2013
Improving Nutrition in Ethiopia through
Plant Breeding and Soil Management
(IDRC Project Number106927-001/2)
Research Institutions:
Hawassa University
University of Saskatchewan
Report Type:
6- 12 Months Interim
Interim Technical Report
Sept., 2012- March , 2013
Report Period:
Project Team
University of Saskatchewan
Hawassa University
Dr. Carol Henry
Dr. Sheleme Beyene
Dr. Bunyamin Tar’an
Dr. Walelign Worku
Dr. Fran Walley
Dr. Endalkachew Wolde-meskel
Dr. Gord Zello
Dr. Kabebe Abegaz
Dr. Susan Whiting
Dr. Gete Tsegaye
Dr. JoAnn Jaffe
Dr. Negatu Regassa
Dr. Amy Kaler
Dr. Towordros Ameda
Dr. R.T. (Bob) Tyler
Ms. Getenesh Berhanu
Dr. Mike Grevers
Dr. Anthony Kimaro
Dr. Atul Nayyar (project manager)
By:
University of Saskatchewan
Hawassa University
Table of Contents
Page
4
5
6
7
7
7
7
8
9
1.0 Executive Summary
2.0 Research Problem
3.0 Progress towards Milestones
3.1 Project staff recruited (Milestone 1.3)
3.2 Project implementation strategies completed (Milestone 1.4)
3.3 A gender framework developed (Milestone 1.5)
3.4 Baseline survey completed (Milestone 1.6)
3.5 Literature review (Milestone 3.1)
3.6 Soil characterization for nutrient deficiencies (Milestone 3.2)
3.7 First year field studies completed on the effect of Zn fertilization and intercropping on
nutrient uptake and soil quality (Milestone 3.3)
9
3.8 First year field studies on the genetic variation of pulses under different environments
(Milestone 3.4)
9
3.9 Studies on local practices and knowledge of agro-food systems completed (Milestone
3.5)
10
3.10 Studies on biofortification practices completed (Milestone 3.6)
10
3.11 First year field days held at study sites (Milestone 3.7)
11
4.0 Synthesis of Research Results
11
4.1 Establish the relationship of the socio-economic and health status of household
communities to food security
12
4.2 Micronutrient levels existing in pulses and non-legume staple crops
13
4.3 Soil characterization- macro- and micronutrient levels and possible deficiencies existing
in the soils of study area
16
4.4 Genetic variations of currently available varieties and germ plasm of chickpeas and haricot
beans evaluated
18
4.5 Nutrition intervention mechanisms develop and tested using various approaches to
improve household food and nutrition security
19
4.6 Healthy ecologies for food security strategies
21
5.0 Project implementation and management
22
6.0 Problems and Challenges
23
7.0 Recommendations
23
Annex
Annex1 AFS on Monitoring Expected Outcomes
24
Annex 2 Team composition
28
Annex 3 Performance measurement framework
31
Annex 4 Outputstable
35
Annex 5 Graduate student information
37
Annex 6 Initial soil analysis for Zn availability
39
2
Figures
Figure 1 Project conceptual framework
Figure 2 Nutrition outcome pathway
Figure 3 Illustration of the whole process from site selection to harvesting for Taba
3
40
41
42
1.0 Executive Summary
This reporting period summarizes progress on milestones and objectives for the CIFSRF project
“Improving Nutrition in Ethiopia through Plant Breeding and Soil Management”. During this period
the project team, including graduate students has undertaken approximately 28 studies along with
extension and training activities as it seeks to address the project’s five key objectives. These projects
are on path to address also the project’s long-term goal to “reduce micronutrient deficiencies and
improving malnutrition and food security among rural population in Ethiopia, especially among
women and children. Progress towards meeting these is presented in sections 3 and 4, and annex in
the report.
Addressing each of the five Key Objectives are two- four studies, which although separate in the
approach taken (target population, gender, health) will address the particular objective.
Objective 1-Establish the relationship of socioeconomic, gender, age, labour, and health status to food
security including pulses. Three studies assessing relationship of socioeconomic, gender, age, labour
and health status of household communities to food security are underway. The initial results from
one of the studies indicate that female headed households own much lesser land, livestock and other
important strategic resources compared to male headed households. This in turn, has been observed to
influence women’s involvement in pulse production. The summary of the results are mentioned in
section 4 and the details of the results are reported in Appendix I. Parallel to this, two additional
studies addressing local practices and knowledge of agro-food systems in household communities are
in progress. Overall, the primary and secondary data from all the five studies will help to shape
current and future interventions.
Objective 2- Food processing strategies that degrade anti nutrients such as phytate and polyphenols
and the optimal conditions required for the degradation are being studied, with the goal of enhancing
bioavailability of Fe and Zn and may have implications for broader field testing and scaling-up of
food processing technology in Ethiopia. Two more studies will further analyze local and improved
varieties of pulses for micronutrient levels, food processing, acceptability, and practices and the
formulation of products for incorporating pulse into the diet of young children. A fourth study has
been design to explore the effect of post-harvest practices on improving pulse crops for household
consumption. All four studies have been initiated and address Milestone 3.6.
Objective 3 One study is completed and eight studies are underway to address objective 3
“Characterize the soils of the study sites and apply management practices to improve their
quality”. The studies include both greenhouse and field experiments and aims to cover various
aspects of soil management practices including micro nutrient deficiencies, micro nutrient
sorption, intercropping and crop rotation. The details of the studies have been mentioned in
section 3 and 4. Results of one of the studies so far revealed low content of Fe (<4 ppm) and Cu (<2
ppm) at all sites while Mn was low (<1 ppm) at Zeway and Alage. The Zn was very low (<1 ppm) at
Zeway, Alage and Butajira while at other sites, it varied from 0.17 to 2.30 ppm. Thus, fertilization of
these limiting micronutrients in the study area is important for increasing the yield and quality of
crops and thus impacting human nutrition. The high sorption capacity of these soils for Zn which
varied in the order; Zeway soil > Alage soil > Butajira soil > Taba soil > Halaba soil > Hawassa Zuria
soil, also indicate their variable Zn supplying capacity to crops depending on soil characteristics and
need Zn fertilization.
4
Fourteen of the 20 soil samples (0-30 cm) collected from Taba, Huletegna Choroko and Butajira sites
for chickpea germplasm experiment were also deficient in Zn. Five chickpea varieties were sown on
the three Zn deficient sites (Taba, Butajira and Halaba) and the plants were harvested in December,
2012. The laboratory analysis of soil, seed and straw samples is in progress.
Objective 4- Three experiments have been conducted across three different locations (Halaba, Taba
and Butajira) to evaluate the genetic variations of currently available varieties and germplasm of
chickpeas and Haricot beans, the environmental effects and the interaction between genotype and
environment on micronutrient, particularly Zn, absorption and deposition in seeds on selected sites.
Initial results show that 14 of the 20 soil samples collected for the selection of sites for the
experiments were Zn deficient indicating Zn could be the major growth limiting factor in the selected
area. Analysis of the data would further reveal the impact of Zn deficiency on the magnitude of
response of different chickpea germplasm.
