PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Sub-Regional Expert Consultation Meeting on Technology Transfer

March 30th – April 1st, 2004Irbid, Jordan

And Regional Technology Transfer Workshop

April 14-15, 2004Muscat, Oman

Sponsored byFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

(FAO)

In cooperation with

National Center for Agricultural Research and Technology TransferNCARTT, Jordan

Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa

(AARINENA)

Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jordan

The views expressed in this book are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Mention of specific companies, their products or brand names does not imply any endorsement by FAO.

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

All rights reserved. Reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product for educational or other non-commercial purposes are authorized without any prior written permission from the copyright holders provided this source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of material in this information product for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission of the copyright holders. Applications for such permission should be addressed to:

FAO Regional Office for the Near East, P.O. Box 2223 Cairo, Egypt or by E-mail to: FAO-RNE@fao.org

FAO/RNE 2007

Table of Contents

Page

Preface 5

I. Jordan Meeting 7

Issues in Technology Transfer Dr. Mohamed Eid Mejeed, Egypt

9

Conservation and Sustainable Use of Dryland Agro-Biodiversity Project, Jordan.Dr. Mohamed Al-Ajlouni, Jordan.

23

Technology Transfer of Feed Blocks Eng. Nadira Al- Jawhari, Jordan

31

Development of Feed Blocks Technology as Alternative Supplements for Sheep.Dr. Ala D. Salman, Iraq

37

Some Features of Iraq Experience in Agriculture Technology Transfer Dr. Hussain Khudair Abd El-Hussain Altaiy, Iraq

47

General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research Dr. Toni Talab, Syria

55

Technology Transfer in Palestine Mr. Bassem Wajieh Hammad, Palestine

63

Production of High Quality Peat Moss from Locally Available Material, New Locally Improved TechniqueDr. Ibrahim Bakri Abd-Razaq Al-Kbaisy, Iraq

79

Technology transfer Dr. Jamal ALrushiedat, Jordan

83

II. OMAN MEETING 89

Technology Transfer Dr. Laith M. Rousan, Jordan

91

Virtual Extension and Research Communication Network (VERCON). Dr. Abubaker Maddur, FAO, Rome

95

Sudan 6th General Conference on Technology Transfer and Adoption (Lesson Learned and Outcome).Dr. Mustafa Mohamed Elhag, Sudan

99

Improvement of Technology Transfer in the Near East Region Dr. Mahmud Duwayri, Jordan

105

III. Recommendations Jordan meetingOman meeting

111

IV. List of participants Jordan meetingOman meeting

113

V. Agenda Jordan meetingOman meeting

119

4

PREFACE

For many developing countries, increasing national agricultural production will be a major contributing factor to food security. There is a need to create an enabling environment to accelerate agricultural development through the management of natural resources and improving access to modern and cost-effective technologies.

No country, developed or developing, can ever hope to have or maintain a high standard of living without the application and continuing development of some modern technology throughout its economy. Of major concern is the impact of technology on agriculture and food supply. In fact, technology has great impact on methods of production, methods of processing, effective and sustainable use of land and water resources to produce food, and new methods related to biotechnological approaches.

The development of technology in developing economies through the process of TECHNOGY TRANSFER is of major concern to countries concerned and international organization. FAO is not an exception.

As a matter of fact, Technology transfer is not new, as cross-fertilization crossed the border of old civilizations and will continue in future. Nowadays, each country links its research efforts to the international system and cooperates to face important problems (Globalizations). While this type of cooperation continues to be necessary, technical cooperation among countries is becoming increasingly important.

The many definitions of technology transfer explain the nature of the process as : It is the process by which basic science research and fundamental discoveries are developed into practical and commercially relevant applications and products; the intersection between business, science, engineering, law and government; it ensures transforming of knowledge, derived from real world experience together with human expertise into action; and it is a social activity conducted between people not institutions.

Therefore, it should be emphasized that technology transfer is not selling some hardware to a client to use it but: Imparting of knowledge, skills and methodologies involved in the whole production cycle; Encompasses the social and economic fabric of a country; Being a visible change that should be effectively transferred; Requiring a strong linkage established between industry and research organization; Identifying and specifying research need, and knowledge of relevant research that is being conducted; Keeping innovation as the vehicle for transformation of scientific and research ideas into new or improved product, industrial process or social services. Successful technology transfer requires leadership, mechanisms to link government, business and academic sectors, and smart public-private infrastructures and linkages

Many developing countries are hoping to catch-up with successful examples of developed countries. Only a few succeeded in East Asia. It appears that, either through government policy pushing new technology or through the market pulling it in, developing countries are faced with some type and amount of technology transfer. Therefore, some policy recommendations must be considered e.g. technology assessment, technology transfer, appropriate technology and sustainability.

In general, a consensus is emerging on the kinds of technology most needed to meet future food needs as: low risk, resource-conservation, small-scale, locally-produced, affordable, easily replicable, easily repaired, easily serviced and operated by untrained users, involves local people

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and resources, based on traditional methods and suited to labor conditions. The appropriate Technology must be socially acceptable, technically feasible, economically viable, environment-friendly and meet the needs of farmers. And Technologies are subject to adjustment, change and evolution.

Among difficulties that prevent easy integration of new technologies into economics of developing countries are shortage of finance, decline of agricultural research funding, shortage of technological information, national institutes are slow to adopt a client-oriented approach in research programming, and little connection between farmers and extension agent.

As a consequence, policies to assist technology transfer for developing countries includes expansion of credit and savings schemes, shifts in the allocation of international agricultural research for the semi-arid tropics towards water-use efficiency, irrigation designs, irrigation management and salinity, and development of institutional linkage between countries.

Acknowledging the supreme importance of technology transfer in agriculture. FAO/NE organized in 2004 two successive events on the topic. “The Regional Expert Consultation Meeting on Technology Transfer” was held in Irbid, Jordan during the period March 30th – April 1st, 2004. The meeting was intended to pool experts- representing 5 countries, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and Syria- to share ideas, experiences, resources and information concerning technology transfer in the sub-region agriculture. Successful models of technology adoption was very much hoped to cross borders to neighbouring counties of similar environment. The idea was further extended by organizing the following Regional Technology Transfer Workshop, held in Muscat, Oman, during the period 14 – 15 April, 2004. It was an opportunity to widen the scope and integrate experts of the whole region, represented by 13 countries together with experts from the developed world and international organizations. The workshop was an important venue for further assessments of technology transfer, exchange unique approaches and ideas for the development of agriculture in the region.

The present proceedings are presenting a collection of the scientific contributions of participants of either meeting. It is our great hope that this would serve specialists, decision makers, and stakeholders as well.

6

I. JORDAN MEETING

Sub-Regional Expert Consultation Meeting on Technology Transfer

March 30th – April 1st, 2004Irbid, Jordan

Issues in Technology Transfer

Mohamed Eid MejeedAgricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt

E-mail: meid@ageri.sci.eg

IntroductionThe only constant feature of technology is continuous change.

Technology means the knowledge used to produce goods and services. It includes the new plant variety, new agricultural practices for better yield, packaging materials for exported produce, methods to convert farming wastes to new high value resources, high efficient irrigation systems, better marketing strategy, use of scientific measures to prevent pollution, use of remote sensing to monitoring fish aggregations, ELISA tests for virus-free seedlings, finger-printing of new varieties, e-commerce, use nano-technology for food sensor, development of new GMOs, traditional knowledge for use of medicinal plants, traditional practices for treating indigenous disease and drugs design (Sahar, 1995).

It also includes the knowledge of how to influence society in order to improve the standard of living and to tackle gaps in policies. It is the practical application of all accumulated human knowledge and practices to improve the livelihood.

Economically, technology is the knowledge to increase production using the same inputs. It creates jobs (new categories) and improves competitive advantages of a given society.

Technology differs in knowledge form and in knowledge type. Knowledge could be in a form of machine, equipment, tool, method, protocol, and know-how. Technology types could be high, low, and proper technology.

Technology needs to be properly managed as any asset with economic value. Management of technology not only needed for technology-generating organizations but also for technology seekers.

The current presentation deals with different issues relevant to technology transfer on a small, medium and large agricultural scale.

Technology TransferTechnology transfer is considered successful only when the knowledge (technology) is fully accepted and widely used as a part of the routine agricultural practices (Driscoll and Wallender, 1974). In the other areas, technology is not considered transferred until the product, process, method, protocol, or market strategy can be manufactured, distributed, used, and further developed by the end users (promote local technological development).

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Mechanisms for Technology TransferTechnology can be transferred through different approaches depending on:

1. The package involved in the transfer.2. The field of technology.3. The end users.4. The level of technology.5. The socio-economic status of the country.6. The infrastructure needed to absorb and adapt the technology.7. The management system of the end-users.8. The national policy related to technology management.

Technology transfer mechanisms1. Formal (commercial) knowledge transfer system

• Foreign direct investment.• Joint venture.• Franchising.• Contract involving management services.• License agreement.• Consultation and expert hiring.• Turn key contract.• Purchase of equipment and/or know-how.• Acquisition of technological knowledge through human resources (training, experts,

development of managerial skills, etc).• International subcontracting.

2. Non-commercial knowledge transferTechnical journals, product catalogues, training of personnel, and purchase of samples.

3. Informal knowledge transfer system.a. Meeting.b. Change in personnel.c. Business associations.d. Government programs.e. Extension (demonstration field).f. NGOs programs.g. Gender program.h. Newsletters, remote learning and mass media.

Widely used mechanisms for technology transferConsultation and expert hiring (Formal knowledge transfer)

• Most widely used in agriculture practice with foreign market target. • Give small business access to the technical

expertise of foreign market product specification and requirement, new techniques, post harvest treatment, composting of farm materials, water treatment, fertigation, packaging, compliance with GAP, compliance with HACCP, marketing strategy, buying new equipment, and training farm or agricultural industry blue-collars. Post-harvest Cooling system

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• Fast, cheap, up-to-date, reliable, could attract fund from foreign AID mission or government export-support programs.

• Expert works directly with producers with hand-on training.

Licensing Agreement (Formal knowledge transfer)Granting of permission by the technology holder for commercial or non-commercial access, reproduction, manufacture, sale, or other exploitation and use of developed intellectual property. Licensing agreement may be exclusive or non-exclusive, royalty-free or royalty-bearing, and limited or broad field-of-use. Typically used to acquire new plant variety, software, new fruit-coating material, trade mark, bio-fertilizers, know-how, and biological control agents.

Phases of technology transferBefore we get into the actual implementation of a technology transfer process we should discusse some issues which will help build up a favorable environment for technology acceptance and proliferation (Kaplinsky, 1990).

1. Technology choiceAs a role of thumb, technology must be matched with user’s requirement and carefully adapted to suite the needs of the people who work with it. Such approach will help us choose the “proper technology” which can be define as a technology able to overcome production constraints (labor intensive vs capital intensive), driven by market force, and maintaining quality in a perfectly competitive world market.

The most successful imported proper-technology choice which combine selective import of foreign technology with positive measure to promote local technology (Ansen et al, 1990).

The choice of technology depends on the objective. Introducing new industry (using solar energy in agriculture processing, i.e., crop dehydration, water well-operation) requires high overhead costs in collecting information about feasible alternatives. On the other hand, upgrading existing industry, may rely on well-known brand, names, or firms with which they have dealt in the past or rely acquiring technology through the flow of human skills (experts).

2. FeasibilityThe recipient of technology has a bargaining power depending on the nature of technology package and the range of information and services in return for payment or even with no-payment system (government extension services). Technical support in the package will help farmers or recipients to understand and apply the basic principles and techniques embodied in the technology regarding the complexity of the product. Lessons have been learned from past experience showed that third world countries may have better results if they deal with small multinationals.

Fertilizer injection system

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3. Management of technologySuccessful transfer involves adequate management at both technology acquisition and technology adaptation (farmers, labor). These includes proper planning, organization, and trained personnel. End users should be trained how to accept both changes in their daily production practices and value added investment in return for stronger competitive edge (on-farm cooling system for grapes, bean, and strawberry in return for longer shelf life). The existence of technology transfer infrastructure as an institution development will help the process to be focused, fast, flexible, and friendly (Kanter and Moss, 1990). Management of technology works both ways, e.g., licensing-out and licensing-in. Egypt has developed an innovative sugar equipment design and production capability need to be licensed-out, in the same time Egypt needs advance technology for high sugar recovery. Some local technology may not be competitive at the international level; it may often be relevant at regional level.

4. Constraints a. The past experience of technology transfer in developing countries and countries with

economic in transition have showed that existing social, economic and political conditions affect nature and magnitude of the transfer. Local conditions may work against transfer (planting of genetic modified plant variety).

Cultural implications can be a barrier. Economic conditions and ideology also help determine the feasibility of a transaction.

b. WTO agreements have added new constraints. TRIPs agreement as one of WTO basic foundation, mandates for the WTO members to observe the intellectual property right-components during any technology transaction which will give the technology holders more power in negotiation (royalties for new grape and strawberry varieties needed to fulfill export quota to EC).

c. Security considerations may pose yet another problem (using satellite images with very high resolution to observe crops’ yield through artificial intelligent).

d. Local technology development level is a vital part of the success of the technology adaptation process. Unless developing countries undertake technology transfer, adaptation, encourage of local innovations, and R&D activities in a serious manner, the choice of technologies available in the future will be increasingly sophisticated and irrelevant to the needs of the developing countries and countries with economic in transition (Meyer-Stamer, 1990).

e. Technology policy of a given country could boost, leapfrog or even made the country fall behind in their technological capabilities. Policy makers should be ahead of the country’s technological needs by adapting an appropriate ambitious technology strategy. The policy should define the role of either government (technology capacity building) or private sector (technology capability development). The government technology investment policy must be developed to encourage the accumulation of technological capabilities of knowledge, skill, and experience within private sector (on-farm package design tools, new pressure differential fertilizer injector, follow the Good Agricultural Practices and/or EUREPGAP protocol, biogas recycling tool for farm material). Import tariffs policy and indigenous incentive system for R&D will have an impact on the acquisition of new knowledge.

Organic Farming Produce

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Phases of Technology Transfer

1. Transfer of end-product of matured knowledge (material transfer) It is a direct purchasing of a new technology in a form of a complete package. Technical

support could be provided depending on the type of legal-binding contract. End users will be trained on how to use it without commitment to capacity building from the technology providers.

2. Transfer of Capability (design transfer) Transfer of the know-how and all capabilities to introduce new product into the market

of a given country or of a region. The transfer includes machines, parts, experts, training of blue-collar production teams.

3. Transfer of Industry Capacity Training of white-collar teams to acquire the skills to use, absorb and adapt the new

product to local conditions.

Institution Development for Technology TransferVisionTechnological know-how or any new knowledge is best shared by building strong partnership with end-users.

Mission1. Such partnership should offer a variety of technology transfer mechanisms that allow

farmers/businesses (small, medium, and large) to access new developed knowledge.2. Promote rapid conversion of new knowledge to be commercial/business tools into hands

of those individuals and businesses who can put it into practical use.3. Optimize the affiliated institution’s decision making in directing and managing of their

technology programs.4. Clearance house for new technologies.5. Formulating and monitoring an internal policy for the organization to enhance internal

innovations, protection of intellectual property rights, knowledge exchange, marketing of in-house new knowledge, acquisition of new practice for end-users, and secure a reasonable return of research investment.

ObjectivesSetting up a Technology Transfer Office to properly managing the knowledge needs to improve, up-grade and modernization of the agricultural practices for maximum benefits under the current available resources.

Goals1. Identify potential knowledge (machine, equipment, tool, method, protocol, and know-

how technologies) to meet an agricultural industry’s top priority needs.2. Cooperating with farmers’ organizations, agri businesses, and policy makers to identify

and prioritize knowledge needs.3. Preparing and distributing production problem solving packages include expert technology

solution (e.g. expert systems for plant irrigation, fertilization, diseases treatment and insect protection; Produce packaging, and food safety and good agricultural practices).

4. Monitoring technology development world wide and disseminate status reports to appropriate end-users using different mechanisms depending on the target operation (e.g., extension, expert meeting, association contact, flier, and training program).

5. Secure win/win licensing agreement for new knowledge as requested by end-users.

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6. Setup a new knowledge resource center (databases, contacts, agencies, experts, consultants, books, reports, videos, newsletters, and journals) as reference for stakeholders.

7. Supports participation in technology R&D consortia, and coordinates the development and exchange of technology information throughout the scientific, business, governmental, and academic communities.

8. Evaluating of the adaptability of new technologies.

Incubator as a tool for technology transferTechnology incubators are a vital mechanism for bringing technology and entrepreneurs close to each other and to push new knowledge to market. It is a typical place for start-ups, spin-off, and small business.

Incubators provide hands-on management assistance, as well as access to financing, marketing, consultants, and business or technical support services. They offer services, access to equipment, and low rent facilities. Incubators could be sponsored by universities, government agencies, community groups, business association, private industry, investors and coalitions of these groups.

The specific goals of incubator are to

• Encourage new small business formation and nurturing new ideas.• Boost technology development (R&D) and product commercialization.• Use for small scale production of experimental products.• Transfer high technology and hard-to-sell new technology.• Use for market development..

A technology incubators usually include

• A network connection with other business owners.• Opportunity for getting small business financial support.• Common services area (fax, phone, computer, secretary, meeting rooms, mailing

address, etc.).• Technical support.

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References:1. Sahar Ahmed Nasr, 1995 Technology transfer in Egypt, Am Chamber o f Commerce In

Egypt.2. Dirscoll, Robert E and Wallender, Harvey W, 1974 Technology transfer and Development:

An Geographic Perspective, Fund for Multinational Corporations, Education and the council of the Americans, New York, p1.

3. Kanter, Rorabeth Moss 1990 “Improving the development, Acceptance, and Use of New Technology: Organizational and interorganizational Challenges,” PP 15-55 in People and Technology in the Workplace. National Academy of Engineering , Washington: National Academy Press.

4. Kaplinsky, Rafhael, 1990 “Technology Transfer, Adaptation and Generation: A Framework for Evaluation,” Technology Transfer in the Developing Countries, ed. Manas Chatterji (New York: MacMillan 19-25.

5. Meyer-Stamer, Jorg 1990 Unconventional Technology Transfer and High Tech Development. The Case of Informatics in Newly Industrialize Countries,” Technology Transfer in Developing Countries, ed Chattereji, Manas (New York, Mac Millian, 281-290).

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Annex ATentative List of New knowledge available for end-users

1. Use of Gibberellic acid in table grape

2. Postharvest handling of sweet potato

3. Fresh strawberry transplant production

4. Produce packing

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5. On-farm air-cooling facility.

