poultry farming.
The use of probiotics has a strong environmental appeal and constitutes an
important aspect of applied biotechnology, as opposed to antibiotics and
chemotherapeutic agents, and can be used to promote growth in poultry. Therefore,
the development of an efficient and low-cost probiotics will contribute to promote the
farming of healthier poultry, reduce the incidence of diseases, increase production and
help the fight against poverty.
Since the project co-leaders already knew each other and had experience in the
performance of MKTPlace projects, the budget execution and the performance of
activities surpassed expectations. Although the project is approximately one-year old,
the project already achieved its general and specific aims. In this period, 36 probiotic
bacteria colonies were isolated and tested, and six new colonies were identified. From
these six colonies, the two most well evaluated are being tested and will possibly
originate patents. Currently, the researchers have only tried to repeat the tests in
different animals, location and periods to validate the results.
It is expected, as main impacts of this project: to improve and increase the
poultry production in Ethiopia; to deepen the study of probiotics for the development
of new strains; to reduce the use of antibiotics as food additives in poultry production;
and to strengthen laboratory activities existent in the African institution. Additionally,
the project intends to train post-graduation students and generate scientific
publications.
4.8.2 Advances
• Samples of gastrointestinal contents from each poultry were collected;
• Pure colonies were obtained by the identification of the isolated, through their
morphological features (shape, size, color, margin, elevation and texture).
• Isolation of 36 bacterial cultures – six of these colonies were characterized at a
molecular level;
• Identification and selection of the potential candidates to be used as probiotics.
4.8.3 Difficulties/Bottlenecks
The co-leader has not reported any particular difficulty to the performance of
this project.
4.8.4 Lessons Learned
According to the Brazilian co-leader, it is necessary to embrace the opportunity of
purchasing materials that do not exist in the local market when a member of the team
travels abroad. Furthermore, aiming to make the activities easier and faster, the
activities that can be performed by commercial companies must be outsourced.
4.8.5 Recommendations
Since this technology has high potential for impact on the poultry industry and
considering the similarity between the breeds of both countries, it was suggested that
the researchers tried to transfer and use the probiotics chosen in animals in Brazil.
4.9 Project: Initiating data recording system at Ethiopian dairy farmers’ level and
improving farm data management
ID: 1438
Co-leaders: Geraldo Carvalho (Embrapa Mid-North)
Zemelak Goraga (Ethiopian Institute for Agricultural Research)
Beggining of the project: 12/09/2014
Conclusion: 12/09/2016
4.9.2 Assessment of the progress of the project
Given the importance of the dairy production in Ethiopia, this project aimed to
establish the foundations for a program of genetic improvement of dairy cattle in the
Debrezeit Agricultural Research Center (DZARC). For this purpose, the Brazilian
experience was used to implement a data collection system in Ethiopia, and the results
generated were used in the management of herd, in the flow of information, in the
adoption of technologies, in the selection of breeds and in the strengthening of bonds
with the rural leaders.
As most proposals issued to the MKTPlace by the Brazilian researcher, the initial
contact happened via MKTPlace system, and the proposal was suggested by the
African institution. Most of the project activities are taking place in Ethiopia, and the
Brazilian co-leader has been acting primarily in the transference of technology and
training of the teams.
The Brazilian co-leader also informed that frequent contacts are made with the
African team via internet and also through several trips to Africa, with the aim to
articulate and schedule the actions of the project.
So far, the project has advanced a lot in its activities and has already obtained a
series of significant partial results, as: collection, maintenance and availability of
qualitative and quantitative data for networks of local dairy farmers; generation of
data for P&D; standardization of the formats of data storage; development of an app
(software) for data analysis aiming to systematize the comprehension of the breed
composition and the performance of the herd.
It is worth noting that, in front of these good results and due to financial resources
from other sources, the researchers have widened the scope of the project, and
currently, in addition to the app and characterization of the animals, they have
searched for the importation of improved embryos and semen of cattle from the Gir
breed to be used in programs of genetic improvement from the African institution,
Through this project, it will be possible to improve the quality of the cattle herd,
and, consequently, of the dairy production, ensuring food safety, reduction of poverty
and change of the entire cattle production chain from Ethiopia.
4.9.2 Advances
• A seminar to launch the project was conducted at the Debrezeit Agricultural
Research Center;
• Detailed information about the Gir and Girolando breeds were collected and
analyzed;
• Embryos and semen from improved cattle were imported to Ethiopia;
• A research was made to identify the target audience of the project and to
establish the foundations of a questionnaire used in the project;
• The questionnaire was applied after the identification of the farms that were
adequate to the data collection;
• A data management system in Microsoft Access was developed for the animals
of the project;
• The Brazilian co-leader went to Ethiopia to conduct trainings on the data
management software with the project team;
• Contact was made with the Brazilian ambassador in Addis Ababa for help in the
importation of technologies for dairy production;
• The training of the team on data collection and phenotypic characterization of
the local cattle was conducted;
• Body measurements of the cattle raised at DZARC and at the farms chosen by
the project were collected;
• Analysis of the data collected and stored in the app.
4.9.3 Difficulties/Bottlenecks
• Lack of qualified personnel and specialized laboratories in the Ethiopian
market, what hinders the outsourcing of technical activities;
• Difficulty and long period of time for the importation of the technology from
Brazil to Ethiopia.
4.9.4 Lessons Learned
The Brazilian co-leader highlighted the importance of the field visit of the
MKTPlace forum to the Jerivá farm (agroindustry) for the development of the project,
since the reality and the techniques applied in this farm are compatible to the African
one. Both co-leaders were part of the visit because they already had a project in
progress at MKTPlace approved in previous rounds.
4.9.5 Recommendations
There were no recommendations from the evaluation team.
5. Results and General Observations
• During the monitoring of the projects, it was noted that the teams on both
continents have technical competence to develop the activities and that they
are willing to share the knowledge available in their areas.
• Despite being the Embrapa Center with the biggest amount of projects
approved at MKTPlace, the Brazilian co-leaders believe that Embrapa Mid-
North should provide more institutional support for the development of its
activities.
6. Suggestions for Improving the MKTPlace
It was suggested for the MKTPlace team to provide more effective assistance in
the solution of bureaucratic procedures for purchase and transportation of equipment
from Brazil to African countries. Additionally, the difficulty to obtain co-leaders for new
proposals during the matchmaking period was emphasized. Lastly, the co-leaders
reported issues with the inclusion of the project in the IDEARE system.
7. Final Comments
During the monitoring, it was possible to notice that several projects assessed
present potential for great impact and scaling up, and might be of interest for M-BoSs.
Significant partial results have already been obtained, and, in some cases, the products
and technologies generated can be adapted to Brazil and arrive at the market,
especially in the semiarid region. However, in other cases, there were projects with
aims that were too ambitious to be performed in the period of two years, what must
be observed by the MKTPlace when approving the proposals.
Brasília, March 16th, 2016.
Luciano Lourenço Nass
MKTPlace team
Rodrigo Montalvão Ferraz
MKTPlace team