Objective 5- The project has adopted an integrated approach to the design and implementation of the
nutrition education component of the project which involves training of agriculture and health
extension workers, farmers and mothers of child bearing age. A key goal is to involve rural
communities as leading players in the process of enhancing household nutritional status, by offering
them pertinent skills in production, processing and preparation of pulse and non-pulse crops.
2.0 Research Problem
Hunger and malnutrition are the most devastating problems facing many of the world’s poor.
Despite improvements in food availability, hunger exists in some form in most countries. Food
security, at the individual, household, national, regional, and global levels is achieved when all
people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious
food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for a healthy and active life (FAO, 2001).
Food insecurity leading to malnutrition continues to be a major problem for the majority of the
Ethiopian population and is closely linked to low productivity. Poverty in Ethiopia is largely a
rural phenomenon, with nearly 90% of the poor living in rural areas (DFID, 2003). About a third
of rural households farm less than 0.5 ha which, under rain-fed agriculture at current yield levels,
cannot produce enough food to meet their requirements. Malnutrition and hunger vary by
production season, with few public or social buffers providing food and nutritional support.
Much of the focus on malnutrition and food insecurity in Ethiopia has been directed to
interventions aiming to impact 90% of the population burdened by stunting that largely addresses
inadequate dietary intake. The first 1000 days of a child’s life from the nine months in utero to
two years of age is thought to be a critical window of opportunity because nutritional setbacks
during this period can result in irreversible losses to growth and cognitive potential and can
reduce educational attainment and earning potential. The Scaling UP Nutrition Framework for
Action (SUN), recently endorsed by more than 100 global partners and policymakers, highlights
the need for early childhood and maternal nutrition-specific interventions to address increasing
food insecurity in least developed countries.
The goal of this project is to improve the health of rural Ethiopians, especially young children and
females by breeding staple pulse food crops that are rich in micronutrients described as
biofortification. A biofortification strategy seeks to bring the full potential of agricultural (soil,
5
plant science, food processing and value chain) and nutrition sciences to bear on the persistent
problem of micronutrient malnutrition. Micronutrient malnutrition, primarily the result of diets
poor in bioavailable vitamins and minerals, affects a great number of the more than half of the
world’s population, especially women and preschool children. The costs of these deficiencies in
terms of lives lost, forgone economic growth, and poor quality of life are staggering. To reach the
Millennium Development Goal’s target of halving the proportion of undernourished people by
2015, new technologies and approaches are needed to help address the problem.
Most agricultural interventions affect the household’s nutritional status through support of
production for household consumption and/or improving income-generation. Increases in
production and better storage can lead to improve food access. In addition, better agriculturebased wage-earning opportunities, higher product prices, and lower consumer prices all have led
to improved access for farmers and households. Improved nutrition supports the agriculture sector
by enhancing rural people’s ability to undertake the strenuous tasks involved in small-scale
farming. The proposed project uses a whole food strategy to promote food security and health by
combating protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in Ethiopian populations,
especially among young children while contributing to the sustainability of local agro-ecosystems
within an “agro-food systems” approach.
3.0 Progress towards Milestones
This reporting period focuses on progress towards achieving Milestones 3.1 to 3.7. In addition,
progress to achieving Milestones 1.3 to 1.6, carry over from zero to six-months is also reported.
Much progress has been made towards meeting the milestones. Table 3.1 & 3.2 summarizes
progress made towards achieving the milestones.
Table 3.1 Progress towards achieving Milestones-0-6 month’s carryover
#
Milestones
1.3
Recruitment of project
staff, students; equipment
purchased
1.4
Project Implementation
strategies completed
Gender Framework
completed
completed
Baseline data completed
Primary &
secondary
data
collected
1.5
1.6
Completed
Status:
In Progress
Anticipated
completion
date
Project staff have been recruited; graduate
students in place, except 5-HU agriculture
MSc
Equipment purchase on-going- some
analysis being carried out at UofS &
EHNRI labs.
Drafts completed, integration has began
Primary & secondary data collected;
gender framework & integration
discussions ongoing; and focused
discussion following gender workshop
and during visit to the UofS
Baseline collection also included as a
component of graduate students and
faculty research
6
September,
2013- with
follow-up
work
3.1 Recruitment of project staff and consultant, identification of students and equipment
purchase (Milestone 1.3)
Much of the recruitment for project staff and graduate students was carried out during the 0-6
months reporting period. Two Research Assistants, one each in Nutrition and Agronomy, are now
employed and engaged full–time in the project activities. Three PhD (one each in Nutrition,
Agronomy and Soil Science) and 15 MSc students (10 Nutrition, 2 Gender and Family Sciences,
and one each Rural Development, Food Science and Agronomy) have been selected and are in
various stages of data collection and /or proposal development on specific objectives of the
project. Thirteen of the total 18 graduate students involved in the project thus far are female.
The recruitment of 5 MSc students in Agronomy/Breeding and Soil Science is underway. The U
of S project manager/post doc has been in place since November 2012. The HU micronutrient lab
was set up in December, 2012. The purchase of equipment and supplies is underway. The lab
will be used by faculty and graduate students involved in the project, particularly those on food
processing strategies, and nutrition assessment. Data analysis is also continuing at the UofS and
EHNRI laboratories for those needing to make use these laboratories options. Full equipment
purchase has been delayed due to its lengthy process.
3.2 Project implementation strategy (Milestone 1.4)
The project team has developed several tools based on the current project design (Fig. 1 Project
Conceptual Framework) and work in progress to guide the implementation and evaluation of
interventions. These include a nutrition outcome pathway (Fig. 2) that seeks to show the
relationship with agriculture-nutrition and health interventions of the project, and a
communication /scaling up strategy submitted in previous 0-6 month interim technical report. A
project monitoring and evaluation framework (Annex 2) is appended.
3.3 Gender framework for the project (Milestone 1.5)
Gender has been assigned a high priority throughout the development of the project and has
generated considerable discussion during our planning meetings in Ethiopia and Canada. A
gender study initiated during 0-6 months reporting period was completed in this 6-12 month
reporting period by HU researchers, Nigatu and Gete. The study was conducted in the three
CIFSRF project areas in Southern Nations and Nationality Peoples’ Region (SNNPR), and one
district of Oromiya Region of Ethiopia namely; Damot Gale; Halaba; Hawassa Zuriya and
Adamitulu Jido Combolcha to examine the gender roles in pulse production. A full report of the
study is appended (Appendix 1). The next step for the research team is to evaluate existing and
proposed projects to ensure that gender, health status, and social dimensions are addressed fully.
Dr Nigatu and team will travel to the UofS this summer. The HU-UOFS team will conduct
several activities, manuscript preparation, fine-tuning the gender framework and prepare
strategies to further integrate gender into project activities.
3.4 Baseline survey (Milestone 1.6)
For this milestone we have used a multi-approach to data collection. Secondary data has been
obtained from studies carried out in the project sites during the Call-1 period. A synthesis of
7
these was carried out by researcher Kaler using the services of a Uof A PhD student (OctoberDecember, 2012) (Appendix II). An analysis of pulse production and management practices from
gender perspectives is now completed, (October, 2012-March, 2013). Several interventions
designed to address gender, health, and social relations dimensions have also incorporated a
baseline component. These include data collection on nutrition components (food-diet-related,
diet diversity), health status, food processing strategies, local/ traditional knowledge on food
preparation, processing and consumption. All researchers have been directed to build on work
previously carried out in Call-1 as it related to their project. Much of this involves integrating
previously collected data into their project as is appropriate.