6. New micro-irrigation technology.

7. New fertilizer injector.

8. Drip irrigation system for strawberry.

9. Biological control of Red Palm weevils (United Arab Emirates).

10. Food safety and Good Agricultural Practices.

11. Soil salinity management.

12. Soil fumigation and solarization.

13. Adaptation of Info Technology to Crop Production Sustainability (Precision Agriculture), Jordan.

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Annex B

Success stories

1. Setting up A Technology Transfer Office for Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt

PreambleThe “Agricultural Research Center Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization Policy” has mandates establishing of “Technology Management and Commercialization Office, TMCO”. Briefly, the Policy seeks to capture the ideas, software, inventions and new plant varieties developed by Institute researchers, protect them in the name of the ARC, to determine the best method to benefit society with these advances and, if possible, commercialize them in order to bring increased revenue to ARC and the innovators of the ideas, inventions and/or plant varieties.

Office MissionTMCO mission is to assist the ARC in transferring its new technologies to its end users by taking necessary procedures for protecting, marketing and licensing these intellectual properties to eligible industry partners.

Structure of TMCOAgricultural Research Center is devoted to development of all agriculture technologies needed for Egypt. ARC provides its services through a complex network of 16 specialized research institutions, 9 central laboratories and 46 research stations. The TMCO network will consist of a main office and ten satellite offices. A Director who will oversee all TMCO activities, an executive secretary, program and marketing coordinators, and a database operator will staff the main office. Additionally, the TMCO Director is authorized to engage outside consultants for legal and marketing support in accordance with existing regulation and budget constraints. The ten satellite offices will be located in the various research institutes. A Coordinator trained in technology or intellectual property management will staff each of the nine satellite offices. Coordinators will be available to answer questions, conduct workshops, assist innovators in completing necessary forms, and maintain supplies of the various forms used in managing technology transfer.

The satellite coordinators will each be responsible for a specific area of ARC research. Ten offices will cover the following:

1. Industrial crops2. Biotechnology3. Soils and Environmental matters4. Animal production5. Food materials and Horticulture

6. Agricultural engineering7. Field crops8. Animal technology9. Plant technology10. Software

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TMCO Scope of ServicesThe followings are the scope of TMCO services that are provided to all ARC researchers according to the proposed ARC Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization Policy.

Logistics • Documents, information, web resources, database, representation. • Annual prizes and ARC awards.

Legal • Represent both ARC and employees at all IP legal protection offices nationally and internationally.

• Review all agreements, contracts, license and IP claims development.

• IP Infringement watch.• Maintain the periodic legal status of all ARC IP.

Awareness • Training and update knowledge.• Subject oriented brochures.• Web site communication.• Management of research lab data.

IPAssessment • Technology merit (pre-meeting).• IP international search.• Writing and compiling data for application.

Negotiation • License, CRADA, and material transfer terms.• IP ownership.• IP inspection for protection.• Possible Infringement of other IP.

Marketing • Linkage w/business community. • Technology promotion.• Business Plan.• Technology use & dissemination.

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2. Composting of farm materials in Egypt

A program has been developed to improve production of vegetable crops to open new export markets in Europe (organic produce). The strategy is to transfer and utilize the technology of recycling of crop residues as fertilizers for certified organic farming.

Mechanisms used to transfer the technology1. Technology Pilot Testing

Two governmental farms have been converted to organic farming and used as demonstration fields for interested small and medium sizes’ farms. Give away the starter free:

• Solid starter• Liquid starter

2. Seminars• Organic farming seminars on-sit. Land

owners invited.• Material-oriented composting seminar• New trends in organic farming (expert

meeting seminar).• Processing of compost seminar

3. LecturesExpert from Florida Farming and Law

4. Pamphlet of compost5. The program help farms to be certified as

“organic farm” with license to label their products with “organic produce”

End resultsAfter two years, 25 private farms and 7 governmental farms have been converted to be “Certified Organic Farm”.

Preparation of compost

foreign expert invited for technology up-date (from Luvan, Belghium)

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Conservation and Sustainable Use of Dryland Agro-Biodiversity Project, Jordan

Mohamed Al- AjlouniAgrobiodiversty project, P.O.Box 639, Baq’a, Jordan

E-mail: majl@just.edu.jo

The project strategy is to develop community driven in situ and on-farm agrobiodiversity through adding value technologies, supported national legislation and policies and increasing public awareness.

Target areasThe project will be implemented in two target areas in Jordan; Ajloun and Muwaqqar ( as indicated in the map below). These two areas represent two different Eco-systems.

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Target CropsField crops: Wheat, Barley, Lentils, Aegilops and their wild relatives and landraces.

Fruit trees: Olives, Pistachio, Pomegranate, Fig, Plum, Apricot, Cherry, Pear and their wild relatives and landraces.

Forage crops and rangeland species: Vetches, Medics, Alfalfa and their wild relatives and landraces.

Vegetables: Onion, Leek, Garlic and their wild relatives and landraces.

Project Goals• Study the causes of agro-biodiversity

degradation.• Find alternative use for land that ensure

the conservation and sustainability of the eco-system.

• Raise the national awareness on the importance of agro-biodiversity conservation and sustainable use at all levels.

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• Provide in-situ and on-farm training on conservation and sustainable use of agro-biodiversity at various levels including individual farmer and farmer community.

• Review and reform the existing national policies and legislation to promote the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity.

• Reform of land tenure arrangements to promote use of land for profitable and sustainable production and to introduce new conservation measures.

• Test these policies for lessons learned , and adaptive project management and intervention on agro-biodiversity.

Integrate the concern for biodiversity conservation with development needs. Making fundamental changes in society to slow the loss of biodiversity.

Technology Transfer

Water harvesting experience

Water harvesting within forest land ( Malool forest case)100 dunun of forest (oak trees) were demonstrated (water harvesting, technical pruning )8 forest locations in Jordan adopted this technique (786 Dunum)

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Before

Training and demonstration

After

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Water harvesting within hilly land ( Wahadneh site)• Cooperation with Al-Wahadneh center to demonstrate field genebank and integrate

the local community within the activity• 10 dunums were selected for demonstration• Technical package tested• Training and technology transfer

Site selected

Technology tested for medical plants and fruit trees

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Training and technology transfer

Water harvesting and rangeland

Public meetings & field visits

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Land preparation for demonstrations

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Technology Transfer of Feed Blocks

Nadira Al-JawhariNCARTT, Amman, Jordan

E-mail: nadira 101@yahoo.com

IntroductionRuminant nutrition is considered the main factor affecting animal production (milk, meet, wool) ,which in turn affect farmers’ income and food security. In Jordan, farming system is depending on grazing rangeland, which receive annual rainfall less than 200 mm. However, this land is deteriorating due to overgrazing and drought.

The drought which hit Jordan in 1998 caused reduction of red meat and milk by 40 % below the normal levels and increase of barley and straw imports at higher prices, which has negative effect on farmers’ income and their food security.

Through the Mashreq /Maghrab (M/M) project, implemented by ICARDA and NCARTT, it was possible to transfer technology developed by the project related to finding an alternative feed resources for ruminants. Feed blocks, as alternative feed resources has become commercially available through the private sector.

History of feed blockIn the 1980’s , several research works were conducted, by the universities in Jordan on the use of agricultural –by-products (olive twigs, olive pulp and tomato pomace) as feed supplement to replace part of the barley ratio in the feed ration. Although the results were encouraging, unfortunately these results and information were not communicated to the animal producers.

The M/M project through several phases from 1992 to 2000 dealt with the transfer of technology of the feed block and enabled mainly NGO’s, to produce the feed block from local agricultural-by-products in the following stages:

• Training and trails on how to use and manufacture the feed blocks.• Importing 3 feedblocks units from Iraq.• Funding the production of another 4 blocks making units in Jordan, which were given

to NGO’s to serve animal producers.By the year 2000, 7 units were produced in Jordan and distributed to several regions of Jordan.Currently, NCARTT strategy focuses on how to disseminate the idea of feed blocks for all regions of Jordan, in order to fill the shortage of feedstuff and to improve small ruminant production.

Agro, agro-industrial and food processing by-products.These by-products came from different sources and places which include: straw of field crops, stem and leaves of vegetable crops, twigs and leaves of fruit trees, poultry letter, bones and internal parts from slaughter houses, olive pulps and tomato pomace from presses, whey from milk processing and residues from brewers, meat processing, wheat mill and other food processing factories.

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Why using agro agro industrial and food processing by - productsThere are several reasons for resorting and the use of agro, agro-industrial and food processing by-products. These include:

• Shortage of feed resources• Deterioration and desertification of range land due to over grazing and drought

seasons.• Drop in sheep and goat productivity and fertility.• Increase in lamb mortality.

Livestock In JordanJordan consists of 12 governorates, which distributed in three different bioclimatic zones (Arid zone rainfall is having less than 200mm, semi arid zone 200-400 mm, and semi humid zone more than 400mm). Total population of livestock in Jordan is 2,395379 million heads of small ruminants and 65300 cattle head; more than 50% of the small ruminant population is distributed within the Arid zone that receive less than 200 mm

Feed calendarThe following Table (1) shows the feed calendar in Jordan

Table (1): Availability period of feed sources

S O N D J F M A Ma Ju Jl Au

Forage crops X X X

Crops residuals X X X

Cereal straw X X X X X X X X X X X X

Olive pulp X X X X

Tomato pomace X X X X X X X X

Flock owners depend on barley and wheat bran as ruminant feed resources. In bad seasons, they depend on cereal crops all over the year , while in good seasons they decrease the amount of cereals and depend on range land production for 2- 3 months.

Formulas of feed blocksTable (2) shows the ingredients of feed blocks for different locations of agro by-products.

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Table (2): The ingredients of feed blocks for 9 different formulas of agro by- products*.

IngredientsFormula

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Urea 6 7 8 8 8 7 6 7 7

Nacl 5 5 5 5 5 3 5 5 5

Cement 5 2 2 5 5 2 2 - -

CaCO3 10 8 8 10 12 5 6 - 4

Poultry letter 35 36 20 24 25 - 30 - -

Olive Cake - - 20 - - 24 20 52 50

Barley - 26 19 - - 39 20 - -

Tomato Pomace - - - 24 20 - - - -

Wheat Bran 39 26 18 24 25 20 8 24 24

Tibin - - - - - - 3 - -

Pentonite - - - - - - - 10 10

Gypsum - - - - - - - 2 -* M/M project report

Manufacturing techniquesTwo methods (manual and mechanized) were used for processing feed blocks in Jordan:

1. Manual ProcessingMolds can be made from metal in single or multiple blocks or PVC in single block. The following sizes of the metal mold can be used:

a. Single cylindrical feed block 20x20x20 cm 2 mm in thickness.b. Multi-cubic feed blocks.

The following materials are needed to make the blocks:

- Wood board to spread feed blocks over it.

- Weigh Scale .

- Bucket (10 liters capacity).

- Plastic sheet for making the mix.

- Feed ingredients.

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Procedure- Weight the ingredients (urea, salt, cement, wheat bran, olive cake, and barley) according

to the specific ratios.- Dissolve the urea and the salt in10 litters water- Add cement and pentonite.- Add the other ingredients gradually one by one (barley, olive cake or tomato pomace)

while stirring, wheat bran should be added last in order not to absorb all the amount of water. After good mixing pour , the mixture into the molds and press firmly. Remove the blocks from the mold and spread over the wood board for drying. It takes one week in summer and 3 weeks for winter to dry.

2. Mechanized processingIn 1998, electrical mixer , similar to the cement mixer was used with speed 22-28 rpm with capacity of 100kg/ hr. After weighing the ingredients add them one by one to the mixer which should have the proper amount of water and solvent,(the mixing time depends on the amount of mixture). Pour the mixture into the molds and press firmly, then dry.

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On station trialTable (3) shows the effect of olive cake treated with urea on lamb.

Table (3): Effect of olive cake treated with urea on lamb fattening*.

Ingredients (%) and price (JD) Control 10% olive cake 20% olive cake 30% olive cake

Barley 60 50 40 30

Olive cake with 5 % urea - 10 20 30

Wheat bran 25 25 25 25

Soya meal 12 12 12 12

CaCO3 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

Nacl 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

Vit& minerals 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Price per ton (JD) 99 92.5 84.5 78.5

* M/M project reports

The average daily weight (gm) of 176.4, 169.64, 170.3 and 157.7 were obtained for control. 10% olive cake, 20% olive cake and 30% olive cake, respectively.

On farm trialEffect of feed blocks on ewes lambs at MadabaTwo treatments were applied on two groups of sheep. The treatments were: the control, which is the grower traditional feed practice and the feed block (Table 4). Results showed that the daily weight gain for feed block treatment was 121.6 gm / head / day while for control was 102 gm / head / day.

Table (4): Ingredients of the feed block used in the on farm trail*.

Ingredients Control (%) Feed block (%)

Olive cake 0 35

Wheat bran 50 35

Barley 50 0

Urea 0 10

Nacl 0 10

Cement 0 10

* M/M project report

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Impact of feed block technologyIn 2001 M/M project donated feed block making unit to Adder Livestock Association in Rabbah. This association adopted feed blocks technology and started to produce feed blocks making in June 2001 on a commercial level in south region of Jordan . Now there are 4 feed block units in Jordan, which were donoted to NGO’s and started to produce feed blocks upon the request of farmers. Der Alla Rural Woman Cooperative Society in the Jordan valley, used tomato pomace in the feed blocks and started to produce it on a commercial level upon the request of farmers.

Khanasrah StationFeed blocks are produced on a commercial level in the Khanasrah station, located in the north of Jordan upon the request of farmers. When farmers started to use the feed blocks, they substituted 50% of barley with feed block at a cost of 40 JD per ton. Net return of feed block is 2.45 JD/ head.

Farmer observations about using feed blocks and their effect on flocksThe following observations were made by the farmers using feed blocks:

- No wool drop.

- Stop the habit of wool eating.

- Decrease in the habit of plastic eating.

- Increase in small ruminant health.

Adoption of feed blocks technologyThe adoption rate of farmers who used this technology is 28.8 % . Those they did not adopt this technology gave the following reasons::

• The high cost of transporting the feed blocks from the production place to farm.

• Need labor.• Need more time.• By – products not available all the time.

Transfer feed blocks technologyThe feed block technology was transferred to farmers through several field days conducted by the extension program of the Ministry of Agriculture. Three hundreds farmers participated in such field days all over Jordan. Radio programs, newspapers, pamphlets, posters and short films were used to make sheep producers aware of this technology.

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Development of Feed Blocks Technology as Alternative Supplements for Sheep

Ala D. SalmanIPA Agricultural Center, B.O.Box 39094 Baghdad, Iraq

E-mail: aladsalman@hotmail.com

AbstractSheep play an important role in the livelihood of the households under the dry conditions of sheep farming systems in Iraq, where the productivity (meat and milk) is low. One of the main limiting factors in Iraq is the shortage of good feed resources, which can meet their nutrient requirements. The majority of sheep are raised under extensive production systems. Therefore, they are dependent on grazing native pasture and crop residue for considerable parts of the year. However, the general trend in Iraq is the declining of natural pasture contribution to the total feed resources for ruminants. The main reasons for the rapid deterioration of rangelands are the over grazing and giving priority of cultivation to food crops, even in the marginal lands.

The frequent incidence of drought in the region aggravated the situation further. The shortage of feed grain (barley), which is diverted to human consumption, is another factor behind the reduction in sheep productivity. On the other hand, considerable amounts of crop residues are available now in the region due to expansion of food crops (+ 37%) especially cereal grains. These residues contribute about 45% of total feed resources available for ruminants in Iraq. The major limitation of crop residues as animal feed is that they are deficient and unbalanced in essential nutrients and thus unable to provide for an efficient rumen. Barley grain and wheat bran are the most common and widely used supplements by sheep owners during the shortage of grazing, especially during hand–feeding and drought periods. But the high cost of these feeds prohibits their wide scale use by sheep owners. Therefore, there is a great interest among farmers to replace barley grain by another cheaper feed resource. Considerable amount of Agro– Industrial by-products (e.g. date pulp, sugar beet pulp, tomato pomace, brewer grains and etc…) are available in Iraq. But these by –products are not efficiently utilized in animal feeding. Opportunity in Iraq exists to fill part of the gap between the supply and the demand of feed resources through efficient utilization of these by-products. The past experience from inside and outside the region, has shown that many unconventional but locally available by-product can be used successfully as alternative feed supplements for ruminants. Feed blocks made from urea and agro–industrial by-products were proven as good supplement for improving ruminant productivity, which depend on low quality forages as their basal diet. In the late 1980's, Masherq Project funded by UNDP and AFESD and executed by ICARDA in Iraq, Jordan and Syria revived the interest in feed blocks technology as alternative feed source for sheep in these countries. The interest in feed blocks technology in the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region was consolidated by initiation of Masherq/Maghreb (M/M) Project, under the title “Development of Integrated Crop / Livestock Production in Low Rainfall Area of WANA ”, sponsored by the AFESD and IFAD and coordinated by ICARDA in collaboration with IFPRI and implemented in partnership with national programs of the M/M countries (Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia) in 1990. The national teams of the M/M project countries implemented a strategy to disseminate feed blocks technology among sheep owners in these countries. The major achievement in the development of feed blocks technology within the region and outside the region has been obtained in Iraq. This is mainly due to large-scale adoption of feed blocks technology by sheep owners and private sector.

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The Iraq national team of M/M project adopted a holistic approach in the development of feed block technology in Iraq, which included the formulation of the block materials, development of equipment to make the blocks, and making procedure and new approach of dissemination of cost effective and sustainable technology among private sector feed block makers and sheep owners.

IntroductionThe greatest single constraint to small ruminants development in dry area of Iraq is the shortage of good feed resources due to:

• Deterioration of Rangeland.• Decline in the production of green forages.• Priority is given to the cultivation of food crops.• Expansion of food crops especially cereal grains (wheat and barley), hich in turn

resulted into increase of crop residues by 37% for the period from 1960 to 1992. However, the use of crop residues in ruminant feed is still limited.

Figure (1) below shows the feeding and breeding cycles.

Energy Dig. (35-45%)

Low

Protein Content (3-4%)

Dry Pregnan Lactation Dry

Breeding Cycle --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ( --- Mating ---) (---Lambing---)

( --Cereal Stubble--) (--Hand-Feeding--) Barley grain Straw Natural Pasture Natural Pasture

Feeding Cycle !------!------!------!------!------!------!------!------!------!------!------!J J A S O N D J F M A M

Figure (1): The annual Feeding and Breeding Cycle of sheep in Iraq

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Agro-Industrial by-productsConsiderable amount of Agro-industrial by-products are available in Iraq such as:

- Conventional by-products e.g. wheat bran, rice bran.- High moisture by-products e.g. sugar beat pulp, date pulp, brewer grains, tomato

pomace.However, these by-products are not efficiently used in ruminants feeding; therefore, opportunity in Iraq exists to fill part of the gap in feed deficiency through efficient utilization of these by-products.

