Egypt,
Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Yemen have between them a total population
of over 165 million, and some of the highest population growth rates in
the world. With the exception of Egypt, they include some of the poorest
countries in the developing world. Agriculture contributes over 40% of
GDP in Ethiopia and Sudan.
Major Activities
and Key Achievements
Wheat leaf rust resistant genes identified and incorporated into
high-yielding, susceptible wheat cultivars. Races of wilt and root-rot
diseases in food legume crops identified and resistant sources shared
between the countries. Heat and moisture-stress tolerant germplasm developed.
- Forty-two
improved wheat, barley, faba bean, lentil, and chickpea cultivars
released to farmers by NARS since 1993 and improved production technology
packages demonstrated to farmers. Adoption of improved wheat technology
in Egypt increased wheat yields by up to 33% while in Sudan there
was an average increase of 46%.
- Farmers
in Yemen have started adopting new technologies developed on NARS
research stations and tested under farmers' management.
Current Emphasis
- Development
of germplasm tolerant/resistant to the major biotic and abiotic stresses.
- Natural
resource management is being addressed, particularly in Egypt. Alternative
rotations, irrigation regimes and crop management options are being
tested in long-term trials in cooperation with farmers. In the rainfed
areas, work focuses on crop rotations, soil moisture conservation,
watershed management, water harvesting, soil conservation, rangeland
rehabilitation, and crop–livestock integration. In Yemen, ICARDA
studied the management of the traditional terrace cultivation systems
that have supported Yemeni agriculture for centuries.
Future Directions
- Crop
improvement and control of biotic stresses (diseases, viruses, and
pests), through an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, will
continue to be important. Abiotic stresses, especially drought and
salinity, will be given more attention. The program will build on
the resource management work initiated in Egypt, strengthen this approach
and extend it to other countries.
Regional Coordinator:
Dr Fawzi Karajeh
15 G. Radwan Ibn El-Tabib Street, Giza
P.O. Box 2416
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +20-2-35724358 / 35725785
/ 35681254
Mobile: +20 109999809 (Fawzi Karajeh)
+20
168827015 (Nevert Senyonga)
+20
101033363 (Mostafa Abaza)
+20
168827014 (Maha Mongi)
Fax: +20-2-35728099
E-mail: ICARDA-Cairo@cgiar.org
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