Table 3.2 Summarizes progress towards achieving Milestones 3.1-3.7 during 6-12 month
reporting period
#
Milestones
StatusStatus-In-progress
Anticipated
Complet
Date for
ed
completion
3.1
Literature Review
X
completed
3.2
Soil characterization for
X
nutrient deficiencies
3.3
First year field studies
Field data collection in
10/13
completed on the effects of
progress
Zn fertilization &
Intercropping on nutrient
intake & soil quality
3.4
First Year field studies on
Field data collection in
10/13
genetic variation of pulse
progress
under different
environments
3.5
Studies completed on local
3 studies are in progress and
2/14
practice & knowledge of
data collection has began
agro-systems
3.6
Studies on biofortification
4-studies are in various stages
2/14
practices
of data collection; report and
manuscript writing will be
done for 2- of the studies in
August-October, 2013
3.7
First year field days held at
study site completed
X
3.5 Literature review Completed (Milestone 3.1)
The purpose of the literature review is to understand other initiatives currently ongoing in
Ethiopia and Africa (e.g. Harvest Plus, AGRA, CGIAR program on pulse crops, USAID Feed the
Future program on pulse crops in Ethiopia, etc.) that may best position project activities. A
search of the selected literature was conducted over the period of December, 2012-March 2013,
8
focusing on published and unpublished manuscripts, data bases and the WWW. A review of the
literature suggests that similar work as is being carried out in Call-3 is indeed being carried out by
Harvest Plus and others in Africa. In the case of HarvestPlus I (2003-2008- Phase I), disciplinebased discovery research within plant breeding, nutrition, and socio economics was conducted.
The current CIFSRF Call-3 study has adopted several strategies from this literature search,
particularly in seeking to address nutrition-sensitive outcomes for the project’s design (Appendix
X, Fig. 1). The full report is found in Appendix III. No further reporting will be done.
3.6 Soil characterization for nutrient deficiencies (Milestone 3.2)
Both morphological and chemical characterization of soils of Hawassa Zuria, Zeway, Halaba, Taba,
Jole Andegna and Alage were done to address milestone 3.2. Analysis of soil samples revealed low
Fe (<4 ppm) and Cu (<2 ppm) contents at all sites while Mn was low (<1 ppm) at Zeway and Alage.
The Zn content in soils varied markedly (0.17 to 2.30 ppm) but it was very low (< 1.0 ppm) at Zeway,
Alage and Butajira sites (Section 4.3).
The analysis of zinc sorption indicated that the adsorption isotherm showed different curves for soil
from each of the six locations. The order for Zn sorption followed a trend of Zeway soil > Alage soil
> Butajira soil > Taba soil > Halaba soil > Hawassa Zuria soil. Both the adsorption maxima of
Langmuir isotherm (except for Zeway and Alage soils) and the proportionality constant of Freundlich
isotherm (for all soils) indicated that the zinc sorption capacity of the soils follow the aforementioned
order.
Greenhouse experiments which are underway will further reveal the availabilities of zinc and iron for
Haricot bean varieties in soils collected from some selected areas of Ethiopia.
3.7 First year field studies completed on the effect of Zn Fertilization and intercropping on
nutrient uptake and soil quality (Milestone 3.3)
Five research studies (section 4 and Appendix IV-VI) directed to achieve milestone 3.3 have been
designed for execution in the 2013 cropping season and would reveal the optimum rate and method of
Zn fertilization for enhanced production and quality of haricot bean and maize as a sole or
intercropped and soil quality. In addition, a research project on “Effect of haricot bean inclusion
within crop rotation on soil chemical properties and protein quality of wheat” (Appendix VII) is being
jointly executed by U of S and HU Faculty. The field experiment is in progress at Taba site in
Ethiopia and soil has been shipped to U of S to repeat the treatments in the field under greenhouse
condition.
Furthermore, recruitment of 5 Agronomy and Soils MSc students, whose theses research project will
be on intercropping, is underway and all the students will conduct their field research in 2013
cropping season (July to October, 2013).
3.8 First year field studies on the genetic variation of pulses under different
environments (Milestone 3.4)
The study emphasis on genetic and agronomic approaches for micronutrient (Zinc) enrichment in
chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.). Three independent experiments were conducted across three Zn-
9
deficient locations (Halaba, Taba, and Butajira) during 2012/13 cropping season to address
milestone 3.4. These experiments are:
 Genetic and Environmental response of chickpea to zinc concentrations
 Effect of zinc fertilizer application strategies on growth, yield and zinc concentration of
chickpea varieties
 Determination of optimum zinc fertilizer rates to chickpea varieties
The data for growth, yield and yield components and soil and plant samples for Zn concentration
have been collected (Section 4) and are in the process of analysis. The results are expected to
reveal genetic variations among chickpea varieties to Zn application, the optimum Zn fertilizer
rates for obtaining economic yields and the extent of Zn enrichment in seeds of different varieties
viz. quality.
3.9 Studies completed on local practices and knowledge of agro-food systems (Milestone
3.5)
Three studies are in progress for Milestone 3.5, 2-faculty research and 1-MSc nutrition graduate.
These are described fully in Section 4- Synthesis of Research. The two studies in progress for
faculty are: (1) “Pulse value chain analysis in selected Woredas of Southern Ethiopia: Potentials
and Constraints for livelihood improvement and export development” and (2) “Gender,
household structure and local practices on pulse production and management among small holder
farmers in four pulse producing districts in SNNPR and Oromia: Implication for asset building
and nutritional security of vulnerable household members” are initiated and the activities will
commence shortly. One MSc nutrition study (Appendix VIII), "Assessment of traditional pulse
and pulse based food processing, preparation and consumption in Elle ‘Kebele’, Butajira, SNNPR
is also in progress . All three studies have been initiated, with an anticipated data collection
completion date of September, 2013. Report and manuscript writing will be completed by 2/14
3.10 Studies on biofortification practices (Milestone 3.6)
Four studies involving both laboratory experiments and field work are on the way to address this
objective. Experimental studies involve a multidisciplinary research team (graduate students and
faculty) from HU and the Uof S. Field studies are strategized from different points, based on
target groups (age, gender, social), types of intervention, analysis, food processing, storage
characteristics. Each is described below- Table 3.4
Table 3.4 Progress towards studies on Biofortification Practices
Study Student
1
Hiwot Abebe,
UofS-PhD nutrition
student
Title of research
Micronutrient and Phytate levels
in commonly consumed Ethiopia
dishes.
Faculty Research
10
Status
Project proposal completed;
community-based consultation for
household recipes and processing
methods to be conducted in May,
2013; currently awaiting seeds from
Ethiopia.
2
Getenesh Berhanu;
Addisalem Mesfin;
Debebe Moges;
Alemzewed Challa;
Carol Henry; Susan
Whiting.