Supplementation Strategies- With the existing sheep feeding system, strategic supplementation is the most appropriate

way to improve sheep productivity.- The past experiences from inside and outside the region have shown that many

unconventional but locally available by-products can be used successfully as alternative feed supplements for ruminants.

- Feed blocks made from urea and agro-industrial by-products proved to be top supplement and good management tool for improving ruminant productivity, which depends on low quality forages as their basal diet.

- Feed-block technology was introduced into the system as supplementary feed for sheep at different stages of production, through collaborative efforts between ICARDA, M/M Project and IPA Agricultural Research Center.

Feed blocks supplementFeed blocks supplement was originated in South Africa and spread to Australia and United Kingdom. During the 1980’s, FAO promoted Mollasses feed block technology and more than 60 countries have received assistance from FAO to help introducing this technology. Also, the Mashreq / Maghreb project revived the interest in the feed block technology in the region.

Why Feed BlocksThe following reasons show why using feed blocks:

• They are cost effective technology adapted to local condition.• They are made from agro-industrial by-products which can be used as catalyst,

strategic and substitution supplements for small ruminants raised under extensive, semi-intensive and intensive systems.

• They are most practical and economical for utilizing high moisture by-products.• The method used to make the block is the most efficient and safe method of using urea

as nitrogen (protein) supplement for ruminants.• They optimize the use of conventional by-products (e.g. wheat bran, rice bran and

cotton seed cake)• They can be used as carrier for rumen undegradable protein, trace elements and

vitamins, pharmaceuticals (anthelmintic), energy and additives manipulating rumen fermentation.

• They are easy to make and do not need sophisticated equipment.• They satisfy the farmers’ preference of being a readily usable package of technology.• They are easy to handle, transport and do not disturb feeding practices of farmer.

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The Iraqi methodology in formulation and making the feed blocks is considered as major development in and outside the region. The equipment are simple and locally made. The methodology was widely adapted by private sector in Iraq and many countries in the WANA region.

Manufacturing EquipmentThe equipment needed in feed-block manufacturing is presented in Fig (2). This equipment is simple and can be manufactured locally by local artisans at very low cost.

Figure (2): The Equipment needed in feed-block making>

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Feed blocks formulationThe feed blocks can be made from a variety of locally available ingredients, resulting into different nutritive value, prices and quality.

In Iraq, many formulas of feed blocks were developed with different levels of urea, binders and varieties of agro-industrial by-products. The main ingredients were high moisture by-products (date pulp, sugar beat pulp, brewer’s grains, tomato pomace and whey) together with poultry litter, wheat bran, rice bran and grounded corn cobs. Inclusion of high moisture date pulp, which is available in Iraq in commercial quantities, gave excellent blocks regarding hardness and compactness. Therefore, this by-product was used as the main ingredient of the blocks.

Tables (1) and (2) show the components of feed blocks made at IPA Research Station and at the private sectors in Iraq and in the M/M project countries. Table (3) shows the formulas for feeding ewes according to their physiological stages.

Table (4) and (5) show effect of feed blocks suplimintation on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes on research station and on farm, respectively.

Table (6) shows effect of feeding high energy feed blocks (HFB) on the performance of Awassi ewes during hand feeding period on farm in Mosul.

Table (1): Formulae of feed blocks manufactured by IPA and private sectors.

Ingredients %IPA/

BaghdadAlb /

Mosul Kir/Ta Kut Alt/B R/A F/A B/S I/M

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Urea 7 8 7 7 6 6 6 7 7 6 6 7 7 6

Wheat bran 25 20 24 25 24 25 25 20 25 22 22 26 26 28

Rice bran 7 12 5 10 7 - 5 5 7 5 5 - 5 4

Poultry litter 23 - - 10 15 15 14 - 15 15 14 - - 12

Date pulp - 38 - - - 15 - 35 - 10 20 30 25 -

Beet pulp - - 40 15 10 5 15 - - - - - - -

Corn gluten - - - - - - - - 16 - - - - -

Corn cobs 14 10 5 14 12 10 14 16 10 11 14 16 16 7.5

Tomato pomace - - - - - - - - - 10 - - - 13

Reed - - - - 5 - - - - - - - - -

CaO 15 10 12 14 14 10 14 10 12 12 10 15 15 15

CaSO4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Bentonite clay 2 - - - - - - - 2 2 2 - - -

Salt 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Rice hull - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7.5

Sesame by-product - - - - - 8 - - - - - - - -

Alb/Mosul = Albusafe/Mosul, Kir/Ta = Kirkuk/Tameem, Alt/B = lteifia/Babylon,R/A = Ramadee/Anbar F/A = Fluja/Anbar, B/S = Bajee/Salahddin, I/M = Ibrahim/Mosul

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Table (2): Some formulae of feed blocks manufactured in M/M countries.

IngredientsFormulae No.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1415*

16**

Urea 10 10 7 6 7 7 8 7 7 4 7 6 7 7 5 5

Molasses 40 40 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Wheat bran 30 10 30 38 34 32 20 25 30 10 27 27 25 22 30 32

Rice bran - - - - - 22 15 - 5 5 - 15 5 5 -

Feed flour - - 10 - - - - - - - - - - - -

Date pulp - - - - - 38 35 - - 35 - - 20 12 46

Olive cake - 20 35 36 - - - - - - - - - - - -

Beet pulp - - - - 32 - - - 22 - - - - - - -

Brewer grain - - - - - - - - - - - 45 - - 9 -

Poultry litter - - - - - 20 - 5 5 35 5 - 22 15 15 -

Ground straw - - - - 8 - - - - - 8 - - - - -

Ground corn cobs - - - - - - - 10 10 - - 5 10 10 - -

Ground reed - - - - - - 10 - - 34 - - - - - -

Quick lime - - 12 7 12 12 10 12 14 6 12 10 7 10 10 8

Cement 15 15 - 7 - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bentonite clay - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 4 - -

CaSO4 - - - - 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1

Salt - - 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 5 3

Minerals premix 5 5 1 1 - - - - - - - - - - - -

Whey - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - -* Mating Feed Blocks ** High energy Feed Blocks

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Table (3): Feed blocks formulae according to ewes physiological stages

Ingredients* Mating Pregnancy and lactation

1 2 3 4 5 6

Urea 5 5 5 5 5 5

Wheat bran 30 30 30 32 32 30

Rice bran 20 5 5 10 - -

Date pulb - 14 12 - 46 44

Beet pulb - - - 36 - -

Poultry litter 12 15 15 5 - -

Brewer grain - - 9 - - -

Cotton seed meal 7 7 - - - -

Cereal waste 8 8 - - - -

Sunflower meal - - - - - 10

CaO 12 10 10 8 8 8

CaSO4 1 1 1 1 1 1

Salt 5 5 5 3 3 3

Table (4): Effect of feed blocks supplementation on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes (on-station)

Exp 1 Exp 2 Exp 3

C FB1 SSM C FB2 C FB2 FB3

No. of ewes 29 28 30 27 27 32 32 30

Days on test 82 82 82 82 82 82 82 82

Initial weight (kg.) 39.5 39.6 39.4 46.3 46.3 42.2 42.8 42.1

Weight gain (g/d) 30 51 44 -35 5 3 26 32

B.C. score at mating 2.13 2.33 2.23 2.36 2.27 2.42 2.46 2.52

Conception rate (%) 86 93 87 78 89 81 94 97

Lambing (%) 93 100 93 89 115 84 109 117

Twining (%) 10 7 6.6 11 26 3 16 21

Supplement intake (g/d) --- 144 150 --- 227 --- 259 280C = Control (No supplement)FB = Feed BlockSSm = Sunflower seed meal

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Table (5): Effect of feed blocks supplementation on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes (on-farm)

variablesExp 4 Exp 5

C FB C FB

No. of ewes 50 50 30 30

Days on test 60 60 60 60

Initial weight (kg) 45.7 45.3 44.2 45.2

Weight gain (%) 18 51 20 92

Conception rate (%) 54 68 43 87C = Farmer practice (No supplement)FB = Feed blocks

Table (6): Effect of feeding HFB on the performance of Awassi ewes during hand –feeding period (on-farm, Mosul area).

Locations

Nazazh Al-Jernff Beasheeka

C FB C FB C FB

No.of ewes 20 20 15 15 27 27

Days on test 85 85 72 72 70 70

Initial ewes wt.(kg) 51.9 52.5 48.5 47.6 45.2 44.8

Final ewes wt.(kg) 37.4 37.1 40.5 42.6 36.1 36.7

Lambs birth wt.(kg) 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.1 3.2 3.0

Lambs wt. At weeks (kg) 12.3 13.4 13.2 11.7 8.2 8.1

Milk yield (g/ewe/d) 242 385 500 362 330 330

Feed intake (g/ewe/d)

Whole barley grain 412 - 712 356 890 305

Straw 265 500 370 370 N.D. N.D.

FB - 347 - 416 - 445

Feed cost (1.D/head) 2326 1442 3341 2614 3364 2976

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Monitoring the adoption of feed blocks technologyEconomic feasibility of using feed blocks in sheep feedingThe general objective is to assess the effectiveness of the project in realizing its goals of productive and sustainable small ruminant-based production, through technology generation, transfer, and income and welfare improvements among the user population. The specific objectives are:

• To monitoring the adoption rate of the feed block technology by sheep owners and blocks makers, and identify with them any emerging constrains.

• To determining the main factors affecting adoption rate, degree of adoption and intensity of adoption of the technology.

Table (7) shows the benefits and costs in Iraqi Dinar (ID) of using feed blocks in sheep feeding.

Table (7): Benefits and costs of using feed blocks in sheep feeding

Year Annual Feed blocks production (tons)

Annual benefits(000.I.D)

Annual Costs(000I.D)

1994 6650 0 23232752

1995 6650 446643 232752

1996 13350 896643 467253

1997 4100 273373 143501

1998 3450 231731 120748

1999 4150 278731 1451251

2000 4150 278731 1451251

2001 2500 167912 87501Note: value of 1-kg meat is 1500 ID and value of 1-kg milk is 200 ID

Table (8) shows the benefits cost ratio (B/C) and internal rate of revenue (IRR)

Table (8): B/C ratio and IRR for alternative discount rates

Discount Rate (%) B/C Ratio IRR (%)

10 1.56 87

20 1.48 71

30 1.41 58

Table (9) shows the adoption and sustainable use of feed block technology according to participation category in Iraq in 1996.

Table (9): Adoption and sustainable use of feed block technology according to participation category in Iraq (1996)

Type of ParticipationAdopters

Total Once ContinuousNo % No % No %

Participation in demonstration 46 31 43 94 25 58

Participation in fields days 31 21 11 36 6 55

Non participants 72 48 3 4 1 33

Total 149 100 57 38.5 32 56

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Table (10) shows the adoption of feed block technology according to participating category.

Table (10): Adoption of feed blocks according to participation category

Type of ParticipationTotal sheep owners Adopters

No. % No. %

Participants in Demo 46 30.9 43 94

Participants in FD 31 20.8 11 36.0

Non-participants 72 48.3 3 4.2

Total 149 100 57 383

Table (11) shows the adoption of feed block technology according to production system.

Table (11): Adoption of feed blocks according to production system

Type of systemTotal sheep owners Adopters

No % No %

Intensive 16 11 10 62.5

Sedentary 92 62.8 31 33.7

Transhument 34 23.4 14 41.2

Nomadic 7 2.8 2 28.6

Total 149 100 57 38.3

Table (12) shows the timing (month) of using the feed blocks by sheep producers.

Table (12): Timing of using the feed blocks by sheep owners.

Timing (Month)Adopters

No. %January 4 7.3February 1 1.8June 3 5.4July 1 1.8August 4 7.3September 4 7.3October 9 16.4November 8 14.5December 21 38.3Total 55 100

Outputs and progress achieved during 2000/2001Based on above information, the best calculated B/C ratio is 1.56 and IRR is 87%, which indicate the following:

- High economic returns are associated with the use of feed blocks in sheep feeding.- An additional return of 0.56 ID is associated with each one ID invested in feed blocks.

ConclusionThe feed block technology is very efficient and successful for sheep production in countries where the feed resources are limited. The M/M project was one of few projects that the results adopted by sheep producers.

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Some Featrures of Iraq Experience in Agrculture Techno logy Transfer

Hussain Khudar Abd El-Hussain Altaiy Faculty of Agriculture University of Bagdad, Bagdad, Iraq

E-mail:hussain altaiy@yahoo.com

Strategy and Iraq experience in agriculture technology transferTechnology transfer is considered the basic process in agricultural development to achieve the green revolution. This process gets increasing attention at world level since the 1960s of last century aiming at best methods and most suitable strategies to make this process effective.

Many countries developed strategies in agriculture technology transfer field, to fit with their circumstances, agriculture development level and experience. These strategies represent the general directives, the future view and the framework that unites all efforts in technology transfer process and directs them to reach its goals.

In Iraq, at the second half of sixties this process took new directions and was given the needed support because of the new strategy which emphasized the following:

1. Increase crop and animal production to achieve self-sufficiency.2. Rationalization of water use and requirements for agriculture.3. Conduct research and technology development to be transferred to the farmers.4. Using the style of developing national programs and projects in a form ready to apply

and transfer to farmers.5. Expand the involvement of the organizations to participate in agriculture technology

transfer process.6. Agricultural leaders should lead the development projects and programs.7. Using the style of multi-specialist research team at the process of developing agricultural

technologies and transfer.8. Coordinate with research centers in the area and the region, as well as international ones

in the field of agricultural levels technology.

To achieve this strategy the following steps were taken:1. Increase the number of agricultural organizations which transfer agriculture technology,

through:a. The creation of IPA center for Agriculture Research in 1990, which was connected

with ministry council to perform scientific agriculture research; and transfer its results to the farmers. Organizational framework of this center included the general department of production and technology transfer. The center implemented some agricultural development programs and projects including technology transfer to farmers.

b. The Ministry of Agriculture, and its Agricultural Companies and the General Commission for Agricultural Research cooperated with IPA center, Agricultural Faculties, the Agricultural Extension Departments , Seed Technology Commission and seed producing companies that belong to the Ministry of Agriculture, to transfer the agricultural technologies to the farmers. Diagram (1) shows the agricultural organizations which participate in transferring agriculture technology in Iraq.

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2. Carry out agricultural development projects and programs aimed to improve crop and animal production, and developing techniques and ideas on how to transfer the technology to farmers. The following are some of the programs and objectives which were carried out during the period 1995-2000.

• National program to improve field and leguminous crops production (1995).• National program to improve rice production (1995).• National program to improve tomato and protection in Iraq (1995).• Projects for development of white and yellow corn production (1996).• National program to develop cotton production (1998).• Rehabilitation of poultry production (1998).• Projects for oil crops development (1999).• National program to develop irrigation techniques (2000).

3. Improve the performance of agricultural extension agents through the Integral Extension Regions Project carried out by the General Commission for Extension and Agricultural Cooperation during the period from 1996 to1998 in the field of planting rice, yellow corn and wheat.

4 Perform annual agricultural extension activities for extension and agricultural cooperation including the distribution of new agricultural techniques.

5. Establish ad hoc bodies to transfer the results obtained from the research programs to the farmers. Diagram (2) shows the organizational structure of (Development National Program) technology transfer program.

6. Carry out the connection between scientific research, agricultural extension and supply companies. This connection can be seen in diagram (3).

7. Contact with farmers for seed multiplication of the improved cultivars

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Agriculture Technology Transfer Organizations

Within the Ministry of Agriculture

Research CentersOutside the Ministry of

Agriculture

Cooperating Organizations

1. Ministry of Agriculture Council

1. IPA Agriculture Research Center

1.Agricultural Colleges

2. Public Companies:- Horticulture and forestry- Industrial Crops

2. Seed Technology Commission/ Atomic Power Center

- Animal Wealth Services - Commission for

Agricultural Research- Commission for

Extension and Agriculture Cooperation

- Seed Production Company called Between the Two Rivers”

3. Agriculture Research Department/ Atomic Power Center

Diagram (1): The agricultural organizations that participate in transferring agriculture technology in Iraq

Steering Committee form the Ministry of Agriculture

Advisory Committee

Technical Committee from the Executive managers of programs

• Technicaian and Researchers• Sectorial coordinators

Included counties by program A level, B level

Research StationC level

Diagram (2): The organizational structure of technology transfer program

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AgriculturalExtension

ScientificResarch

supplyCompanies

Farmers

Diagram (3): Connection between scientific research, agricultural extension and the supply companies

Sprinkler Irrigation Technology (Case of Technology Transfer)In spite of having two rivers (Tigris and Euphrates), Iraq is facing problems related to water, the most important one is the soil salinity due to the use of traditional method of irrigation.

The use of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems are one way to solve the soil salinity problem in addition to saving considerable amount of irrigation water. Therefore, an irrigation project was initiated in 2000 in the northern and middle counties of Iraq (Baghdad, Diala, Al-Anbar, Salah AL-Deen, Al-Ta’meem and Nineueh) aiming at testing the use of sprinkler irrigation system as compared to the traditional irrigation systems. If the system proved successful, the irrigation systems will be imported, then the private sector will be encouraged and given incentives to manufacture its component locally, and an integral extension package will be implemented to transfer the technology to the farmers.

Adoption and Dissemination of Agricultural TechnologySprinkler irrigation technologies (axial and fixed) are distinguished by its quick adaptation by the farmer in the targeted areas. Within the three years of the project period (2000-2002) the number of used sprinkler units reached 2185 of the axial type and 4500 of the fixed type. The fast adoption of this technology is attributed to the followings governmental activities in which the government:

1. Offered financial support to farmers using the technology. The units were sold to the farmers at a price equals to 17% of its import cost. The cost of axial irrigation unit was estimated at 70 million Iraqi Dinars, was sold to the farmers at 12 million Iraqi Dinars. The units were sold to the farmers without first payment and was paid over several years.

2. Launched intensive and broad advertisement about these technologies by Ministry of Agriculture and its offices mainly the general commission for agriculture extension and cooperation which carried out the following activities:

• Held seminars for farmers in each county.• prepared radio and television extension programs.• published articles in local newspapers and in Iraqi agriculture extension journal

published by Ministry of Agriculture.• Informing the leadership in the agricultural sector about it.

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3. Continued monitoring and following up the agricultural technology transfer.4. initiated multiple and variable extension activities directed to farmers in targeted counties

through training courses, field demonstrations, extension brochures and field days.In spite of the high adoption rate of using the sprinkler irrigation technology, the spread of this technology is still very limited, the agricultural areas use the axial and fixed sprinkler system is about 3% of the total agricultural area.

Results from using sprinkler irrigation systemThe initial results obtained from the short period of testing the sprinkler irrigation system in the farmers’ fields were:

1. Adding the necessary amount of water at the proper time.2. A considerable saving in the amount of water used for irrigation.3. Enabling the farmers to expand the cultivated areas.4. Enabling the farmers to fertilize and add pesticides through the system.5. Improving the cultural practices.6. Producing high quality crops.7. Increasing yields.8. Using less manual labors.

Due to the above results, the number of farmers using the sprinkler system increased considerably in very short period of time.

Methodology and Means of Agriculture Technology Transfer

Methodology:To invent and transfer the agricultural technologies, agricultural system research methodology is used. This methodology includes three research levels, as shown in the diagram (4).

C Level done at research stationsinvent technology

B Level done at wide scale in farmersfields under researcher supervision

A Level done in the farmersfields to transfer thetechnology

Diagram (4): the research levels of the invention and transfer of technology

BasicResearch

Suitability and Verification of

Research

Publication of Research

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Stages and steps of invention and transfer of technologyDiagram (5) shows the stages and steps of invention and transfer of technologies:

Transferring MethodsAgricultural technology transfer and dissemination is a process includes several stages and steps that use group of strategies and methods (Diagram 6). Technology dissemination in this region are faced with some difficulties such as:

1. Technology procedures.2. Explaining its characteristics.3. Training farmers to adopt it.4. Contracting with farmers.5. Ways to provide the technology

Barriers of Agriculture Technology Transfer in the CountryIt may be said that the agricultural technology transfer could face many barriers due to the nature of this process being technical and social. The nature of these barriers may differ within different stages and different technologies. The most important barriers which faced agriculture technology transfer process in the region within the last decade were:

1. The embargo that was imposed on Iraq since 1990 until 2003 resulted in difficulty or unavailability of many requirements needed for agriculture technology transfer.

2. Absence of financial resources to farmers (agricultural banks).3. Shortage of agricultural extension agents at local level, their numbers reduced since

eighteen’s until now. The number of the agricultural extension agents in the whole region was estimated to be 170, in addition to absence of agricultural women extension agents.

4. Absence of new systems of communication between farmers, extension agent and researchers.

5. Discontinuation of government support to disseminate the new irrigation technologies.6. The absence of security in the region after the occupation. The free and safe movement

of researchers, technicians and agricultural extension agents to the countryside became very difficult.

Future plans and strategies for cooperation with countries of the region in technology transferThe first action made by the Ministry of Agriculture after the war was rehabilitation of its different institutions depending on the offered aids from some organizations and donor countries, then it started a work resumption in some of its developmental programs. Presently it is performing some of agriculture technology transfer projects supported and financed by external donor organizations.

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Diagram (5): the stages and steps of invention and transfer of technology

Diagram (6) shows the most important agricultural technology transfer methods

Diagram (6): the most important agricultural technology transfer methods

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General Commiddion for Scientific Agricultural Research

Toni TalebDepartement of Technology Transfer, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural

Research, SyriaE-mail:talebtoni@lycos.co.uk

IntroductionBefore 2001, in Syria there were different agricultural institutions working on agricultural researches (i.e. Directorate of Agricultural Scientific Research, Directorate of Irrigation and Water Management, Directorate of Soil Sciences, Bureau of Olives, Bureau of Citrus, and Bureau of Cotton), and they were united in one research structure: i.e. the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR). This helps in uniting efforts towards solving problems or improving situation.

The Commission carries out agricultural research according to the plans of agricultural development, to achieve the best use of natural resources in sustainable manner in Syria, and to synchronize the scientific and technological development in the field of agriculture. GCSAR co-operates with faculties of agriculture in Syria (Damascus, Al-Bath in Homs, Techrin in Lattakia, Aleppo Agr. Fac.1, Fac.2 in Deir-Alzor) and with international organizations in Syria such as FAO, ICARDA, ACSAD etc.

The structure of the GCSARIt consists of 7 Research Administrations and 7 independent Departments and 18 Research Centers spread over the country. At the beginning of 2003, the Department of Technology Transfer was established. The Department aims to transfer technologies, including the results of research and skills from the commission and the research centers and from abroad to the farmers and agronomists. This is done in order to improve production in term of quantity and quality, taking into consideration sustainability of natural resources in co-operation with Directorate of Extension (DoE) at the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA).

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The structure of Department of Technology Transfer:There is a section for Technology Transfer, at the time being, in each of the seven Administration of Research, 3 sectons in the eight Departments of Research, and one in each of the eighteen research Centers.

The structure of Department of Technology TransferThe following diagram shows the structure of the Department of Technology Transfer (DTT).

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The Tasks of the Department of Technology Transfer• Applying new technologies, by holding agricultural extension fields in co-operation

with Directorate of Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture,• Transferring appropriate techniques that are developed locally or abroad on a wide

scale.• Finding out the solutions to agricultural problems raised by farmers through the

extension staff.• Applying, spreading, adopting the results that proved to be successful.• Performing scientific researches on difficulties related to the methods of technology

transfer and adoption.• Evaluating the adopted techniques.• Publishing agricultural bulletins, periodicals and extension bulletins.• Performing training courses and lectures for researchers, technicians, and extension

staff.• Co-operating with Directorate of Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture, private

sector, and Syrian universities, to find out the farmers’ needs and the solution for their problems.

• Providing the research centers with the equipments and the scientific assistances needed for the activities of technology transfer,

• Holding seminars for researchers on new information obtained by post-graduated scholars.

Strategy and Experience of the Country in the Field of Technology TransferLately, several ministries have established a section for technology transfer due to its importance. Consequently, a section for technology transfer at the GCSAR was launched in early 2003. However this section lacks experienced staff in the field of TT.

Many field days and seminars of different subjects were held at the Research Centers last year to educate agronomists and farmers. The following table shows the number and type of activities which took places in 2004.

Research Center of No. of Field Days No. of seminars Total

Homs 21 6 27

Tartus 11 - 11

Mohseh 1 1 2

Al-Soueida 8 8 16

Edleb 5 5 10

Countryside of Damascus - 9 9

Hama 17 1 18

Daraa 13 19 32

Al-Gab 4 2 6

Quoneitera 2 4 6

Lattakia 5 2 7

Aleppo 4 1 5

Raqa 20 10 30

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De-Alzor 5 1 6

Al-Hasaka 10 7 17

Qameshli - 4 4

Jouseit Al Kourab 2 - 2

Salameih 1 - 1

Dep. Olives - 7 7

Total 129 87 216

How the GCSAR co-operates with the Directorate of Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture.

- The Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform has its extension plan focusing on the priorities pointed by the State including strategic crops, widespread crops and on important issues. The Directorate of Extension at the MoA asks the DTT at the GCSAR to provide it with specialists to discuss each subject of the annual extension plan before its approval.

- During the agricultural fairs held by the MoA, the GCSAR via DTT contributes actively in those Fairs in all fields as it is the main source for demonstrating materials. The GCSAR participates with many agricultural fairs on the national level and international ones.

- On the other hand, the GCSAR informs the MoA about any activities in the field of Technology Transfer.

The following diagram illustrate the cooperation between the GCSAR and The Directorate of Extension

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Agricultural technology developed in the country or transferred from other countriesThe following are the types of technologies developed or brought from abroad and transferred to Syrian agriculture

- In the field of crops: Many new varieties and cultivars have been developed by the plant breeding program of GCSAR, and they are grown in Syria (i.e. wheat, barley, chick-pea, maize, sorghum, etc.).

- In the field of cotton: New varieties of high yield and quality were developed by the Directorate of Cotton. Modernizing the methods of production also has been presented.The seeds of new varieties and cultivars especially strategic crops (i.e. wheat, corn, cotton etc.) that are produced by plant breeding programs at the GCSAR, and were definitely successful during their experimentation and extended fields are being sent to the general organization for seed multiplication (GOSM) to be multiplied and distributed to farmers.

- In the field of plant protection: Testing the activity of the chemicals (elements) that are being used for plant protection, and their effects on food, water and soil and toxicities on plants and animals. Using resistant rootstocks for nematodes and soil born diseases, and grafting good cultivars on them (melons, water melons, tomatoes, peppers, etc.). Additionally, using organic substances in soil disinfections.

- In the field of Horticulture: New varieties or cultivars that are imported have to be tested by the GCSAR before being (released) allowed to be introduced. Improper ones are rejected. There are several plant breeding programs for vegetables at the time being. Furthermore, executing experiments on heating greenhouses with solar energy, besides studying and evaluating olive oil of Syria for the purpose of improving its processing methods and quality, and establishing field gene bank for several fruit trees in several areas in the country. As a result of this protected cultivation, olive trees and olive oil, and other horticultural plants have been developed and improved during the last decade. A Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) on Integrated Production and Protection Management (IPPM) for protected crops is being conducted in cooperation with the FAO at four locations as demonstrating sites while the Departments of TT and Protected Crops of the GCSAR are supervising the work of the project. Several techniques were transferred to farmers such as soil disinfection by solarization, using healthy seedlings, insect-proof net, colored traps against insects, bumble bees for pollination, improving climatic condition by using side ventilation, and using resistant cultivars for significant pests . Several field days and seminars were performed during the course of the project and many farmers have adopted many components of the IPP project. With regard to citrus, a program on biological control is being applied by the GCSAR that produces and distributes to farmers natural enemies against the most important pests. This method proved to be successful as no chemicals are sprayed for controlling Citrus Wooly Whitefly, Citrus Mealy Bugs, and Citrus Leaf Minors.

- In the field of Animal Resources: A program to improve the productivity of local races of animals such as Al-Shami Cows, Al-Shami Goats, and Al-Wasi Sheep is being carried out by the GCSAR. That is done through a genetic improvement selection and breeding processes. A number of improved animals were distributed to animal raisers.

- In the field of Natural Resources: Emphasis was made on the development and introduction of new irrigation system (drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation) in order to save water. Soil analyses are done by GCSAR laboratories free of charge for farmers to advice them on proper use of balanced soil nutrients in order to improve the quality of production and reduce its cost.

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Methods and means of technology transferI- Transfer technology from abroad

- Attending seminars, specialized short courses and workshops- Executing joint projects with international organizations or with developed countries.- Attending local or international agricultural fairs,

II- Transfer the locally developed or adapted technology- By executing extended field trails,- Through field days (129 field days were held by GCSAR during 2004),- Via seminars and workshops- Through Radio, TV and Newspapers,- By Agriculture Extension Bulletins, brochures and leaflets.- Via the Agricultural Magazine (a periodical is published every six months), - Through advertisements and announcements for certain subjects by TV or other means, - By participating in national and international Agricultural Fairs.

III- Means to help transfer the technology- Scientific References Facilities:

Main Agriculture Library for the GCSAR that has many references: books, periodicals, reports, publications, etc. i.e. foreign books (11479), Arabic books (9001), periodicals (8000). All researchers and agronomists can benefit from the library. Each Research Center has a small library that has specialized references.

- Telephone and Internet Infrastructures: Recently an internet access has been put into use between the headquarter of the GCSAR, Centers of Research, and Research stations as 24, 18, 48 lines (total 90) have been accessed respectively. However, neither the numbers of telephone lines nor the numbers of computers are enough. There is a plan at the GCSAR to increase the number of computers and the lines of telephones. The GCSAR has a department for informatics and publication that has experience in maintenance and employment of nets,

Diffusion and adoption of these technologies by local communityIn order to have the research plan of the GCSAR matches the needs of the country, the GCSAR invites both the Ministry of Agriculture, represented by its directorates including the Directorate of Extension, and the public organizations, such as Farmers’ Union, to discuss their annual plans of research.

In addition, researchers accompanied with extension personnel carry out study tours and visit different areas to be acquainted with the real situation of certain crops or plants in order to solve their problems.

To transfer and adopt certain technologies, the GCSAR cooperates with Directorate of Extension and other directorates at the MoA through:

- Participating in the Annual Agriculture Extension Plan on the country level.- On the other hand, the GCSAR according to its research plan informs the MoA about

any activity in the field of technology transfer (field days, seminars, etc.).Holding field days and seminars, in addition to other means such as agricultural fairs, proved to be successful in technology transfer, if subjects are important and economically feasible to farmers.

Scientific materials that are presented by extension films, advertisements, extension bulletins, magazines, and by newspaper contributes actively to TT.

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Impact of the adopted technology- Improvement of well being of farmers.- Positive impact on the farms society.- Increase of the technology awareness and benefits.- Improvement of the quality of products.

Constrains and obstacles facing Technology Transfer in Syria- Low level of harmonization in-between the different scientific bodies and extension

staff,- Lack of experts in the field of TT field (Transfer, adoption, and its research) due to the

fact that this department is a new one,- Low level of scientific and financial capability of the staff of TT due to the same reason

mentioned above,- Refuse to apply certain technologies by farmers due to the lack of experience in applying

them and improper information or incorrect application of transfer of technologies or due to financial reasons (poverty, or land fragmentation),

- Neither a common strategy for research and extension nor a clear system for cooperation exists between Directorate of Extension and GCSAR (research),

- Extension officers do not update their information concerning new technologies created by researches,

- No direct contact between the extension staff and farmers that results in lack or in delaying of feed back with information and problems of the farmers to researchers,

- Not enough transportation means for the research or extension staff at extension units and research centers to observe and monitor the actual situation of agriculture,

- Not enough number of computers and telephone lines at the research centers and extension units. The same is true for farmers,

- The double role of public service (the extension staff: advise and utilize laws); the increasing number of regulations make it hard for extension staff to implement new technologies, in addition that farmers are reluctant to adapt new technologies,

- The level of exchanging ideas between researchers, extension staff, and farmers is not that suitable.

What should be done to enhance technology and information exchanging and adapting?- A shared vision between policy makers, researchers and extension staff,- Better understanding of the role of agricultural research and its contribution to agricultural

developments,- Building up awareness in the society, and between politicians,- Providing society with scientifically based confidence in new or appropriate

technologies,- Public dialogue and public information about certain adoption,- Participation of stakeholders and farmers in the research plans: identifying problems and

setting up priorities,- Financial contributions of stakeholders in carrying out researches,- Improving Information and Communications Technologies (ICT),- Networking between the scientists, and extension staff and farmers,- Developing communication systems aimed at the government, the farmers and their major

stakeholders, that would enhance their overall standing of the GCSAR by explaining how the knowledge creates and provides value to government and to the economy and society as a whole,

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- Capacity building of policy makers, researchers, and extension staff,- Contribution of international, regional, and Arabic organizations in transferring

appropriate technologies proved to be regionally successful through exchanging information, knowledge and experiences using TT,

- Training and improving staff capability in the field of TT,- Establishing a Regional Work Group in the field of Technology Transfer that meets

regularly, and points out its priorities and technologies should be transferred and adopted,

- Contribution of FAO and other financing institutions in building electronic system such as VERCON on the national level and regional one, to strengthen the relation between extension and research and to improve the cooperation between in the region in TT.

Successful and failure storiesOne of the successful stories in technology transfer is the biological control of citrus pests which it is better to leave it as a case study. Thus, herewith a story with two faces as a successful feature but not successful feature in drip irrigation.

Drip irrigation Proved to be successful in the world and it has been completely adopted in protected cultivation due to the fact that farmers got advantages, especially in reducing the relative humidity level in greenhouses thus reducing the hazard of plant infection by diseases and pests. Small properties and high level of educated farmers working in protected cultivation helped the adoption of drip irrigation system, as it does not require much experience in planning and establishing irrigation systems,

On the other hand, drip irrigation system has been applied in a small percentage (16% of total area of 1,266,282 ha) for open field vegetables, crops, and fruit trees in spite of the financial support given by the state, in terms of loans to farmers up to 60% of the irrigation system value. That is due to:

- Lack of proper scientific and practical information for technicians and farmers,- Not applying strictly the laws and regulations that forbid digging new wells,- Low level of awareness among farmers on the importance of using such system,- Not sufficient financial means to install a drip irrigation system, and the hesitation of

farmers to request loans due to the routine procedures, - Big areas need adequate experience for planning drip irrigation systems,- The products of some companies that produce components of the drip irrigation system

are not matching standard measures.

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Technology Transfer in Palestine

Basem Wajieh HammadMinstry of Agriculture, National Palestinan Authority

E-mal: basemhammad@hotmailcom

IntroductionThe total land area of the West Bank (WB) and Gaza Strip (GS) amount to 6245000 dunums (6245 Km2), of which an estimated 1980000 dunums are used for planting crops, 1900000 dunums range land and 260000 dunums forest land (Figure 1).

Figure (1): Cultivated and non-cultivated area of the Palestinian Territory

The agricultural sector continues to be an important source of employment to the population of about 2.8 million in the Palestinian territories. Of 70% who live in the rural areas, the share of employment in the agriculture sector is 26% of the labor force in the West Bank and 19% in the Gaza Strip, respectively. The agricultural sector played a key role through its contribution to the national economy in the 1970s. Whereas average contribution was approximately 37% of GDP in the 1970s, it declined to 22% in the 1980s, because of the Israeli policies, such as encouraging employment inside the Green Line, flooding Palestinian markets with Israeli agricultural products, besides its monopoly on the trade of agricultural inputs. Agriculture’s contribution to employment reaches its peak in 1992, to around 40% because many Palestinians lost their jobs in the Gulf and in Israel in the wake of Gulf war, and shifted to work in agriculture. This percentage has dropped to 13% in 1999 for WB and GS. The rapid growth in other sectors, mainly services led to a decline in the relative contribution of the agricultural sector, while it continues to grow in absolute terms. In spite of that, the agricultural sector still plays an important role in providing food, 91%, 90%, 61%, and 35% of vegetables, white meat, milk, and red meat, respectively for domestic consumption.

The cultivated area is approximately 1851 thousand dunums of Palestinian farms, of which 90.4% in the WB and 9.6% in GS. The livestock production is as follows: 30105 cattle, 1113680 sheep and goats, 48904 thousands broiler chickens, and 2171 thousands layer chickens.

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Agriculture production ValueThe value of agricultural production of the Palestinian territories counted to about US$ 856 million. The figure includes 59.2% of plant production (41.3% for the WB and 17.9% for GS). Livestock production constituted 40.8% (of which 33.6% for the WB and 7.2% from GS)

Agricultural production in the Palestinian territories is dominated by small scale family owned farming units, with crops grown under rainfed, irrigated and greenhouse conditions. Although the use of modern technology is relatively extensive, production practices are labor intensive, often lacking appropriate management practices and improved seeds. Agricultural production is directed mainly at domestic and Israeli markets, with limited export windows. Market access often hinder by border closure and limited marketing infrastructure (Figure 2).

Figure (2): Percentage of agriculture production value 2001/2002.

Research and ExtensionPublic agricultural extension services are primarily delivered through the general directorate of Agricultural Extension and the Rural Development in the Ministry of Agriculture with its 17 directorates, and many of extension units distributed across the Palestinian territories.

Presently, there are about 500 extension agents working in directorates and extension units. Most agents hold a first university degree in agriculture. Public extension services are provided free of charge and delivered directly to farmers or farmers groups.