Traditional food processing and
preparation practices to enhance
bioavailability of iron and pulse
based diets for 6-23 months IYC
in Hawassa Zuria, Southern
Ethiopia
3
Pragya Singh
Tigist Fekadu
Esayas Kinfe
Quality evaluation of Desi and
improved Kabuli varieties of
chickpea, and formulation of flat
bread incorporating best chickpea
variety for preschool
children at Bodity (Wolaita).
4
Abadi Gebre
Abrehet Fisseha
Robert Bob Tyler
Tadesse Fikre )
Effect of post-harvest practices
(sorting, drying & de-hulling) on
physico-chemical properties of
Chick pea (Cicer arietinum L.)
and Faba bean (Vicia faba L.),
flour and snack Foods in
Hawassa Zuria.
Data collection & analysis has begun
and is expected to be completed by
early summer. We have invited two
faculty members (Getenesh & Debebe)
from HU to travel to the UofS. They
will work with UofS team to complete
@least one manuscript from the study
(July- September, 2013)
Data collection has begun. There were
some delays in obtaining ethics
approval. It is expected that a full
report will be submitted with the 12-18
months Technical report.
Laboratory experiments are in
progress.
These four studies have a direct link and are building on the work carried out in Call-1. Taken
together, the studies will test new and traditional varieties of chickpeas and haricot beans for
quality and nutritional properties for household processing techniques.
3.11 First year field days held at study sites (Milestone 3.7)
Participatory variety selection involving seven improved chickpea and four lentil varieties were
carried out on farmers’ fields in three project sites in 2012 at Halaba site under the activities of
Call 1 project.
4.0-Synthesis of Research Activities and Results
The new project focuses on bio-fortification of pulses, “enriching the nutrition contribution of
staple crops through plant breeding”, coupled with soil micronutrient management to achieve
much-needed improvement in food quality and security in Ethiopia. It uses an integrated
approach (soil management, crop management, food processing, and human nutrition), which
utilizes the information gained in the Call 1 (on-going project) on pulse crop management,
varieties, and food processing. It uses an “agro-food systems” approach; - from field to fork –,
and describes the interdisciplinary nature of the project which takes into consideration the social,
economic and cultural context under which pulse crops are produced, distributed and consumed.
The project will result in a whole food strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies together
with protein-energy malnutrition in Ethiopian populations, while contributing to the sustainability
of local agro-ecosystems within an “agro-food systems” approach. The research activities and
results so far are described under the following objectives.
11
4.1 Establish the relationship of socioeconomic, gender, age, labour and health status of
household communities to food security
Objective 1: Establish the relationship of socioeconomic, gender, age, labour and health
status of household communities to food security as it relates to pulse and non-legume
staples.
Key Activities:
1.1. Gather baseline information about the availability of and access to adequate pulse
food supply, health and dietary practices relating to chickpeas, haricot beans and nonlegume staples at the household level; and socioeconomic conditions of household
agriculture in participating communities.
1.2. Identify local practices and knowledge of agro-food systems, especially including
pulses that can contribute to more sustainable agroecologies and food security.
1.3. Synthesize the primary data on gender, age and other socio-economic characteristics
to stratify labour, land, authority and consumption, in order to develop a gender
strategy toward implementation of appropriate interventions.
Gender has been assigned a high priority throughout the development of the project and has
generated considerable discussion during our planning meetings in Ethiopia and Canada.
A gender study initiated during 0-6 months reporting period was completed in this 6-12 month
reporting period by HU researchers, Nigatu and Gete. The study was conducted in the three
CIFSRF project areas in Southern Nations and Nationality Peoples’ Region (SNNPR), and one
district of Oromiya Region of Ethiopia namely; Damot Gale; Halaba; Hawassa Zuriya and
Adamitulu Jido Combolcha to examine the gender roles in pulse production. The study involved
conducting key informant interview with district level Bureau of Agriculture and Development
experts and eight focus group discussions (FGDs) with married women, female household heads,
community and religious leaders and development agents. Among the total FGD participants,
73% were female and among them 54.5% were women living in male headed households.
Results revealed (Appendix I) that female headed households own much lesser land, livestock
and other important strategic resources compared to male headed households. This in turn, has
been observed to influence women’s involvement in pulse production. The less number of
livestock ownership resulted in consideration of women as weak farmers. The qualitative analysis
revealed that haricot bean was found to be favored over lentil and chickpeas. The major
constrains associated with low production of pulses include problem in selecting suitable variety
of seeds for the soil type; pest problems; unaffordable cost of fertilizers which often force
farmers to produce haricot bean without fertilizer; lack of money to buy improved seed. In
addition, the local cultural practices have limited women from benefiting economically despite
their hogtie involvement in the production of pulse.
Certain household level variables like land size owned, educational status of the head of the
household, age of the household head, and use of agricultural extension packages though affect
the level of pulse production and purchase, the regression analysis could not produce significant
association between gender and the two dependent variables of interest (pulse production and
purchase), implying that gender influences these aspects in indirect and complex channels.
12
Recommendations include, the need for the development of a gender analysis frame work to take
into account the women in the male headed households in addition to the women in the female
headed households, and that gender differences existed in terms of assessing land, technologies
and other strategic resources.
Dr Amy Kaler has conducted a secondary data analysis of work carried out in Call-1 relating to
gender. We have invited Dr Nigatu to meet the Canadian team to the UofS this summer-(JulySeptember) to finalize the gender framework and strategies to ensure gender responsiveness for
the study. Members of the team attended an IDRC gender workshop, April, 2013.
Faculty research on “Gender, household structure and local practices on pulse production and
management among small holder farmers in four pulse producing districts in SNNPR and
Oromia: Implication for asset building and nutritional security of vulnerable household members”
by Nigatu Regassa and Gete Tsegaye with the involvement of Canadian researchers will
commence shortly.
Additionally, a study on Pulse value chain analysis in selected woredas of Southern
Ethiopia: Potentials and Constraints for livelihood improvement and export development (by
Towodros Tefera) will be carried out.
The main objective of this study is to analyze pulses value chain with the following specific
objectives:




To map pulses value chain actors in the study area
To estimate the marketing margin of pulses along the value chain
To examine the contribution and export potential of pulse in the study area
To identify constraints of pulse value chain in the study area
In sum, five studies directed especially to addressing the relationship between socioeconomics,
health, gender, age have been developed by the project team, one is completed. Synthesize of
these (primary & secondary) data is ongoing. The result of the studies aims to improve women
and children's access to adequate and diversified diets. We anticipate that more than 500 farmers
and farming households will be impacted. The final gender strategy will help to shape both
current and future interventions. Data generated will also help to inform the decisions of
government as it relates to addressing the socioeconomics, gender and health of Ethiopian
households. At least 1-manuscript will be written this summer by Dr Nigatu and team in Canada
(UofS faculty exchange), others are expected to be written by 2/14.
4.2 Micronutrient levels existing in pulses and non-legume staple crops
Objective 2: Evaluate the micronutrient and phytate levels in commonly consumed
Ethiopian dishes and develop intervention mechanisms, which include using biofortification
to improve food security at household level.