Problems and constraints facing extension• Limited capacity to train and upgrade extension agents.• Poor coordination between public and private extension services.• Limited Financial Resources.• The Israeli closures.

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ResearchSince the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) assumed its responsibilities, agricultural research has been reactivated through the establishment of the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), and the rehabilitation of several applied research stations, and the intensification of on farm demonstrations.

Public agricultural research activities in Palestine are delivered through the Ministry’s eleven research stations supervised by General Directorate of Extension and Rural Development and National Agricultural Research Center. The stations are distributed across different areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Research is mainly focused on varietals comparisons and rationalization of agriculture input use, introducing new varieties of field crops and fruit trees that are suitable to local environmental conditions and resistant to drought. Some work has been done in the areas of livestock and integrated pest management. Close cooperation exist between the research and private sector companies dealing with input trade. Several private and non-governmental Palestinian organizations are conducting scientific research, although their activities in this regard are limited. Three Palestinian universities have agricultural colleges, the research activities of which cover a wide range of subjects. Other colleges and research institutes are affiliated with non-governmental organizations which focus on basic, applied and environmental research.

Problems and Constraints Facing Agricultural Research1. Problems related to research facilities: Laboratories, equipment and instruments.2. Problems related to human resources: The number of researchers working at NARC is

limited, and the experience covered only limited fields. Lack of trained specialists at the research stations. Inadequate salaries and incentives.

3. Problems related to financial resources.

Technology TransferTechnology transfer is the process by which existing knowledge, facilities or capabilities developed under federal R&D funding are utilized to fulfill public and private needs, or it can be defined as a formal transferring of new discoveries and innovations resulting from scientific research conducted at universities to the commercial sector.

Technology transfer includes a range of formal and informal cooperation between technology developers and technology seekers. In addition, technology transfer involves the transfer of knowledge and technical-know how as well as physical devices and equipment.

Technology can result from the applications of science to add value, simplification, diversification, and productivity to a management process or product. However, technology’s value wanes unless it can be transferred to a user who can apply the technology to create a tangible benefit. Arising from this assertion, the vitality of public good science funding is critically dependent on technology transfer.

Some of the mechanisms that make technology transfer possible: joint research, cooperatives agreements, cooperative research and development agreements; licensing, technical meetings, trade shows, and information dissemination.

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Reasons for technology transfer1. Commercialization disseminates the results of new research to society.2. The availability of technology transfer assistance and the potential revenues from

commercialization helps recruit, retain and reward faculty.3. Technology transfer stimulates closer partnership between the university and industry.4. Commercialization directly generates jobs, income and economic growth for the region,

which provides opportunities to the students of the university and their families.5. Research commercialization helps diversify the economy through direct contribution to

knowledge-based advanced- technology industries.

Steps towards commercialization may involve1. Evaluating a technology and conducting market research to determine commercial

potential or industry interest.2. Protecting intellectual property by filling a patent application and managing the patent

prosecution process. This may include covering initial statutory protection expenses. 3. Identification potential industrial and/or financial partners, and marketing technology to

suitable companies.4. Negotiation and administering legal agreements relating to the rights to use the invention,

including option agreements and license agreements.5. Managing revenue collection and distribution.

Technology transfer process is explained with six phases1. Technology innovation.2. Technology confirmation.3. Targeting Technology consumers.4. Technology marketing.5. Technology application.6. Technology evaluation.

Benefits of technology transfer1. Strengthen the economy.2. Create jobs.3. Spawn new business.4. Create industries.5. Open new markets.6. Provide new products and services that improve quality of life.7. Stimulate experience for academic researchers.8. Provide direct financial benefit o the inventors, as well as to their departments and

institutions.

Country Strategy and experience in Technology Transfer• Promoting the use of technologies, this will maintain soil fertility and acceptable water

quality.• Improving cropping patterns and agricultural practices which include introducing

organic farming, integrated pest management, new crops and cultivars to maximize production by unit area and or maximize production per unit water. Also, using different fruit varieties with different maturity dates. Rehabilitation of wells, rehabilitation and maintenance of distribution systems and improving the efficiency of water distribution, conveyance systems and agricultural roads.

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• Enhancing water supply by construction of wastewater treatment and collection systems at major urban centers and water harvesting projects. Treated wastewater is to be used for irrigation of fruits, fodder crops and for supplementary irrigation of many rainfed crops such as olives, cereals and others.

• Improve the efficiency of production and utilization of available resources regarding animal production.

• Up-grade local animal breeds.• Establishment of breeding stocks.• Introduction of new breeds.• Training of staff and workers.• Rehabilitation of experimental stations.• Up-grade extension and veterinary services.• Establishment of information system.• Optimization of the use of –by products.• Diseases control programs.• Modern technologies in production, storage and transportation.• Expansion of fishing area.

Agricultural Technology Development in the Country or Transferred from other Countries

Plant productionIn comparison to rainfed agriculture, the irrigated agriculture has been more dynamic in adopting modern technology, especially protected agriculture crops produced under greenhouse and high tunnels and rows using drip irrigation.

Fruit trees constituted 63% of the cultivated area of the Palestinian territories while vegetables and field crop production comprised 9.4% and 26.8% of the cultivated Palestinian areas respectively. In GS, 71.5% of the cultivated area relies on irrigation compared with only 7% of the WBs cultivated area that relies on the same source of irrigation. (Figure 3).

Figure (3): Percentage of cultivated area of fruit trees, vegetables and field crops in the Palestinian Territory, 2001/2002.

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1. Fruit TreesAbout 1181 thousand dunums of land are used for fruit trees production, including 1105 thousand dunum in WB and 76 thousand dunums in GS. About 82.6% of the area cultivated with fruit trees in GS is irrigated, whereas 98.4% of the total cultivated fruit trees area of the WB is rain-fed. Most of the fruit trees in GS is citrus production. Olive production forms most of the fruit production in the WB, making 78.4% of fruit trees in the Palestinian territories, followed by grape with 6.7% and almond production with 5.3%. Olive plantations are concentrated in Nablus, Jenin, Ramallah and Al-Bireh, whereas grape trees are concentrated in Hebron. Almond trees are concentrated in Jenin and citrus trees are concentrated in GS. (Figure 4).

Figure (4): Percentage of fruit trees in the Palestinian Territory 2001/2002.

Technology Transfer in Fruit Trees

1. Seedless grapesThis technology has been introduced to the Palestinian territories from Israel in 1997. Seedless grapes were cultivated for the first time in Jericho district as a demonstration site in a very limited area, under greenhouse and open field conditions. The cultivars that have been introduced were: Superiur, Early Superiur and Perlett for the open field; Perlett and Perlett 125 for greenhouses.

The fruits of seedless grapes are small in size; so, hormones are used to increase fruit size. At present, there is about 1200 dunums of seedless grapes are cultivated in Palestinian territories.

2. Introducing New Crops and CultivarsProductivity of crops grown in arid and semi-arid areas depends strongly on heat and drought tolerance of the crops. In certain region, the productivity may be improved by introducing cultivars originally adapted to other climates. Therefore, new cultivars and crops were introduced such as mango, date palm, avocado, Kiwi, Guava, Loquat, and Aversemon.

3. Foliar FertilizationFoliar fertilization (or foliar feeding) entails the application- via spraying- of nutrients to plant leaves and stems and their absorption at those sites. Very dilute solutions of nutrient formulations are suggested for effective use. This technique has been introduced as a mean of supplying supplemental doses of minor and major nutrients, plant hormones, stimulants and other beneficial substances. Observed effects of foliar fertilization have included yield increase, resistance to diseases and insect pests, improved drought tolerance and enhanced

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crop quality. Plant response is dependent on species, fertilizer form, concentration, and frequency of application, as well as the stage of plant growth. In terms of nutrient absorption, foliar fertilization can be from 8 o 20 times as efficient as ground application

While foliar fertilization is being used on a wide variety of crops, its economic value is generally deemed greater for horticultural than for agronomic crops. This technique is used in Palestinian territories on citrus, deciduous fruit trees, apple and vegetables under greenhouses.

VegetablesResults show that 175 thousand dunums of land are used for vegetable production in the Palestinian territory of which 72.4% in the WB and 27.6% in GS. About 67.7% of the vegetables area of the WB is irrigated while the rest is rainfed. The area of protected vegetables constitutes 41 thousand dunums or 23.4% of vegetables areas of the Palestinian territories. Whereas open irrigated area and rainfed area comprises 50.1% and 26.5% respectively. Squash and Tomato are the main crops of vegetable produce, comprising 31% of the total vegetables area of the Palestinian Territory (Figure 5).

Figure (5): Percentage of vegetables area in the Palestinian Territory 2001/2002.

Technology Transfer in Vegetables:1. Foliar Fertilization: under greenhouses.

2. Introducing new cultivars:Hybrids which adapted to the environmental conditions, high yield, salinity and resistant to diseases.

3. Tensiometer scheduling:This technique is used as a method for irrigation scheduling, where we use special instrument (tensiometer) to monitor water availability in soil, and to determine the amount of water to be added to keep plants in good irrigation conditions without water stress.

This technique was known in Palestinian territories in the past through Israeli private companies, but it was not used by farmers. In 1995, through a special project in the Ministry of Agriculture and NGOs, this technique was adopted by farmers to improve irrigation efficiency in Palestine.

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Advantages of this technique- Improve irrigation efficiency.

- Save water.

- Keep plant away from water stress.

- Monitor the water conditions in soil.

4. FertigationOne of the most important challenges facing advanced farmers is to provide crops with optimal quantity of water, and nutrients throughout the growing cycle in the most efficient manner possible.

Fertigation is delivering both water and nutrients to crops simultaneously through the irrigation system. Fertigation ensures that essential nutrients are supplied precisely at the area of most intensive root activity.

Fertigation implies the following advantages- Improving nutrient availability to the plant.

- Enhancing nutrient uptake.

- Reducing fertilizer application rates and water requirements.

- Minimizing leaching losses.

- Preventing salt injuries to roots and foliage.

- Reducing soil compaction due to fewer field operations.

- Decreasing weed population.

The overall result of these advantages is higher yields with improved quality. Furthermore, the saving in time and labor associated with practicing fertigation help to increase the grower’s profits.

5. Bumble bees (Genus Bombus)They are semi-social bees with some similarities to the honeybee. Bumble bees have a queen that produces drones, workers and other queens. However, the colonies are annual, unlike the honeybee’s year-round colonies. Bumblebees hold pollen on their hind legs like the honeybee.

Advantages of the use of bumblebees1. Excellent Pollinators under Difficult Circumstances

Unlike honeybees, bumblebees are active at low temperatures, in windy conditions and under cloudy skies. Since bumblebees are available year round, they are well suited for pollination of even early and late season crops.

2. Versatile Workers Bumblebees are not only excellent pollinators in open air, but are especially valuable in greenhouses and plastic tunnels.

3. Tremendous Labor Saving Bumblebees can completely replace manual pollination (vibrators) and use of hormones, resulting in less physical labor.

4. Higher Fruit Production and Quality In crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and blueberries, bumblebees’ pollination results in higher production as well as larger and higher quality fruits.

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A colony can pollinate 1000 to 3000 square meters of crop for 6 to 8 weeks. The number of colonies required, depends upon the type of glasshouse or tunnels, the season, the variety, the number of plants per square meter and the competition from wild flowers.

6. Plastic CoveringProduction under protected conditions has become the principle way for many growers to ensure a constant, year-round supply of high quality products, while minimizing chemical use. This method helps to overcome obstacles imposed by adverse climate conditions and shortage to water and land.

The plastic used for greenhouse covers is mainly polyethylene, with three-or five-layer technology. This provides the cover with special characteristics such as anti-drip, anti-dust and thermicity.

The plastic covering produced today is durable and resistant to vapor from sulfur used as pesticides in greenhouses. Plastic sheeting is used for covering structures as well as for light spectrum control and manipulation to influence plant growth and insect behavior; filter ultra-violet (UV) rays; radiate infrared (IR) rays; and refract and distribute light to maximize its beneficial effect on the plants. Some covers include additives that prevent water from dripping onto the plants (anti-fog) and protect the covering against degradation. The addition of various colors also helps combat pests.

Field CropsAbout 495 thousand dunums of land are sawn for field crop production, 93.1% of which is rainfed, while 6.9% is irrigated. Rainfed field crops include wheat and barely as the most common grain crops. Wheat production comprised 45.3% of the field crops area. The largest areas for wheat production are located in Jenin, Hebron, and Tubas respectively.

Although these crops are very important for food security, their productivity is low due to low rainfall, and thus they contribute a small percentage of local consumption (Figure 6).

Figure (6): Percentage of field crops area in the Palestinian Territory 2001/2002.

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To improve the productivity of rainfed agriculture and support rural population in creating jobs, PNA is supporting land reclamation program in selected areas by terracing the steep slopes and installing cisterns that allow supplementary irrigation by manual water scooping. Terraces are planted with fruit seedlings. Vegetables are cultivated during the first three years during which water consumption of fruit trees didn’t reach its maximum yet.

Technology Transfer in Field Crops

1. Introducing New CultivarsThe productivity of field crops grown in arid and semi-arid zones depends strongly on the heat and drought tolerance of the crops. The critical periods for crop yield are the seed setting period and later the grain filling period. Application of cropping strategies based on combination of non-conventional soil management with new cultivars have significant potential for increasing productivity further due to positive interactions between these factors. So, many cultivars of field crops were introduced from Jordan, Syria, Israel and others. Cultivars resistant to diseases and salinity are taking into consideration.

2. Introducing Medicinal CropsSome of the medicinal plants were introduced to Palestinian territories. These new crops were cultivated in small areas, then disseminated between farmers. These crops include: sesame, anise, black cumin, thyme, safflower, fenugreek, chamomile, and mint. These crops were cultivated under rainfed and irrigated agriculture.

The following Table shows the area of medicinal crops in Palestinian territories:

Crop Area (dunum)Sesame 4431Anise 2110Black cumin 1315Thyme 801Safflower 377Fenugreek 256Chamomle 50Ment 27

3. Introducing New Agriculture MachineryDifferent agricultural machines have been introduced to Palestinian territories in the last few years, to be used in agricultural operations. These machines include:

- Mower to harvest lentil.- Plot harvester.- Potato planter.- Potato digger.- Combine harvester.

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Integrated Pest Management (IPM)Some techniques have been introduced related to IPM such as:

1. Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)This technique has been used to eradicate Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratifis capitata) in the Middle East countries of Jordan, PNA, and Israel through a joint Regional Project, funded by the USAID-MERC through the international Atomic Energy (IAEA).

The SIT requires the release of millions of sterile males into the wild population so that there is a strong likehood of wild (fertile) females mating with sterile males. The females will lay infertile eggs; therefore, no maggots will hatch. With successive release of high number of sterile males, the population of new generations will reduce until eradication is achieved. This technique has been started in 2001 in Gaza Strip and Hebron District in the south of West Bank.

2. Soil SolarizationThis technique is used as an alternative method to sterilize the soil instead of methyl bromide. Solarization is a simple nonchemical technique that captures radiant heat energy from the sun. This energy causes physical, chemical and biological changes in the soil. These changes lead to control or suppression of soil borne plant pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and pests along with weed seed and seedlings.

This technique was used since about ten years. This technique is very important today because Methyl Bromide will not be allowed in the coming few years.

Advantages1. High yield and good quality.2. Reduce chemical use.3. Increase growth rate of plants.4. Simple and easy to apply.5. Environmental friendly.

3. Cross Protection:It is the infection of a plant with a mild strain of a virus, may protect it from infection with severe strains. A wild type mild strain of ZYMV is being commercially used as a protective measure against severe strains in Zuchini and water melon.

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4. NettingThe main integrate pest management (IPM) tool that is used in greenhouses is the insect-proof net, mainly 50 meshes. These nets keep the insects out, without using any chemicals. Most vegetables and flower greenhouses are sealed with insect-proof nets.

Insects carry viruses that have a devastating effect on plants, and methods of controlling them are expensive. Many greenhouses, in addition to the plastic tunnels, have a net wall that prevent the entry of insects and allow for heat dispersal. Other kinds of netting are used for shading. These nets are categorized according to the percentage of shading they produce.

5. Traps in OliveNew types of traps were used for monitoring and controlling of Dacus oleae in olive orchards. These complex traps called “Protect”, using several types of fly attractants as: sex pheromones, baits (protein hyrolysate), attractive colors (yellow) and attractive spherical shape objects. These traps were used and found to be very efficient in fly suppression.

Animal ProductionThe livestock sub sector is comprised of dairy cattle, sheep, poultry, fisheries, honey bees, work animals and rabbits. The location of dairy cattle and poultry, although spread equally over Palestinian’s agro-ecological areas, appears to be concentrating in coastal and semi-coastal for cattle and mountainous zones for poultry .Sheep and goats are extensively raised under both nomadic and settled village systems to fisheries, the coastal zone (Gaza Strip) is assumed to be “Fish Basket” of Palestine.

Technology Transfer in Animal Production1. Introducing Improved Sheep Breed (Awassi)

This technology has been introduced to Palestinian territories in 1996 from Israel. This technique focused on introducing heads of improved local sheep breed (Awassi), which is highly adapted to adverse environmental conditions, has the ability of intensive farming resist diseases and feed on rangeland. This breed constitutes about 58% of sheep herds in Palestine. Rams are reproduced, raised and selected according to a certain criteria to be distributed to the farmers at low prices to improve their herds, productivity and profitability

These rams are reproduced under good nutrition, good health management, and good environmental conditions.

These selected rams are used to inseminate the local Awassi to:

1. Improve the genetic material of the local breed.2. Increase meat production.3. Increase milk production.

2. Low cost fodder:There are many different kinds of agricultural and agro-industrial- by products available in the region, which are seriously under exploited. These agricultural and agro-industrial by-products include rice straw, spineless cactus, wheat straw, cotton stalk, corn stalk, chick peas straw, faba bean straw, and agro-industrial by- products such as citrus pulp, tomato pulp, olive cake, peanut hulls and cotton seeds hulls.

This technique has been introduced to Palestinian territories through a Middle East – Regional Agricultural Program (Jordan, PNA, Egypt, and Israel) funded by the Danish government.

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Through the implementation of this project, the following technique will be used:

1. The use of white-rot fungi for upgrading farm waste through biotechnology.2. Silage making.3. Feed formulation using computerized feeding programs.4. Introduction of technologies for hay-making, feed blocks and urea treatment which are

less known in Palestinian territories.

3. Embryo TransferThe embryo transfer technique has been introduced to Palestinian territories through an Italan cooperative project in 2000. A staff from MOA –vets and agricultural engineers have been trained to perform embryo transfer in cattle. Embryo transfer center has been established at khadouri farm for this purpose.

Objectives1. To accelerate the livestock genetic improvements.2. To utilize the elite cows, even after their slaughtering by in vitro fertilization of their

ovules.3. To perform livestock trade with minimum load.4. To control livestock venereal diseases.

Constrains Facing Embryo Transfer n Palestine1. The embryo transfer center and the farm were demolished by Israeli occupation few

months after the establishment.2. The technique of embryo transfer at farmer’s farms needs scheduled visits, which is

impossible under the closure imposed by Israeli occupation.

4. Farm ManagementWe have started in Palestine to implement a new technique that will change the farm management from traditional method to an advanced method of sheep raising through the insertion of computer programs. These programs depend on the data collected by the farmer himself to be inserted in the software which help the farmer to know more and more about the herd such as date of birth, the quantity of milk, the number of females and other things related to the farm.

Using software has started in 2002, through a regional project (Egypt, Jordan PNA and Israel) funded by the Danish government.

Cash Crops

1. Cherry TomatoThis tomato is a tasty due to the high total soluble solids. This crop has been introduced in 1996 and is profitable for the farmer. In Palestinian territories there is about 270 dunums of cherry tomato and all products is exported to Europe.

2. StrawberryThis crop has been introduced in the past at limited scale but in the last few years it becomes one of the most famous cash crops in Palestinian territories. There is about 2000 dunums of strawberry in Gaza Strip and most of the produce is exported to Europe.

3. Cut Flowers This crop has been introduced to Palestinian territories in 1991 as a cash crop in Gaza Strip. The product is exported to Europe.

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Post harvest Techniques1. Using cooling units at the farmer level.2. Small packing units at the farmer level.3. Cooled transportation units.4. Large packing units for private sector.

Treated Waste waterThis technique has been introduced to Palestinian territories in 1998 by the German funds. There is a station for this purpose that produce about 3000-4000 m2 per day. Very limited amounts of treated water are used to irrigate floriculture and forestry trees. Activities include:

1. Agricultural training courses.2. Introducing good cultivars to increase productivity and profitability.3. Holding study tours and field days.4. Distribution different types of polyethylene rolls like anti-fog, IR and UV.5. Manifestation the importance of using complex and liquid fertilizers by distribution

facilities to distribute fertilizers, like fertilizer pumps, and jars of fertilizers.6. Subsidizing inputs such as seeds, sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, and new spray

instruments.7. Visits to local and international agricultural exhibitions to introduce new technologies.

Diffusion and Adoption of these Technologies by Local Communities1. Manifestation of extension services pamphlets.2. Arranging lectures and seminars for extension service officers and farmers, through field

day, meetings and study tours.3. Preparing posters for different subjects of extension services.4. Preparing special note books or pamphlets for general instructions related to special crop

and abstracts for the results of applied research.5. Implementation of different observations, not only in experimental stations but also in

the farmer’s field.6. Arranging special agricultural exhibitions, especially in the field of irrigation, fertilization,

pests control and exportable crops.7. Arranging field visits for farmers by official instructors.

Impact of the adopted Technology1. Increase farmer income.2. Increase national income.3. Creation of new jobs especially family work.4. Increase women participation (Gender).5. Changing agriculture from traditional to modern agriculture.6. Improvement social situation and family behavior.7. Increase benefits from the contracts with export companies, and improve the conditions

of contracts in the future.8. Enhanced investments in agricultural sector.9. Establishment of new industries supporting export (cooling, cartons and plastics).

10. Achievements of Palestinian personality in the international markets and improve the vision to the Palestinian farmers.

11. Compatibility of modern technology to the order of European Market.

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Constraints and Obstacles Facing Technology transfer1. Political and security problems.2. Infrastructure and logistic problems.3. Environmental related problems and natural recourses.4. Technical obstacles.5. Social and economic problems.6. Institutional and legislation problems.7. Prices instability.8. Lack of marketing institutions.9. Lack of trained and qualified staff.

10. High prices of inputs.11. Absence of investment in agricultural sector.

Future Plans and strategies for regional cooperation concerning technology transfer 1. Increase budget in scientific research and technology transfer.2. Update communication media between the countries in the region.3. Implementing regional training courses related to technology transfer.4. Encourage regional workshops in technology transfer.5. Introducing new technologies.6. Participation in periodical publications.7. Distribution of results of applied research concerning technology transfer in the region.8. Assisting new rules and legislations through the countries in the region.

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Production of High Quality Peat Moss from Locally Available Material: New Locally Improved Technique

Ibrahim Bakri Abd-Razaq Al-KbaisyAgricultural Directorate, Minstry of Science and Technology, Iraq

E-mail:ibrys@uruklinik.net

Peat MossIt is a vegetal organic material with different decomposition stages. It can be made naturally or processed from decomposition of plants. Peat Moss is considered one of the best and most efficient fertilizers, because of its role in providing plant nutrients and the improvement of the physical and chemical properties of the soil. The good peat moss is distinct by being free of diseases and its causes, salts and jungle seeds.

Importance and usesThe importance of this fertilizer comes from the fact that it is the best media for seed germination and seedling production for the most plant types and flowers. In recent years, its importance increased due to its huge use as an organic fertilizer, and as physical and chemical improvement of damaged soils. Also it is a base for an organic farming and for production of mineral organic fertilizers, in home gardens and in different sport and landscaping areas.

Reasons for selecting the development of peat moss production technique as a case study This technique was selected to be a case study for the following reasons:

1. This technique is a new, easy implemented and very successful technique in product quality and farmers need, which led to its fast spreading.

2. Field application of this technique and its transfer to broad commercial production in Iraq, to become one of the exporting countries of peat moss after it was imported.

3. This technique was developed by a special research team in the atomic center facilities, and continuously monitored the production and product quality.

Methodology of Technique DevelopmentThe technique was developed through the following four phases:

1. Fact finding: The need for peat moss and its importance for local agriculture and the national economy.

2. Research and Experimentation: Study the properties of the raw materials including decomposition; test the different agents used for making the composites; test for the optimum proportions of the raw materials in the composites, and study the physical, biological and chemical properties of the composites to determine the quality.

3. Evaluation of the final products: alternatives to the; cost of production; and the environmental effect.

4. Approval and adoption: Through different ways and means to produce the composites with the help of the private sector.

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Stages of technology transfer to farmersThe adaptation of new technology by the individuals goes through several stages, starting by acknowledging or becoming aware of this technology and then getting interested in it, and then going through the process of evaluation, and ending with testing this technology. To apply this to peat moss technology transfer to farmers, the following stages can take place.

1. Identification and Publication of the technique by using multiples of mass communicationmethods, in addition to using group and individual communication methods such as:

• Scientific exhibition to show the produced material by the new technology, to agriculture scientists and technicians. Farmers and local leaders should be invited to these exhibitions.

• Participation in agricultural exhibitions in different counties to introduce the new technology.

• Television interviews to introduce the new technology and its characteristics.• Journal interviews to introduce the technology.• Distribution of locally produced peat moss to the farmers for testing purposes.

2. Show technology characteristics through the following:- Field demonstration for the product and its effectiveness to produce seedlings and seeds

in different areas.

3. Train and Teach farmers on the technology through the following:

- Forming training team supervised by researcher to do the training on the techniques of production.

- Training teams to train the farmers in their fields, to produce peat moss and provide with the required knowledge and skills.

4. Provide the required amounts of the product through:

- Determine the farmers needs of the product.- Produce the required amounts.

5. Technology spreading through:

- Distributing the products through realable sources.- Provide the farmers with sufficient quantity at reasonable prices.- Provide the agricultural departments in most counties, universities and research centers

with sufficient quantity of peat moss produced by the new technology, for evaluation, creating attention and achieving different opinions.

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Advantages of Peat Moss Technique AdaptationThere are several advantages for using peat moss, they are:

1. Reduce or stop importing similar materials.2. Make good use of plant residues.3. Reduce or stop the environmental hazardous occurring due to traditional methods of

getting rid of residue.4. Reducing the cost of peat moss produced locally as compared to the imported one.5. Give farmers new domains by setting new production units for technology production

at their farms and from their field residues. So, farmers achieved self-reliance of the produced material and satisfy the other farmers needs, which results in positive economic effects.

6. Enhance the private sector into the business of peat moss production with technical support from the national concerned organization.

7. Iraq became an exporter of this product instead of being importer in the past.

Constraints Faced this Technology There were limited constraints to the development and transfer the technology of peat moss production in Iraq; however, absence of special legislation and standardization of the process of making the product led to producing low quality products.

Learned LessonsSeveral lessons were learned, that has to do with the speed of adoption and spreading of the technology, such as:

1. Intensity and variability of communication methods and technology transfer. 2. Field interaction between technicians, researchers and farmers. 3. Simplicity of technique and availability of its inputs. 4. Encouragement of private sector to participate.5. Strengthening the trust in research centers’s abilities in developing and transferring

agricultural technologies.

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Technology Transfer

Jamal AlrusheidatNational Center for Agricultural Research & Technology Transfer, Jordan

E-mail:JMOA44@hotmail.com

IntroductionBy the end of this century, the world population is predicted to reach 11 billions, where global food security has become a big concern. The increasing demands for food and fiber have urged countries all over the world to use all means possible to cope with the food shortages. The overuse and abuse of natural resources, soil infertility, drought and many other reasons, are but a few of the many reasons causing such shortages. Hence, make developing countries face tough choices in the years ahead.

Jordan is no exception; the country’s limited resources have made it mandatory to direct towards the most pressing problems within the agricultural sector. Consequently, this would require the development of a new strategy, which would help the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) prioritize its research, and technology transfer to best utilize the agricultural resources.

Technology transfer will play an increasingly important role in creating sustainable agriculture; hence, increasing the yields necessary to balance the global food-demand-supply equation. Research centers must develop new approaches to natural resource management, that should consider the new demands posed by the concept of sustainable development.

NCARTTThe National Center for Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer (NCARTT), the leading agricultural research institute and the scientific arm of the Ministry of Agriculture in Jordan, has made considerable efforts aiming at achieving sustainable development, through implementing several projects. NCARTT personnel consists of 52 PhD’s, 140 with master degree, 120 with Bachelor degree, 10 High Diplomas, and 26 Diplomas. Another 14 PhD and 8 MSc. candidates are doing their graduate studies in and outside Jordan.

The research projects, which are being carried by NCARTT, aim at preparing scientific research plans that serve the purpose of agricultural development as well as coordinating agricultural research and technology transfer, developing and/or adapting appropriate agricultural technologies for local conditions in both plant and livestock productions, disseminating the latest information for better utilization of available resources, conducting economic studies on farm production and agricultural projects, the effect of various social, political, economic and financial factors bearing on the overall agricultural operation, and enhancing skills of specialists, extension agents and technicians working in the agricultural sector.

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The main research projects which are being carried out by NCARTT include:• Agro-Biodiversity Project (UNDP)• Improving Barley Production and Enhancing Its Use / Arab Fund for Economic and

Social Development (AFESD)• Herbal and Medicinal Plants / United Nations Development Program (UNDP)• Rainfed Agriculture (ACSAD)• Farmer’s Participation in Barley Breeding / International Development Research

Center (IDRC)• Seed Multiplication (Locally Funded)• Integrated Pest Management (Locally Funded)• Fertilization (Locally Funded)• Establishing Experimental Sites to Improve Treated Wastewater Quality (AFESD)• Horticultural Export Promotion and Technology Transfer (World Bank)• Methyl Bromide Phase-Out Project (Montreal Fund)• Mapping Adaptation of Barley (European Union)• Hydroponics’ Production of High Quality Vegetables (European Union)• Honey-bees projects.• Improving bee production (Locally Funded).• Comparing the Efficiency of Native and Domestic Bees in the Pollination of Field and

Orchard Crops.• Evaluation of bee farms.• Honey Bees Technology Transfer (France)• Improvement of Irrigation Water Management in Lebanon and Jordan (European

Commission)• Usage of information systems for irrigated water management in Jordan and the

Middle East (USAID)• International Cooperation Project in Water Management and Remote Sensing

(European Commission)• Integrated Management for Natural Resources for Anti-Desertification • Danish Regional Cooperation Project (Denmark)• Gray Water use in Agriculture (Locally Funded)• Studying the effect of using wastewater on the physical quality of soil and productivity

of selected crops (Locally Funded)• Environmental Control Project (Locally Funded)• Pioneer Project for Transfer of Integrated Packages on Citrus Crops (Locally

Funded)• Usage of saline water in agriculture (Locally Funded)• GIS and Remote Sensing Lab• Irrigated Management Information System (World Bank)• Improved Management Tools for Water ( Limited Irrigation / European Commission)• Treatment and Reuse of Wastewater in Agricultural Production (USAID)• Middle East Regional Agriculture Program (Dry Land / Saline Water / Denmark)• Expanding of Date Palm Cultivation under Saline Conditions (International Center for

Bio Saline Agriculture / ICBA)84

Technology TransferNCARTT has successfully developed, adopted and transferred several effective technologies to the Jordanian farmers, that had their impact on the overall production and its quality. The main technologies which were transferred to the Jordanian farmers by NCARTT researchers include:

• Fertigation.• IMIS.• Feed blocks.• French techniques / bees.• The use of non-traditional water in agriculture including wastewater reuse, grey water

and saline water.• Hydroponics.• Water harvesting techniques.• Planting medicinal and herbal plants.• Planting French water melon (Sharanteis) • DNA fingerprinting, and many others.

Trends of Technology TransferTechnology transfer is witnessing major changes all over the world. The huge increase in world population, globalization, the explosion of knowledge, World Trade Agreements (WTA), as well as the big gap between the north and the south has put technology transfer under siege.

The magnitude of the task facing Developing Countries, in general and technology transfer in particular is immense. Training practices has become imperative, but has never been given the necessary importance by Developing Countries. The challenge presented will, no doubt, continue for decades to come. For this reason, it is of great importance to improve the capabilities of education and training institutions to produce well-trained human personnel required for making the agricultural sector more profitable and sustainable.

Generally speaking, the major trends affecting technology transfer include:

• Official Development Assistance (ODA) experienced a downward trend.• Levels of foreign direct investment (FDI), commercial lending and investment all

increased greatly.• Subsequent increase in public awareness, and understanding of the fragility of the

environment by all segments of the population, including farmers.• Little was done to give priority to the integration of the environment and development

by decision and policy makers.• An increase in the effect of cultural and social dimensions on technology transfer.• Greater increase of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in

agriculture.• Information technology, although contributing to a greater awareness, is now one of the

major determinants of power relations as well as of economic and social development. It became the principal cause of the increasing the gap between the north and the south.

• The effect of World Trade Agreements has put more pressure on technology transfer.

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StakeholdersThe stakeholders concerned with technology development and transfer, and the benefited from such technologies include: research institutions, private firms, donors, governments, international institutions, community groups, developers, owners, suppliers, buyers, recipients, and users of technology.

Barriers to Technology TransferThe progress made in agriculture through scientific research in the last few decades, although world food sufficiency remains the number one problem facing human kind in the immediate future, far exceeds the previous human kind achievements over the life of this planet.

At this point, it appears that there is an urgent need for effective and efficient national extension system, well organized, equipped and strongly supported by agricultural research and the appropriate sources of technology.

However, the foremost barriers to the technology transfer process are:

• Lack of needed funds.• Weak ties between research and extension.• Programs do not focus on farmer’s needs and priorities.• Limited water for agriculture.• Programs do not emphasize two-way communications between farmers and Technology

Transfer Agents.• High production costs and poor production practices.• Programs do not consider economic rational (economic sense).• Marketing problems for crops and livestock.• Land fragmentation and municipal control.• Plant and animal diseases and pests.• Lack of effective extension.• Weak agricultural research and technology transfer system.• Lack of cooperation from the farmer’s side.

Where do we stand now?Although knowledge is generated at a rate unknown before to human civilization, we are still incapable of mastering it. There are “much more” technologies, but unfortunately, there are no established mechanism to transfer such technologies to farmers.

Today, more than ever before, agriculture is in urgent need of a comprehensive system, that is economically profitable, socially acceptable, and environmentally friendly. The system must be effective, efficient and applicable. Such system requires intelligent Technology Transfer Agent (TTA), who is capable of mastering all the new developments in science and technology. Needless to say, the three in-charge partners of the technology transfer process must be susceptible to change, open to new developments and liable to improvements and enhancement. As in the following say, which characterize the business, the same equation applies in the agricultural sector: “For a better profit, more superfluous production and enhanced experiences”, there must be a smart farmer and a smart Technology Transfer Agent. If such equation breaks, or missed any characteristics of its components, the whole process will be severely shattered.

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To cope with the problems encountered, an integrated system, including highly qualified, well trained and educated personnel with suitable experience are needed more than ever before. Needless to mention, both, the agent and the farmer, are equal sides of an important equation. The first component of the system, the agent, if poorly furnished, he/she usually tells, while an average agent simply explains. What is really needed is good agent who inspires others with his experiences, knowledge and skills. On the other hand, farmers must be willing to receive the latest developments and improvements in the agricultural sector.

A poor agent tells.

An average agent explains.

A good agent demonstrates.

A good (excellent) agent inspires.

Business ArithmeticSmart boss + smart employee = Profit

Smart boss + unwise employee = Production

Dumb boss + smart employee = Promotion

Agricultural Arithmetic

Smart T.T. Agent + smart farmer = Extra production,More profit,Better experienceSmart T.T. Agent + unwise farmer = No changesUnwise T.T. Agent + unwise farmer = Loss, Debt, PovertyUnwise T.T. Agent + smart farmer = Maybe some profit

Impact of the Adopted Technologies

From the economic point of view• More production.• Better quality.• More profit (export).• More jobs.• Better living standards.

From the environmental point of view• Cleaner air (less pollution).• Less soil and water contamination especially ground water.• Fewer chemicals.• No desertification.

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The following diagrams illustrate, in general, the social dimension of technology transfer, and the flow and impact of efficient technolgy transfer mechanisms on the the agricultural community

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II. OMAN MEETING

Regional Technology Transfer WorkshopApril 14-15, 2004

Muscat, Oman

Technology Transfer

Dr. Laith M. RousanFaculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology,

Amman, JordanE-mail:laith@just.edu.jo

Reasons for Transferring Technology - Increasing agricultural productivity- Generate new employment opportunities - Improving public services- Improve living standards

Reasons for Transferring Technology in Agriculture- It is basic to food security.- Agricultural sector dominates the economies of most developing countries.- Source of livelihood for the population.- Provides income and employment.

History of Technology Transfer in Agriculture - In the past, each country used its own agricultural technology individually.- Nowadays, the country links its research efforts to the international system and cooperate

to face important problems (Globalizations).

This system is represented by three Identities- NARSs (National Agricultural Research Systems).- IARCs (International Agricultural Research Centers).- CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research).

Major Concepts of Agriculture Technology Development- Technology assessment- Technology transfer - Appropriate technology - Sustainability

Technology Assessment- Examine the potential impact of technology applications on certain sustainability

issues.- Facilitate the development and use of technological interventions according to location-

specific constraints and objectives.- Requires institutional building and establishment of sectorial linkages (public and private

sectors).