13
In Call-1, different pulses varieties were tested in different agricultural zones of Ethiopia to
develop food security of the country by improving the productivity of pulses and sustaining soil
health. The activities, (2.1) Collect samples and determine the micronutrient levels in legumes
and non-legume staples, available in the study sites and (2.2) Determination of zinc, iron and
phytate contents of most commonly consumed Ethiopian dishes, will be carried out. In addition,
the effect of germination and fermentation methods on the phytate content of foods will be
analyzed and 2.3 use information from 1.1-1.3 & 2.1-2.2 and research on micronutrient-rich
legumes, in consultation with communities, to suggest [design/implement] interventions to
improve nutrition, food security and health.
Study 1- Micronutrient and Phytate levels in commonly consumed Ethiopia dishes (By Hiwot
Abebe, UofS-PhD Nutrition student).
Building on the 0-6 months Interim Report, UofS, PhD nutrition student Hiwot Abebe, is
conducting a study under controlled laboratory conditions utilizing laboratory facilities at the
UofS. In this study, food processing strategies that degrade anti nutrients such as phytate and
polyphenols and the optimal conditions required for the degradation are being studied to enhance
the bioavailability of Fe and Zn. Four traditional Ethiopian dishes will be prepared by soaking
and germinating chickpea and haricot beans and analyzing nutrients (iron, zinc, calcium, protein
and folate) and anti -nutrient (phytate and polyphenols) levels of prepared dishes. Iron
bioavailability will be evaluated through Caco-2 cell coupled with in vitro digestion. This study
is in progress, household recipe collection and trials is in progress. Processing and analysis will
be conducted this summer-fall, and full report will be made available for the 18-24months
technical report. The study has received approval from the UofS. The study brings together a
multidisciplinary team of UofS researchers –nutrition, food science/processing, soil science/,
plant breeding, and toxicology and may have implications for broader field testing and scaling-up
of food processing technology in Ethiopia.
Two additional studies are in progress, and while with some overlaps, are going beyond
assessment of micronutrient levels of pulse crops. These studies were only recently approved at
the 9-months progress meeting (HU), December, 2012. They are described next.
Study 2- “Traditional food processing and preparation practices to enhance the bioavailability of
iron and zinc in pulse based diets for 6-23 month IYC in Hawassa Zuria” is being undertaken by
HU nutrition faculty in collaboration with UofS nutrition researchers (Berhanu, Mesfin, Moges,
,Challa, Henry, Whiting). The project is divided into 2-phases. Phase 1 is now completed and
the results of this focus group discussion (FGD) are described.
There were 3 semi-structured focus group discussions with 9-women participating in each group.
The focus discussion was carried out to assess participant’s access to pulse crops, as well as
consumption, processing and preparation practices, and feeding practice of young children.
Participants with similar sex, age group, religion, and educational level were selected for each
FGD session.
14
The study revealed that there is no common traditional ways of household processing method
except roasting. Based on the FGD findings, complementary food is prepared mainly from maize
in the study area. Incorporating pulse crop in the complementary diet is not common and the
major reasons were: lack of knowledge on the preparation specifically for infants and lack of
availability of pulses especially in dry seasons. Almost all participants have a good attitude
towards pulse and they believe its importance for the wellbeing and health of children as well as
pregnant women. Thus, they are willing to purchase and use it for the family consumption
including young children if they learn how to prepare it. Based on the result of FGD two
household food processing method can be introduced for the community, that is, roasting and
germinating which are somehow familiar to the community.
The study is proceeding next to Phase II which involves the analysis and testing of two
appropriate methods for complementary food and methods to reduce phytate content . Pulse
based complementary food will be analyzed for protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate, Fe, Zn, Ca,
Vitamin A and phytate.
Study 3- “Quality evaluation of Desi and improved kabuli varieties of chickpea and formulation
of flat bread incorporating best chickpea variety for preschool children at Wolaita Sodo” by HU
food science and nutrition faculty (Singh, Fikadu, Kinfe) has been initiated. Ethical approval has
recently been received and data collection has started. As indicted previously, Milestone 2.0, this
is a multiphase, multicomponent study that integrates food processing technology and nutrition
education to address improvement in child nutrition using improved varieties of pulse crops. In
Phase I, an analysis for nutrient and antinutrients composition will be carried out, as will analysis
of physicochemical, cooking and functional characteristics of the new varieties of chickpeas, and
sensory analysis of the products prepared from control and experimental varieties of chickpeas.
The study will also analyse, storage stability of pulses in phase II and the acceptability of a newly
formulated flat bread for preschool children
Study 4- “Effect of Post-harvest Practices (Sorting, Drying & De-hulling) on Physico-chemical
Properties of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) Flour and Snack Foods
in Hawassa zuria” by HU/ UofS food science faculty researchers (Gebre, Fisseha, Tyler, Fikre)
has begun. In this study, selected chickpea and faba bean varieties will be sorted, dried and dehulled and their physico-chemical properties will be determined and compared against the check
treatment. Standard procedures will be used to determine moisture and dry matter content, ash
content, particle size, solubility, turbidity and color measurement, syneresis, oligosaccharide
level, dietary fiber, protein content, starch content, bulk density. It is expected that data collection
will be completed and findings will be reported with the 12-18 months technical report.
Increasingly, studies underscore the social costs of rural women's lack of education and assets,
linking it directly to high rates of undernutrition and infant mortality. The high economic costs:
wasted human capital and low labour productivity stifle rural development and progress in
agriculture, while threatening food security for both for women and men. Taken together these
studies have broad applications for improving household processing practices, enhanced
bioavailability of nutrients, and new pulse food products for use by rural farmers and their
households in the study sites and beyond. Enhanced household processing technology will also
15
help to improve the workload of women, and other household members responsible for postharvest processing.
4.3 (a) Soil characterization- micro and macro nutrient levels and possible deficiencies
existing in the soils of study area
Objective 3: Characterize the soils of the study sites and apply management practices to
improve their quality.
Two studies whose main focus is to address milestone 3.2 “Characterization of soils in the study
sites and analysis of possible nutrient deficiencies existing in soils completed” of the joint
technical report and another laboratory study to examine the sorption behaviour of applied Zn to
soils of selected sites has been completed.
Study 1. Field characterizations of soils of Butajira, Taba, Halaba, Hawassa Zuria, Zeway and
Alagae were carried out by PhD student Abay Ayalew. Two pedons were excavated at each site
and morphological properties were described in situ. The morphological characterization
included: identification of soil horizons (depth, thickness, and boundary), field soil texture,
structure, color, consistency, carbonate content, porosity and root distribution. Soil samples were
collected from every identified horizon. Fifty eight soil samples from the identified soil horizons
and 66 soil samples from 0-15 and 15-30 cm were collected in 3 replications and analyzed for 16
parameters which include total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases (exchangeable
Ca, Mg, K and Na), pH, electrical conductivity, soil particle size, calcium carbonate,
micronutrients (Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe) and organic carbon.
The analysis of result indicated that Fe and Cu contents of soils in all sites were low, which were
< 4 ppm and < 2ppm, respectively. Manganese (Mn) was low (<1 ppm) in Zeway and Alage, but
medium (b/n 1 and 5 ppm) to high (>5 ppm) in Hawassa Zuria, Butajira, Halaba and Taba. The
analysis of soils from Zeway, Alage and Butajira indicated low Zn content ranging from 0.170.52 ppm, 0.28-0.6 ppm and 0.29-0.99 ppm, respectively while that of Hawassa Zuria, Halaba
and Taba soils ranged from 0.9-1.49 ppm, 0.95-1.66 ppm, 0.42-2.3 ppm, respectively. However,
the Zn contents of most of the samples was below 1.5ppm indicating the soils were zinc deficient
(Johnson and Fixen, 1990) quoted by Aref (2012).