Technology Transfer • Technology transfer program is considered effective when there is minimal gap between

the potential and realized impacts of the technology. • Monitoring the adoption and adaptation of technologies is an integral part of the

technology transfer system.• Technology transfer and assessment are complementary processes.

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Appropriate Technology • Technology must be socially acceptable, technically feasible, economically viable,

environment-friendly and meet the needs of farmers.• Technologies are subject to adjustment, change and evolution.

Sustainability

FAO Council in 1988:Sustainable development is the management and conservation of the natural resource base, and the orientation of technological and institutional change in such a manner as to ensure the attainment and continued satisfaction of human needs for present and future generations.

Technology Transfer Elements• Different policies and programs that have affected technology transfer in a variety of

situations.• The role of government, industry and farmers themselves.

Role of Governments• Promote and fund research and development studies. • Facilitate adaptation by farmers through public institutions.• Develop national agricultural information systems.

Role of International Organizations • Increase funding for institutional and human capabilities in developing countries.• Increase funding, and provide methods and equipment to agricultural sector projects.

Role of Private sector • Provide technical assistance to appropriate users on its new technologies or new

varieties.• Promote cooperation on research and development activities directed at technological

innovation and technology transfer for adaptation in agriculture sector.

Characteristics of Strong and Effective NARS• Require sustained political will.• Support and commitment, linked with appropriate policies and research

management.• Defined priorities.• Coherent objectives.• Qualified and motivated research scientists.• Trained technical support staff. • Adequate research facilities.• Sustained adequate funding. • Effective coordination and intensified on-farm involvement.

The role of universities in national agricultural research systemsEstablishing and strengthening institutional and functional linkages and procedures for cooperation and collaboration between universities and NARSs, this enables universities to be an effective partners in agricultural research and contributes to NARS important role in technology transfer.

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Main Barriers to Technology Transfer between Developing Countries• Shortage of Finance / Decline of agricultural research funding.• Shortage of technological information. - Lack of access to information - Lack of proper technologies to fit their conditions. • National institutes are slow to adopt a client-oriented approach in research

programming.• A little connection between farmers and extension agent.

Special Problems of Technology Transfer among Developing Countries• Institutional capacity on agricultural research is limited.• Operational budgets per researcher have been declining in recent years.• The biggest barrier for technology transfer is the shortage of financial support.

(Technology recipients need new investments to adopt new technology).

The most important constraint for technology transfer among developing countries is the shortage of financial support. If the technology is transferred from one developing country to other developing countries in many cases, both provider and recipient may need new and additional financial resources from international organizations or developed countries.

Therefore, Organizations and Developed Countries could• Increase funding for institutional and human capacity building, and for improving

R&D capabilities in developing countries.• Fund both the technology provider and technology recipient to promote a successful

technology transfer.• Facilitate adaptation by farmers by providing incentives, regulation and by improving

existing or setting up new institutions.

Policies to Assist Technology Transfer for Developing Countries • Expansion of credit and savings schemes.• Shifts in the allocation of international agricultural research for the semi-arid tropics

towards water-use efficiency, irrigation design, irrigation management and salinity.• Development of institutional linkage between countries.

Reference :Methodological and Technological issues in Technology Transfer. Edited by , Bert Metz, Ogunlade R. Davidson and others

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Virtual Extension and Research Communication Network(VERCON)

Dr. Abubaker MaddurFAO, Rome

E-mal:Abubakr.Madur@FAO.ORG

The problemWeak linkages between agricultural research and extension are limiting the contribution of these services to agricultural development.

The challenge Develop innovative methods of communication and collaboration among agricultural technology stakeholders.

Meeting the challenge• Provision of readily accessible information • Management of large amounts of data, in real-time• Two-way, horizontal and vertical communications

What is VERCON?A conceptual model using Internet-based ICTs to facilitate and promote communication among and between institutions and individuals

The goalEnhanced collaboration and coordination among agricultural research, extension and other stakeholders.

The strategyVERCON allows networking through two fully-integrated and inter-dependent components.

• Human• Technological

The approach (1)• Engage the stakeholders • Set goals and objectives• Develop the information system

The approach (2)• Raise awareness and train staff• Test, revise and deploy the system• Monitor and evaluate

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The structure

Main features (1)• Connects geographically dispersed people• Supports communication in various forms

Main features (2)• Manage large volumes of data quickly and cheaply• Presents information in variable formats

Main functions- E-mail - Q & A- Discussion groups- On-line databases- News and information- Video conferencing- Others ...

Comparative advantage• Avoids duplication • Facilitates informed decision-making • Supports technology dissemination• Increases impact of agricultural research and extension

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An example

1. Problem 2.Query and discussion 3.Solution and new information shared

Vercon in Egypt

www.vercon.sci.eg

www.vercon.sci.eg/verconen/vercon.asp

Lessons learned (1)• Political will and support • Resources and technical skills• Active involvement of beneficiaries

Lessons learned (2)• Relevant and appropriate content• Good management and coordination• System relevance and sustainability

Conclusion (1)• Widespread weak linkages between research and extension• ICTs for strengthening linkages

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Conclusion (2)• VERCON = a concept, NOT a solution in a box• VERCON should be driven by needs NOT technology

Research, Extension and Training Division (SDR)

Library and Documentation Systems Division (GIL)

Recommendations1. The member states should give special attention to increase national funding for research

and development. 2. Support upgrading of extension to be more effective in technology transfer.3. Promote regional cooperation in both extension and technology dissemination by

establishing a regional forum for extension agencies/organizations/institutions with FAO assistance.

4. Strengthening the regional capacity for technology assessment and transfer though all possible means including expert exchange, training courses, conferences, networking, joint project, and information technology exchange.

5. Promoting NGO’s participation for appropriate technology dissemination. 6. Establish partnership between public funded organizations and private sector in

technology generation and transfer. 7. Formulate a national policy for TT.8. The participants urge national governments to adapt FAO-VERCON model for promoting

research and extension links at the national level first to be converged into a regional network later.

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Sudan 6th Scientific Conference onTechnology Transfer and Adaptation

(Lessons Learned and Outcome)

Mustafa Mohamed ElhagNational Center for Research (NCR),

Sudan, P. O. Box 2404, Khartoum, Sudan,E-mail: mustafaelhag@hotmail.com

IntroductionIt has been emphasized in many international and regional meetings and conferences that developing countries cannot achieve a reasonable standard of economic and social development without developing their capacities in science and technology. In Sudan, this was recognized since the beginning of 19th Century when institutes for agriculture, industry, tropical medicine …etc. were established.

Lack of coordination between those different research institutes led to the creation of the National Center for Research (NCR) in 1972. Its main function was to coordinate efforts and to perform research in areas not covered by the existing research institutes. The NCR continued to carry out its functions up to 1991, when it was annexed to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research mandated to undertake basic and applied research. Through time, it became the only national fully – fledged research institution in Sudan assigned to R&D in 2002. It was annexed to the Ministry of Science and Technology its first objective is to avail data on technological packages required for horizontal and vertical development.

To fulfill this objective, NCR used to organize scientific conferences for different themes of science and technology, with intention to bring attention to research outcome and its role in the socioeconomic development of the country. Evaluation of all the previous conferences showed that there is a need for partnership between all stakeholder including the private sector (business) and research institutes in order to facilitate Technology – passed economic development. For this reason, the NCR organized its sixth scientific conference (in December 2003) on technology transfer and adaptation for development, with the main objective to define the common issues, pitfalls and concerns of the various entities involved in technology transfer. The main theme was Towards a Comprehensive Technological Department.

The theme was deliberately chosen to alert all levels all of decision-makers and professionals in all sectors of the growing importance of technology transfer for the national economic development, social welfare and human sustainability. Thus, the theme of the conference is not only directed at assessing the current status of technology development, but also on how to benefit from research, indigenous knowledge and experience of similar countries in technology development.

The local organization committee has put together an exciting program, which includes paper and poster presentations, exhibitions and expositions of live examples.

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Objectives of the ConferenceThe main goal of the conference was to drive the Sudan towards technology based development through:

• Directing scientific research in all fields to play its role in advancement of technology.

• Setting up basis and national directives for technology transfer.• Encouraging and motivating innovations and inventions among thedifferent societal

groups.• Conveying the experience of some selected leading developing countriesin technology

development and transfer.• Drawing the attention to indigenous knowledge and intermediate technology as

vehicles to rural development.• Highlighting the local successes in technology transfer and dissemination.

Themes of the conference

1. Basis and principles of technology transfer- Policy and strategies.- Legislation- Channels and management.- Planning and institutional framework- Education, Training and skill development. …etc.

2. Innovation, property rights and technology transfer- Information and knowledge transfer.- Property rights and protection- Ownership, licensing and partnerships.- Indigenous knowledge.

3. International experience in technology transfer:- Modalities- Protocols and agreements.- Channels and methods.

4. Marketable outcome of research, innovation and inventions in the different sectors Including: Agriculture, industry, engineering, services, information, material sciences, environment, and energy…etc.

5. Local successes- Successful means of adaptation, simulation and development.- Information and extension.

6. Economic, Social, and ethical aspects of technology transfer:- Effect of globalization.- Negotiations and contents of contracts.- Social perception.- Ethical dimensions and considerations.

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Response to the call for papersThe conference announcement (call for papers) was sent to 50 universities, 30 ministries, 10 banks, trade unions and 15 NGOs working in Sudan. In addition it was sent to 80 relevant institutions outside the country. Response was higher than expected. Over 100 scientific papers from Sudan, UN agencies, Africa, Asia, Europe were received. Papers were screened according to their quality, relevance, and diversity and anticipated outcome. It was found that papers had not equally covered the topics under each theme, for example in the first theme (basis and principles of technology transfer) only three papers were presented, while in the fourth theme (Marketable outcome of research) nine papers were presented

Examples of papers presented

1st theme: Basics and principles of technology transfer- Legislation, laws and technology transfer- Education, training and skill development- Reducing the distance to technological frontiers

2nd theme: Innovation, property rights and technology transfer- Innovation, property rights and technology transfer- The world intellectual property regime for the protection of biotechnological inventions:

implications and options for Sudan- Intellectual property and its role in research and development.- Licensing as a means of transfer of technology- Protection of innovations and the importance of patent document in R&D.- The role of ICT in support of R&D in research institutions in Sudan.

3rd theme: International experience in technology transfer- Biotechnology in Arab World: current status and future prospects.- Participatory technology development in Cameron

4th theme: Marketable outcome of research, innovation and inventions- Biofertilizers and their role in increasing productivity of crops and in environmental

sustainability- Farmer’s knowledge in management of pests &diseases.

5th theme: Local successes in technology transfer- Role of extension and training in technology transfer for animal production- Sudan experience in application of technology of renewable energy- The role of voluntary organizations in technology transfer

6th theme: Economic, social and ethical aspects of technology transfer- Globalization: a historical perspective- Ethics in technology transfer- Financing technology to support small enterprises- Science and technology for national security- Ethics in health research- Economic impact of technology transfer

Out come of the conferenceAfter thorough discussions and deliberations on the presented papers, the conference concluded with two important documents:

1. Recommendations2. Khartoum Declaration

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Recommendations: They generally called for:

1. An explicit policy and legal framework for introduction of modern technology.2. Establishment of a commission within the Ministry of Science and Technology responsible

for technology transfer and adaptation.3. Commercial application of research outcome. This includes policies, copyright,

ownership, protection, partnership and licensing.4. Encouraging the private sector role in technology transfer.5. Reinforcement of the institutions capable of providing appropriate technology.6. Training opportunities to be provided to more young scientists up the ladder to senior

researchers.7. Assessment of the social, economic and technical preconditions for successful

implementation of introduced technology.8. Development of basic sciences as a prerequisite for technology transfer and adaptation.9. Establishment of demonstration centers for technology applications.

10. Establishing centers of excellence in the different fields for promoting science and technology.

11. Inviting NGOs to give more attention to technology transfer.12. Assessment of the impact of technology on environment and the society must be carried

out before introducing any technology.13. Access to facilities and equipments and proper information.14. Encouraging investment in intermediate technology.15. Promoting awareness.

Khartoum Declaration:Guided by the deliberations, resolutions, and recommendations of the conference, the high level of participants (including government officials, politicians, academicians, researchers) have committed themselves through Khartoum Declaration, which aimed at a Comprehensive Technological Development. In that declaration, the participants:

1. Acknowledge the insisting need for science and technology as a means of economical and social development in Sudan.

2. Emphasize the need for science and technology policy that leads to sustainable development.

3. Ensure the importance of observing moral values during the process of technology transfer.

4. Avail manpower and financial resources for Scientific Research.5. Commit to draft policy and strategy for transfer, adaptation and production of

technology.6. Work to build centers of excellence for scientific research.7. Motivate inventors and gifted youth and encourage training to ensure good and sound

production and transfer of technology.8. Promote national and international links through information.

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Lessons learnedThere are so many lessons learned from this conference. The most important are:

1. The subject, objectives and themes of the conference have attracted national, regional and international interest. This was reflected in the wide response from scientists of different disciplines, high level of participation, attendance and deliberations.

2. Having assessed the number and quality of papers relevant to the themes, it has been recognized that there is need for mainstreaming the country attention to the following areas, biotechnology, information technology, material science, indigenous knowledge, property rights and patency.

3. Active participation of the wide variety of stakeholders including, government officials, politicians, researchers, university lecturers, university students, trade unions, NGOs etc. gave the conference an extended dimension.

4. Importance of exchange of experience with similar national and international institutions, which can facilitate information and assist in adoption for relevant experience.

5. Research should be demand-driven and integrates the diverse perspectives of all stakeholders.

6. Structural adjustment, reforms, external and domestic factors should be considered in technology transfer.

7. Recognition of the rights of local communities to benefit from their indigenous knowledge and utilization of their innovation practices and technologies.

8. There is a need for partnership between business and research institutes in order to create technology- based economic development. This involves two issues:

- Accountability between research centers and beneficiaries- Extension aspects: dissemination, sources of contact, business information.

9. An enabling (conducive) environment should be created for science and scientists in order to maximize their output and avoid brain drain.

Despite the fact that the conference is the first of its kind in the history of Sudan, all distinguished guests and participants considered it a milestone in a curriculum process towards technology transfer.

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Improvement of Technology Transfer in the Near East RegionMahmud Duwayri

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jordan, Amman, JordanE-mail:duwayri@go.com.jo

Low productivity in agriculture is a major cause of poverty, food insecurity and poor nutrition, mainly in low-income developing countries. Therefore, agriculture must figure prominently in poverty alleviation strategies of developing countries. Accelerated public investments are needed to facilitate agricultural and rural growth through: Higher yielding varieties with environmentally friendly production technology; proper policies which guarantee access to appropriate inputs; improved rural infrastructure and effective marketing with giving special attention to women farmers.

Strong extension services and technical assistance to communicate timely information and development in technology and sustainable resource management to farmers and to relay farmer concerns to researcher is an important factor in the above strategy. Development efforts must engage poor farmers and other low-income people as active participants, not passive participants.Unless the affected people have a sense of ownership, development schemes have little likelihood of success.

Technology Transfer is defined as the process by which existing knowledge, facilities or capabilities developed are utilized to fulfill public and private needs. This process can be very simple or quite complex, it involves a technical resource laboratory, a user (e.g. farming), and some interface connecting the two. “Technology Transfer” includes a range of formal and informal cooperation between technology developers and technology seekers. In addition, Technology Transfer involves the transfer of knowledge and technical – know how as well as physical devices and equipment. Some of the mechanisms that make technology transfer possible include: joint research, cooperative agreements, cooperative research and development agreements; licensing, technical meetings, trade shows, and information dissemination.

In the North Africa and Near East region, different efforts including workshops have been conducted to improve Technology Transfer mechanisms. The different models which include training-and-visit (T&V), farming systems research, participating research and development concept and the Farmer Field Schools have also been tried.

A meeting conducted by the Arab Organization for the Agriculture Development was held in Damascus in 2001, and came out with several recommendations. One of these recommendations was to establish a Center for Extension in the Arab Countries. Regional Cooperation in Technology Transfer is very vital and efforts should be made to link its activities with Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa (AARINENA).

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Various workshops were held in the region in the past years, and the outputs included the following recommendations to strengthen the role of agricultural extension under reformed economic policies:

1. Enforce laws that regulate the extension activities and its objectives and relationship with other institutions to be able to meet the expectations under the recent economic reforms.

2. Increase the efficiency of the extension institutions, their organizational structures should be improved.

3. Give priority to extension and providing financial and logistic support including infrastructure, equipment and transportation facilities

4. Capacity development of extension should be enhanced through increasing the number of qualified specialists, with emphasis on the quality and provision of advanced training and offering incentives to the extension staff.

5. Priorities should be given to strategies suitable with the economic liberalization policies.

6. Expand the use of modern technologies including information systems and computer and internet.

7. Working relationship with Non governmental organizations should be strengthened.8. Strengthen the relationship between the existing research and extension modalities.9. Establishing and strengthening cooperation between public extension and agricultural

investment companies.10. Enhance cooperation between extension and donor community.11. Establish and enhance links between extension and the universities and higher education

institutions.12. Enhance relationship among national extension systems, regional and international

organizations.13. Cooperate to establish an Extension Center to serve the region.14. Implementation of the extension programs in partnership with farmer groups, and

working closely with the farmers through the agricultural cooperative

The author was very familiar with Farmers Field Schools during his work with FAO. It is expected that utilization of Farmer Field School concept can play an important role in increasing agricultural production in the region.

Farmer’s Field Schools were first established in 1989 in Indonesia by plant protection officers, in order to test and develop field-training methods as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) programme under the FAO-assisted Indonesian National IPM programme. Field Schools proved to be an effective means of reaching farmers and helping them to gain access to the knowledge and skills required for crop production and pest management skills. Globally, Field Schools are now actively promoted by more than 50 national and local IPM/IPPM programmes, including both government and NGO led initiatives. Field Schools have been integrated in modified forms within special programmes for food security projects, for learning improved water management, rice and vegetable culture, livestock management and even aquaculture.

Field Schools are based on sound community-based adult-education practices and are an effective way of transferring knowledge through learning by doing. Some farmers, who have attended IPM/IPPM Field Schools, say that they succeed because they gain basic scientific ideas and knowledge in small, friendly groups and, of course, because they provide farmers with an opportunity to make more money using fewer inputs with new methods brought to communities through the Field Schools.

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Field Schools are organized by community-based groups of 25-30 farmers who share common interest and who can provide support to one another. A group of facilitators assists farmers. The “school” itself is a “school without walls”- a study plot on which the participants work together to carry out studies and learning activities under the facilitation of a technically competent extension of farmer facilitator. This study area is the core of the Field School and essential to allow farmers to carry out studies without personal risk, allowing them to take management decisions that they might not otherwise attempt in trials on their own fields. The land is maintained by the group and not by the facilitator alone. Fields Schools are always held in the community where farmers live, so that they can easily attend weekly meetings and maintain the Field School Studies.

The extension officer or farmer facilitator travels to the site on the day of the Field School, which is weekly for most field crops but monthly for perennial crops. The Farmer Field School runs during one to two seasons. IPM projects which use the farmer field School concept are being implemented in several countries of the region. They need the support of extension directors and policy makers to make them models for other projects.

The Egyptian Experience with Farmers Field School (Jaap van de Pol,2003)In Egypt, implementation of the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach has posed a number of challenges. In 1996 and 1997, two Egyptian-German projects started implementing the first Egyptian FFSs for IPM in cucumber, tomato, citrus, mango and cotton. Soon after introduction, the FFSs were renamed Farmer Learning Groups (FLGs). More than 15,000 FLGs, involving 175,000 farmers, were organized. Since 1984, the Egyptian government has been working towards greater liberalization.

The two Egyptian-German projects were designed to increase the involvement of the farmers in agricultural extension. The extension organization, however, was used to a technology transfer approach and the participatory approach was something quite new.

Village extension workers were trained as facilitators in a one-week basic training course on Principles of Participatory Extension, and a two-week advanced course on Participatory Extension and Communication Skills.

However, a number of challenges presented themselves in implementing the FLGs:

• It turned out to be very difficult to organize groups of 25 farmers since most of the extension workers were used to working only with individual farmers..

• Also, it was difficult to organize sessions of 3-4 hours. Farmers were used to officials visiting them.

• In addition, they were used to the government making it attractive for them if they were asked to participate in an extension activity. Therefore, it was difficult for the FLG facilitators to ask the farmers to invest more than two hours of their time.

• The FLG facilitators spent only a third of the time (14-16 hours) with the farmers compared with their colleagues in the “original FFS” (40-50 hours).

• Finally, the facilitators found it difficult to offer the farmers principles instead of practices. As members of the governmental extension organization, they were used to giving farmers the official technical advice on crop cultivation, and farmers were used to receiving clear recommendations from them. This meant that the FLG sessions became focused on understanding the official agricultural recommendations, instead of educating farmers to become better decision-makers in their own farming system.

• Farmers hardly carried out any field experiments during the FLGs and most FLG sessions turned into discussion sessions. As a result, most of the educational impact of the FFS approach was lost.

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An evaluation concluded that the main reason for this was that at all levels, insufficient time had been invested in training, because of pressure to reach large numbers of farmers rapidly.

From FLG to “real” field schools? Two years after the two Egyptian-German projects started to implement their FLGs, the Egyptian-Dutch projects in Fayoum Governorate started piloting the FFS approach.Making use of the experiences of the two earlier projects, greater priority and more time was given to training the first group of facilitators and to the development of the FFS curricula.Only a few FFSs were established, following the original FFS concept as closely as possible.In 2001, after two years of piloting, the real scaling up of the number of FFSs in Fayoum started, and the projects were joined together in the Fayoum IPM Project. The FFS facilitators, selected from amongst government extension officers, now receive intensive training. After an introductory training of two weeks, the facilitators continue to receive 2-3 days training per week for one full year. During the other days, they facilitate FFSs under the supervision of a senior facilitator. Besides learning about technical topics, the training pays considerable attention to how to facilitate these technical topics during the FFS sessions.

Most of the modifications and adaptations made in the FFSs were based on these observations and ideas received from the field. Also most of the adaptations made to the FFS concept are a result of the cultural and social characteristics of the local farming communities and the Egyptian .

The FFSs in Fayoum meet weekly, like the original Indonesian FFSs for field crops like cotton, tomato, and beans, but for fruit crops they meet on a monthly basis.The FFS curriculum focuses on IPM, but is placed in the context of a broad range of crop management topics. Field-crop FFSs last for one year, following cropping cycle of two or three crops. Fruit-tree FFSs follow a two-year programme.Separate FFSs are held for female farmers. The number of farmers participating in a FFS on field crops is on the average between 22 for men and 25 for women. In the FFS on fruit crops, the average number is 15.

The Egyptian-Dutch project has still not managed to increase the average length of a FFS session. As in the FLGs, the FFS sessions in Fayoum do not last for more than two hours. The main reason for this is that the facilitators find it difficult to do practical things with the farmers during the sessions.

The social structures and customs in the local farming communities make it difficult for the facilitators to organize practical group activities. If something practical needs to be done, for example in the study field, it will be done after the FFS session and/or by hired labor.

The process of adapting the FFS in Fayoum has also included adding new elements. Because farmers need education on IPM in relation to more than one crop, the FFSs started to deal with more crops and crop rotations simultaneously. To be able to do this, the total length of an FFS was extended to one full year.

This broadening of the FFS curriculum has made the FFS a more complete tool in agricultural extension. Although the FFSs in Fayoum differ in a number of characteristics from the “original FFS concept” they are certainly” real” FFSs.They follow the main FFS principle of educating farmers to become better decision-makers. That this is really happening, can be concluded from cases where farmers have continued meeting each other after graduation from the FFSs, and continued to implement some farmer experiments. Further, the farmers attendance during the FFS sessions does not drop during this long period of one year.

With 50-52 sessions, in total 100 hours of training, the FFSs in Fayoum are twice as long as the “original” FFS. Farmers are willing to invest their time because they are learning what they like to learn during the field schools, and consider the FFS to be their own activity.

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A lot can be learnt from the modification and adaptation process of the FFS concept in Egypt. Starting with the same “original FFS concept” in mind, the process went different ways, resulting in different products.

Important lessons learned from these experiences are:

First, that in an environment where there is little or no experience with working in a participatory atmosphere, it is very important to pay a lot of attention to the training of facilitators and development of the FFS curriculum.

Second, the adaptation process of the FFS approach to the local circumstances has to be a joint activity of farmers, facilitators and project management.

Finally, to improve effectiveness of agricultural information and maximize the possibilities of its utilization for increasing food security in the region the following recommendations are made:

“Adopt participatory approaches in the process of technology management and engage all stakeholders as an important mechanism to consider the interests of farmers and their concern and knowledge”. To facilitate this process the following steps need to be taken:

1. Introduction organizational restructuring to involve all stakeholders including NGO, CBO, and end users in the process of decision making.

2. Reorienting the policy makers, professionals, and practitioners views and vision to consider farmers and their priorities through training courses.

3. Establishing of efficient linkages within and between different concerned organizations for integrated policy making in the management process of technology.

The Universities and Faculties of Agriculture should adopt new measures to increase effectiveness of their research programmes through:

1. Strengthening linkage between the Universities on one hand and research and extension, and farmers and farmers organizations on the other hand.

2. Establishing transfer of technology units or committees.

The national programmes should also:

1. Give special attention to indigenous technology.2. Pay special attention to biotechnology tailored to national and regional needs.3. Pay attention to new technologies and promote utilization of the appropriate

technologies.

ReferenceJaap van de Pol ,2003 . The Egyptian experience with FFS.Magazine on Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture ( LEISA.) 19.1.

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III. RECOMMENDATIONS

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III. Recommendations

a. Jordan Meeting Recommendations1. Give special attention by the member states to increase national funding for research and

development.2. Support upgrading of extension to be more effective in technology transfer3. Promote regional cooperation in both extension and technology dissemination by

establishing a regional forum for extension agencies/organizations/institutions with FAO assistance.

4. Strengthen the regional capacity for technology assessment and transfer though all possible means including expert exchange, training courses, conferences, networking, joint project, and information technology exchange.

5. Encourage NGO's participation for appropriate technology dissemination6. Establish partnership between public funded organizations and the private sector in

technology generation and transfer.7. Formulate a national policy for TT.8. Urge national governments to adapt FAO- VERCON model for promoting research and

extension links at the national level first, to be converged into a regional network later.

b. Oman Meeting Recommendations1. Encourage member states-policy makers to empower the participation of all stakeholders

in the process of decision and policy making oriented for identifying technology priorities, protecting their traditional knowledge and setup extension objectives.

2. Establish proper institution developments, i.e. technology transfer unit with a special mandates, to link the technology potential of the research institutions (Centers, Universities) with the technology need of the end users (e.g., extension agencies).

3. Urge member states to give special attention to biotechnology, and setup awareness programs to improve the knowledge of farmers and policy makers on the impact of such technology on the livelihood of the regional population and the future of agricultural production and businesses.

4. The participants see that different regional TCP projects should be formulated to study:• Current systems for technology transfer and management of technology in

agriculture, with emphasis on farmers’ access to new technologies, analysis of linkages and new technology flow between technology institutions and extension agencies, and the existence of institution activities focusing on technology transfer.

• A dynamic model system to carry-out technology-push from research centers and universities and technology-pull from extension agencies.

• Human resources needed to identify, train and transfer proper technology to end-users.

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IV. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Jordan meetingOman meeting

IV. List of Participants

Jordan Meeting

Country Participants Organization

Egypt Dr. Mohamed Eid Majeed

Director of Technology Management and Commercialization office, Agricultural Research CenterEmail:meid@ageri.sci.eg

FAO Dr. Abubaker MaddurFAO / RomeEmail: Abubaker.Maddur@FAO.ORG

FAO Dr. Mohamed ElTamziniFAO /CairoEmail: Mohamed.ElTamzini@fao.org

Iraq

Dr. Hussain Khudair AltaiyFaculty of Agriculture, University of BaghdadEmail: hussain altaiy@yahoo.com

Dr. Ala Dawood SalmanIPA Agricultural CenterE- mail:aladsalman@hotmail.com

Dr. Ibrahim Bakri Abd-Razaq Al-Khbaisy

Ministry of Science and Technology, Agricultural Directorate.Email: ibrys@uruklink.net

Jordan

Dr. Jamal Alrusheidat National Center for Agricultural Research & Technology Transfer (NCARRT). Email : JMOA44@hotmail.com

Dr. Mohamed Al-Ajlouni

Agro-biodiversity project manager Email: majl@just.edu.jo

Agrobio@ncartt.gov.joP.O Box 639 Baq’a

Dr. Laith M. Rousan Jordan University of Science and TechnologyFaculty of AgricultureEmail : laith@just.edu.jo

Ms. Nadira Al- JawhariNCARTT Email: nadira101@yahoo.com

Palestine Mr. Bassem Wajieh HammadMinistry of AgricultureNational Palestinian AuthorityEmail: basemhammad@hotmail.com

Syria Dr. Toni Talab

Head of Department of Technology TransferGeneral Commission for Scientific Agricultural ResearchEmail: talabtoni@lycos.co.uk

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Oman Meeting

Country Participants Organization

Algeria Dr. Kamal Feliashi

Director General of Algerian National Institute for Agricultural Research P.O.Box 200 Hassan Badi 16200 El-Hrash, Alger- AlgeriaTel: 213 021 521281Fax: 213 021 521283E-mail: inraa@wissa1.d2

Cyprus Dr. Christos Papachristoforou

Agricultural Research Institute Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment. P.O.Box 22016, 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus Tel: 357 22 403232Fax: 357 22 3167770E-mail: papado@arinet.ari.gov.cydari@arinet.gov.CY

Egypt Dr. Mohamed Eid Majeed

FAO

Dr. Mohamed Eltamzini

Agro-Industries & Technology OfficerRegional Office for the Near East, RNECairo- EgyptTel: 2023316000/3351026Fax: 00202749598111 Al Eslah El Zerai St., Dokki, P.O. Box 2223, Cairo, Egypt E-mail: Mohamed.ElTamzini@fao.org

Ms. May A. Hani

Regional Extension, Education & Communication Officer Regional Office for the Near East, RNECairo-EgyptTel: 202-3316000Fax: 202-749598111 Al Eslah El Zerai St., Dokki, P.O. Box 2223, Cairo, Egypt E-Mail: May.Hani@fao.org

ICARDA Prof. Dr. Habib Halila

Regional Coordinator15G Radwan Ibn El Tabin Str. P .B. 2416 Cairo, EgyptTel: 202-5725785 / 5735829Fax. 202-5728099E-Mail: icarda-cairo@cgiar.org

Iran Dr. Mohamed H. Roozitalab

Deputy Director General Agricultural Resaerch, Education & Extension Organization (AREEO) P.O.Box 19835-111, Tehran, Iran Tel: 98 21 2402483, 2402987Fax: 9821 2402547,2400568 E-mail: roozitalab@dpimai1.net

Dr. Mohamed Hussein Emadi

Vice Minister, Extension and Farming System FL 6, Keshavarz Blvd. Tehran, IranTel: 0098-21-8967977/8964156Fax: 0098-21-8892538/8960798P.O. Box 14155-6371E-mail: m.emadi@agri-iahad.ir

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Jordan

Dr. Ibrahim Hamdan

AARINENA Executive SecretaryP.O.Box 639 Baqaa-1938 1 Amman - Jordan Tel: 962-6-4726680Fax: 962-6-4726099E-mail 1 : aarinena@,11cartt.gov.joE-mail2:ihamdan@link.net

Prof. Dr. Mahmud A. Duwayri

Faculty of Agriculture, University of JordanTel: 962 6 5355544Fax.: 962 6 5355511E-mail: duwayri@go.com.jo

Prof. Dr. Rida Shibli

Professor and Dean, Faculty of Agriculture Jordan University of Science &Techno10gy P.O.Box 3030, lrbid 22110 JordanTel: 962-2-7201000Fax: 962-2-7095069E-mail: deanagr@just.edu.jo

Dr. Laith A’Rousan

Faculty of Agriculture Jordan University of Science & Technology P.O. Box 3030, lrbid 22110 JordanTel: 962-2-7201000 - ext. 22244Fax: 962-2-7095069E-mail: laith@iust.edu.io

Kuwait Mrs. E’etemad Alsaeed

Mrs. E’etemad AlsaeedPublic Supervisor, Public Authority for Agr. Affairs & Resources (P AAF) P.O. Box 1946, Safat 13020 Kuwait,Tel: 00965-4723892Fax: 00965-4723893E-mail: etemad_said@yahoo.com

Libya Dr. Abdaalla S. Abuzrara

Director of Agriculture research in Tripoli P.O.Box 2480, Tripoli, LibyaTel: 218 21 3616866Fax: 218 21 3614993E-mail: F AOLibya@fao.org

Malta Dr. George AttardA/Director, Institute of Agriculture University of Malta, Msida Fax:2340221/23402322E-mail: george.attard@um.edu.mt

Mexico Dr. Elhadi M. Yahia

Post Harvest Technology of Perishable Foods,Facultad de Quimica Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro Queretar, 76010, Qro., MexicoTel. (52) 442-191200, Ext. 5560Fax: Ext. 5568Bosques Espania 8, Colinas del Bosque, Sec. 2E-Mail:yahiaa@uaq.mx elhadiyahia@hotmail.com

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Oman

Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al-Bakri Assistant Director General of Agriculture Researcch

Eng. Khasib Al-Mani

Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries P.O. Box 50, Postal Code 121 Seeb Sultanate of OmanTel: 893131Fax: 893097E-mail: research@omantel.net.om

Eng. Abdul Aziz Salim

Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries P.O. Box 50,Postal Code 121 SeebSultanate of OmanTel: 893131Fax: 893097E-mail: research@omantel.net.om

Harthi Eng. Yosuf Mohd. AI-Raisi

Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries P.O. Box 50,Postal Code 121 SeebSultanate of OmanTel: 893131Fax: 893097E-mail: research@omantel.net.om

Eng. Sulaiman AI- Tobi

Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries P.O. Box 50,Postal Code 121 SeebSultanate of OmanTel: 893131Fax: 893097E-mail: research@omantel.net.om

Dr. Hamoud Al Hasani

Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries P.O. Box 50,Postal Code 121 SeebSultanate of OmanTel: 893131Fax: 893097E-mail: research@omantel.net.om

Sudant

Dr. Mustafa Mohamed EIHagDeputy Director of NCRMobile: + 249912141855Email: mustafaelhag@hotmail.com

Dr. Mamoun Ibrahim DawelbeitDirector General, Technology Transfer and Extension Administration, Ministry of Agriculture and ForestsEmail: mdawelbeit@yahoo.com

Tunisia Prof.AIi Abdul Latif Zouba

Director at IRESATel: 216 71 791056Fax: 21671 796170E-mail: a.mouio@iresa.agrinet.tn

Yemen Dr. Ismail Muharram

Chairman Agricultural Research & Extension Authority (AREA) Sana'a, PO.BOX: 87148Te1.: 967-6509416E-mail: Muharram@yemen.net.ye

Dr. Khalil AlsharjabiAREA, PO.BOX: 87148Sana'aTel: 967 6509416

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V. AGENDA

Jordan MeetingOman Meeting

V. Agenda

a. Jordan Meeting

Tuesday / March 30th

09:30-10:00 Registration

10:00-10:45

Opening ceremony Minister of water & Agriculture ( Dr. Hazem Al-Nasir)JUST PresidentFAO, NCARTT

10:45-11:00 Coffee Break

11:00-12:00 Key speaker (Dr. Mohamed Eid Majeed )

12:00-13:00

Country Report on Technology Transfer / JordanDr. Jamal Alrusheidat / Country ReportNadira Al-Jawhari / Case StudyDr. Moh’d Ajlouni / Agrobiodiversity Project

13:15-13:15 Questions & Discussion

13:15-14:00 Lunch

14:00-14:45

Country Report, Case Study on Technology Transfer / IraqDr. Ibrahim Bakry RazaqDr. Hussain Khudair Dr. Ala’a Salman

14:45-15:00 Questions & Discussion

15:00-15:45Country Report on Technology Transfer / LebanonE. Salah Alhag Hassan and his Team

15:45-16:00 Questions & Discussion

16:00-16:30 Evaluation and Summary of Recommendations For The First day

Wednesday / March 31st

12:15-12:45 Technology Transfer PresentationDr. Laith M. Rousan (JUST)

12:45-13:15 Evaluation and Summary of Recommendations For The Second day

13:15-14:15 Lunch

14:15-15:30 Strategy and ways for Future cooperation’s on Technology Transfer between Participating Countries

15:30-17:00 Work shop Recommendations and the Proceeding Materials

Thursday / April 1stField visit to Jordan Valley

08:00 Meeting at JUST

08:30 Depart from JUST

09:00-10:00 Arrival at Marow Research Station

11:30-12:30 Arrival at Deir Alla Research and Technology Transfer Station

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12:30-13:30 Visiting Private Sector enterprises

14:15 Arrival to Ajloun Rest area for Lunch

15:15 Visit to Ajloun Castle

16:15 Return to JUST

16:30 Arrival to JUST

b. Oman Meeting

Wednesday and Thursday / April14-15

Regional workshop on” Transfer of Technology” Sponsored by FAO/RNE

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