Study 2: Pot experiments (by PhD Agriculture student Abay Ayalew) were conducted in a total
of 414 pots and comprise 3 experiments.


Evaluation of zinc and iron availabilities in soils of selected areas of Ethiopia under
greenhouse condition for Haricot bean production. This experiment is being conducted on
soils collected from six locations (Hawassa Zuria, Zeway, Halaba, Taba, Jole Andegna
and Alage). The experiment is being conducted at HU. Tissue samples (upper fully
expanded leaves) were collected at the start of flowering for analysis of nutrients. By now
the crop set pods.
Response of Haricot bean varieties to application of different levels of zinc in soils
collected from some selected areas of Ethiopia. This experiment is being conducted on
soils collected from three locations (Taba, Halaba and Jole Andegna). Tissue samples
16

(upper fully expanded leaves) were collected at the start of flowering for analysis of
nutrients. By now the crop set pods.
Response of Haricot bean varieties to application of different levels of iron in soils
collected from some selected areas of Ethiopia. This experiment is being conducted on
soils collected from three locations (Taba, Halaba and Jole Andegna). Tissue samples
(upper fully expanded leaves) were collected at the start of flowering for analysis of
nutrients. By now the crop set pods.
Study 3. “Sorption of zinc and iron in soils of some selected areas of Southern Ethiopia” (by
Abay Ayalew).This study has been conducted and analysis is being carried out. The analysis of
zinc sorption indicated that the adsorption isotherm showed different curves for soil from each of
the six locations. The order for Zn sorption followed a trend of Zeway soil > Alage soil >
Butajira soil > Taba soil > Halaba soil > Hawassa Zuria soil. Both the adsorption maxima of
Langmuir isotherm (except for Zeway and Alage soils) and the proportionality constant of
Freundlich isotherm (for all soils) indicated that the zinc sorption capacity of the soils is in the
aforementioned order.
4.3 (b) First year field studies completed on the effect of Zn and Fe Fertilization and
intercropping on nutrient uptake and soil quality
Six studies are underway to address milestone 3.3 of objective 3.
Study 1. Response of Haricot bean varieties to application of different levels of zinc in some
selected areas of Ethiopia (field condition) by Abay Ayalew.
Study 2. Response of Haricot bean varieties to application of different levels of iron in some
selected areas of Ethiopia (field condition) by Abay Ayalew.
The experiments for the study 1 and 2 are planned to be conducted in Halaba (Huletegna
Choroko), Taba and Butajira (Andegna Jole). Regarding the status of the activity, sites and trial
farmers are selected and the experimental areas are measured and marked. Necessary discussions
are made with the farmers on the nature of the experiments, the test crop to be used and the
farmer’s interest crop and the consent to carry out the experiments. Waiting for rainfall to
implement the experiments.
Study 3. The effect of rate and application methods of Zn fertilizer on the growth, yield and Zn
content of Haricot Bean inter-cropped with Maize in Ziway and Butajera areas of South Ethiopia
(by Wassie Haile, Sheleme Beyene and Dhyansingh). The study seeks to do whether zinc is a
limiting soil nutrient to Haricot bean and maize, optimum rate and method of Zn fertilizer application
for enhanced production and quality of Haricot bean and maize production and recommendations for
future use of Zn fertilizer for these crops in Ziway and Butajira areas.The field research will
commence in the forthcoming growing season.
17
Study 4.“Production efficiency of staggered sowing of three common bean cultivars intercropped
at different populations with maize” (By Tamiru Hirpa).This study is initiated with the objective
to determine the effects of staggered sowing and population density of three common bean
cultivars in intercrop with maize crop under the soil and climatic conditions of Ziway and Alaba
areas and will be executed on two sites in the upcoming growing season. The relative productive
capacity of intercropping vis-à-vis the respective monocultures will be computed for land use
efficiency and other interspecific competition indices, to determine the efficiency of the cropping
systems.
Study 5. “Performance of chickpea varieties after maize and haricot bean at Halaba district,
SNNPRS” (By Berhanu Abate and Sheleme Beyene). The study will be carried out at Huletegna
Choroko kebele, in Halaba district, SNNPRS with the objectives of identifying high yielding
farmers-preferred chickpea varieties, determining influence of maize-chickpea and haricot beanchickpea double cropping on soil chemical properties and performance of chickpea varieties after
maize and haricot bean
Study 6. “Effect of haricot bean inclusion within crop rotation on soil chemical properties and
protein quality of wheat” (By Atul Nayyar, Sheleme Beyene, Jeff Schoenau, Carol Henry, and
Tussa Dedefo).The study will be jointly executed by U of S and HU Faculty with the objective to
determine the influence of including pulse in rotation system on soil chemical properties and
quality of the produce. The field experiment has been initiated at Taba site in Ethiopia and soil has
been shipped to U of S to repeat the treatments in the field under greenhouse condition.
These experiments designed to meet above objective will help to improve the farming systems
and practices for enhanced production. The effect of Zn and Fe application on haricot beans,
intercropping and crop system studies will help improve food fortification and better income.
4.4 Genetic variations of currently available varieties and germplasm of chickpeas and Haricot
beans evaluated
Objective 4: Evaluate the genetic variations of currently available varieties and germplasm
of chickpeas and Haricot beans, the environmental effects and the interaction between
genotype and environment on micronutrient, particularly Zn, absorption and deposition in
seeds on selected sites.
Three experiments conducted across three locations (Halaba, Taba and Butajira) during 2012/13
cropping season by Legesse Hidoto on germplasms of chickpeas were harvested (Fig. 3). Based
on the proposal, data on all growth, yield and yield components were collected and the
organization and summarization for analysis is underway. Soil and plant samples were also
collected and are in the process for analysis.
Initial results show that 14 of the 20 soil samples collected for the selection of sites for the
experiments were Zn deficient (Annex 6) indicating Zn could be the major growth limiting factor
in the selected area. Analysis of the data would further reveal the impact of Zn deficiency on the
magnitude of response of different chickpea germplasm.
18
These experiments undertaken for this study will impact the farming systems and processes by
providing opportunities for adoption of improved technologies for enhanced production. The
study involves 50 male farmers, 66 female farmers, 4 extension workers, 15 policy makers for
better adoption of new technology.
4.5 Nutrition intervention mechanisms developed and tested using various approaches to
improve household food and nutrition security (Milestone 5.1)
Objective 5: Develop and Implement the use of additional and innovative strategies within
the agriculture-nutrition link to promote a wider pulse production and use of pulse and
non-pulse crops for improved food security and nutrition
Improving food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable women, children, and families
requires a multifaceted approach to address the root causes of hunger and poverty. Innovations
under this objective 5 are designed to demonstrate that integrating women’s empowerment
programs with traditional health and nutrition interventions can make a big difference in
improving lives of impoverished communities. A total of eight (8) studies are proposed, four have
been initiated and four studies are at the proposal writing stage. The studies use various
approaches (income generation through women’s microenterprise, participatory communitybased nutrition education and recipe generation) to empower women in building health and
nutrition for themselves and their households. The activities (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) undertaken in studies
are described next.
 5.1 Strengthen nutrition education and training for extension and community workers so
as to enable them to articulate to the community on the importance of healthy behaviours
for improved food security.
 5.2 Conduct education and training on the use of new varieties on pulse and other nonleguminous crops.
 5.3 Work with community members to develop appropriate indicators and data collection
methods to monitor effects of project (e.g. acceptability of food prepared with new
varieties, gender and inter-household inequality, etc.), through meetings, workshops,
demonstration/on-farm/in-kitchen trials, and dissemination of education materials.
Study 1: “Dietary practices, maternal nutritional status and stunting in < 5 years old children: A
comparative study in pulse growing and ‘non-pulse growing’ rural communities in Southern
Ethiopia” (Appendix XIII), focuses on reducing stunting through nutrition intervention. The
study is being conducted by UofS PhD student Getahun Lombamo and researchers, Henry &
Zello in collaboration with the Ethiopia Health and Nutrition Institute (EHNRI). The study has
received ethics approval from the UofS and is in the ethics approval stage for EHNRI and the
receipt of permission to conduct the study from the regional Bureaus of Agriculture in the
SSNPR and Oromiya regions The study seeks to do a comparative analysis of dietary practices,
nutritional and health status of mothers and their young children (< 5 years of age) in the selected
communities, with considerations for gender, age, health, and socioeconomics in both pulse and
non-pulse growing communities. The study uses a pre-post-intervention design and will assess
the effect of a participatory community-based nutrition education about promotion of pulses as
part of healthy meals on the knowledge, attitude, practice and nutritional status of mothers.
19
Study 2: “Assessment of the effects of nutrition education on promoting pulse in complementary
feeding practices in Tabe Kebelle, Damot, Gale Woreda, Wolayita Zone, Southern Ethiopia, is
being carried out by MSc student Demellash Mulualem,supervised by UofS faculty Henry &
Whiting (Appendix XIV). The study will test the hypothesis, promoting pulses in
complementary feeding practices will improve the nutritional status of children aged 6-21months
in the intervention group and knowledge, attitude, belief and practices of mothers/caregivers on
the use of pulses in complementary feeding practices in the intervention group will be improved
better than those in the control group. As with study 1- a pre-post-intervention design is used.
Baseline data collection is in progress. Full data collection is on track to be completed by
summer, 2013.
Study 3:“Social Marketing of nutrient rich locally processed complementary foods through
nutrition education to Village-Based Women’s microenterprises in Hawassa Zuria, South
Ethiopia” (Appendix XV) adopts a public-private social marketing strategy to encourage the
promotion and use food processing technology to complementary foods using pulse crops. An
important outcome of this study will be capacity building (in terms of equipment, production
space and market linkage) of women’s groups in the target areas; develop training materials
(pamphlets, manuals, DVDs) illustrating uses & preparation methods of traditional & new food
products; social market of nutrient rich locally processed complementary foods through nutrition
education to village-based women’s enterprises. The study, approved in December, at the 9-moth
progress meeting has been initiated and is expected to be completed by summer, 2013.
Five additional studies (Table 3) are being constructed by five Applied Nutrition students (20122014). These five female students (2012-2014) will complete their studies in the 2013 -2014
school year.
Study 4: “Assessment of Factors Affecting Consumption of and Barriers to the Production of
Pulse Crops in Hurufalole ‘kebele’, Oromia, Ethiopia,” (Appendix XVI) is being carried out by
HU MSc nutrition student Alemneh Kabeta, under the direction of UofS researcher Carol Henry
& co-advisor Debebe Moges. The main objective of this study is to identify factors affecting
consumption of and barriers to the production of pulse crops in Adami Tulu, Oromiya,
Ethiopia. The study is unique in that it will assess factors affecting both production and
consumption, thereby making the agriculture-nutrition link. More than four hundred households
will be sampled. Oromiya is one of the largest and most populous regions in Ethiopia, with a diet
mainly of cereal grains. Results of this study will have important policy option for scaling up
pulse production and consumption in the region.
Five fellowships to following female students (2012-2014) are targeting gender, within different
demographics. All five concept notes were approved; students are developing their proposals and
will begin data collection later in the fall.
Student
Title of research
Status
Frezer
Concept notes
Approved
Abebe
Efficacy of nutrition education materials targeting pulses
consumption at household level in low income mothers in Halaba
Huletegha Choroko
Roza Dansa
Efficacy of nutrition education of female farmers on pulse
Concept notes
20
consumption and nutritional status of preschool children in Taba
Kebele, Gale Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia.
Approved
Effect of nutrition education on pulses for household
consumption, dietary practices and food security in pulses
producer farmers in Taba kebeles, Damot Gale Wolaita Southern
Region Ethiopia
Concept notes
Approved
Rahel Asrat
Comparative study between pulses users and non pulses users in
relation with nutritional status and household food security among
preschool children’s Taba kebele, Damot Gale Woreda, Wolaita
Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Concept notes
Approved
Sara Fikru
Assessment of food security and nutritional status among user and
non-pulse user preschool child: A comparative community based
cross-sectional study
Concept notes
Approved
Elizabeth
Tafese
4.6. Healthy ecologies for food security strategies
Objective 6: Develop, disseminate, and uptake promotion of healthy ecologies for food
security strategies
Develop and implement a process to encourage collaboration between researchers and
community members at all stages from project design to dissemination and uptake. The following
activities have occurred doing this 0-6 months period team planning meetings: one time at each
site (UofS & HU)- March (UofS); May (HU). These include, frequent Email communications for
updates & involvement in project planning, another methods of communication as addressed in
the draft Communication Strategy. A 9-month progress meeting with stakeholders was held in
December, 2012. At this meeting, researchers HU/UofS and graduate students worked along with
two senior technical specialists (Tiessen Sanginga) reviewed progress towards meeting project
milestones. The project team also met with CIDA representatives, December, 2012. The meeting
informed CIDA representatives for awareness raising and information sharing. The meeting was
well received. Carol Henry and Sheleme Beyene were interviewed in December with Ethiopian
media about the new Global Institute for Food Security using the current work in HU as the
media hook. The interview was carried out by The Sub Saharan Informer (A pan African
newspaper that has a circulation of 5000 copies per issue). In addition, the project has launched
the Call-3 website
(http://www.usask.ca/food_security_ethiopia/Food_Security_in_Ethiopia/CIFSRDCall3/CIFSRF
_Call_3/Home.html ) which is opened to stakeholders and non-stakeholders. Additional
communication tools used include, frequent Email communications for updates & involvement in
project planning, another methods of communication as addressed in the draft Communication
Strategy.
21
5.0 Project implementation and management
Composition HU
Drs. Yibrah Beyene (Chair), Dean, College of Agriculture; Ajebu Nurfeta, Coordinator,
Graduate Studies & Research; Berhanu Abate, Head School of Plant & Horticurltural Science;
Eden Mengustu, Head, School of Gender, Environment & Development; Hannock, Head, School
of Human Nutrition, Food Science & Technology; Sheleme Beyene, PI Secretary.
Composition UofS
Drs David Hill (designee, Gord Zello), Dean College of Pharmacy and Nutrition; Susan Blum
(designee, Laurel Occoner), Director, International Research; Phyllis Shand, Head, Department of
Food and BioProducts; Sina Adl, Head, Department of Soil Science; Bruce Coulman, Department
of Plant Science; Carol Henry, PI, Secretary
Each Steering Committee (HU & UofS) met in 2012, (August, UofS; May & December, 2012,
HU). At each meeting project P.I. & secretary (HU &/or UofS) provided a briefing on the
progress of the activities being carried out, including the work plan, and project monitoring tools
developed. This Project Steering Committee meeting covered the period March, 2012- August,
2012 (December 2012 HU). In particular approval was sought from the Project Steering
Committee for the work plan, including demonstrated projects. The December, 2012 meeting
was the second meeting of the HU steering committee, and covered the period of AprilDecember, 2012. In the case of HU, support for PhD students was reviewed and new guidelines
approved. Both P.I participated in the two steering committee meetings. Through these meetings,
project P.I.s obtained guidance and directions to help maximize strategies for meeting the
project’s five key objectives.
The project’s management team (P.I.s, project manager, researchers) meets regularly. Project P.I
meets via SKYPE email, or conference call, on matters of importance to project activities in both
regions. Although the project is making good progress to meet its five key objectives, there have
been a few delays beyond the project’s control, some with budget implications that have slowed
the use of the funds. Such difficulties include problems in obtaining VISAS for HU faculty
traveling to Canada, purchasing equipment, and in some cases, obtaining import permit to
transport seeds (old and improved varieties of chickpeas and haricot beans) to Canada. These
issues are being addressed and we are making progress in meeting each of the challenges.
Much of the activities in progress have been described under section 3- progress towards
achieving milestones. Both P.I.s & UofS project manager are meeting at HU this May, 2013
where budget allocations will be reviewed and strategies designed to ensure smooth and
appropriate utilization of funds within year. The team aims to review budget, work on project
activities towards the success of all the projects related to Call3 and will seek out requirements
for further funding support to increase the “reach” to farmers and their households in the project
sites and larger communities.
A summary workplan and budget allocation for the 12-18 month reporting period will be
prepared and submitted to IDRC immediately following this meeting, May 2013.
22
6.0 Problems and Challenges
Research on haricot bean was not started in 2012 cropping season since the planting time was
over at all sites when the project implementation started. However, it is planned to conduct the
research on this particular crop twice in 2013 (March to September) using the small and big rains.
Unavailability of some laboratory equipment on local market was another challenge faced during
the last six months.HU procurement and property management Directorate has prepared bid
document and importers will be identified shortly.
We have been notified that the PhD student conducting research on germplasm faced challenges
of waterlogging and shortage of moisture at Taba and Butajira sites, respectively. Measures taken
to overcome the challenges will be included in the next interim report.
Progress in receiving Import permits in Canada has been slow. This has affected progress in
obtaining local and improved varieties on pulse from Ethiopia, for the two studies (PhD & postdoc). Measures are being taken to overcome this challenge. It is expected that the studies will
proceed as planned once the permits are received.
Budgetary challenges are described in section 5.0 project implementation and management.
7.0 Recommendation
We have no major recommendation at this point. We are continuing to make much progress in
achieving the project’s five (5) key objectives.
23
Annex 1- Monitoring AFS Expected Outcomes
There are five key objectives for the project. These innovations fall under five (5) sections in the
Annual Monitoring Questionnaire, namely, health status, micronutrient levels, soil quality,
genetic variations, and nutrition interventions. Within each of these, are 2-3 innovations. The
objectives and progress towards meeting them are described in section 4 (synthesis of research
activities). The five categories of innovations are described next under- new technologies and/or
farming systems and practices, diet diversity and nutrition (micronutrient levels & nutrition
innovations), and food processing and storage, and gender (health status).
New technologies and/or farming systems and practices. How is the project leading to new
and improved agricultural technologies and/or farming systems and practices that increase food
production?
New varieties of chickpeas and haricot beans will be introduced and tested across the research
sites. Application of micronutrients has never been practised in the sites. Zinc will be applied on
chickpeas and the response of different varieties to different methods of Zn application as well as
Zn enrichment of seed and straw will be evaluated. Similarly, response of four recently released
haricot bean varieties to different levels of Fe and Zn applications will be evaluated across sites.
Although intercropping is not new to the sites, different spacing, varieties and inoculation
experiments will be conducted to generate new technologies specific to and/or across sites.
Adoption to new genetic varieties of chickpea not only improves farming systems and practices
but also helps enhance food production and household income. Three experiments are designed
across three Zn-deficient locations (Halaba, Taba, and Butajira) to address genetic and agronomic
approaches for micronutrient (Zinc) enrichment in chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.).
Dietary diversity & nutrition. Pulses are high in protein, carbohydrates, and dietary fibre and
are a rich source of other nutritional components viz. B group vitamins and minerals
(Tharanathan & Mahadevamma, 2003) and their consumption and production extends worldwide. Pulses used for human consumption include peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, and faba beans
(Rochfort & Panozzo, 2007). On account of their high nutritive value they are the main sources
for human and animal nutrition especially in the developing countries (Tharanathan &
Mahadevamma, 2003)
Dietary quality is a critical limiting factor to adequate nutrition in many resource-poor settings.
Bioavailability is one aspect of dietary quality with respect to adequacy of micronutrient intake
among resource-poor populations. Three studies are seeking ways to enhanced traditional
household food-processing and preparation methods in order to enhance the bioavailability of
micronutrients in pulse-based diets. The ones that are being tested in this project are, soaking,
fermentation, and germination/malting. These strategies aim to increase the physicochemical
accessibility of micronutrients, while decreasing the content of antinutrients, such as phytate, or
increase the content of compounds that improve bioavailability (Hotz & Gibson, 2007). A fourth
study focuses on improving post-harvest processing strategies (sorting, drying, de-hulling) and
physico-chemical properties of chickpea. Taken together these four studies will help to inform
24
new and enhanced practices for pulses crop processing and preparation among rural Ethiopian
farmers.
The project has a strong focus on integrating nutrition innovations. These include education of
extension and community workers to enable them to articulate to farmers and community
members about importance of healthy behaviours for improved food processing, preparation and
consumption among household members. These approaches (reduced stunting, strengthening
women’s enterprises) vary depending on the target population reached (children, females –
mothers of child bearing age and women enterprises). Every effort is being made to work closely
with community stakeholders in addressing the activities undertaken for this objective.
Other key considerations include, partnership strengthening for scaling-up of nutrition
interventions, and findings ways to integrate gender responsiveness into the project activities.
A Nutrition Outcome Pathway (figure 3), provides an overall description of the approach used in
Engagement of Canadian researchers with Southern researcher organizations (for
CIFSRF-funded projects only). Is there increased use of Canadian knowledge and resources to
address environmentally sustainable agricultural productivity and nutrition problems in
developing countries?
Both partner universities have been engaged in collaborative work to build the research capacity
and training at HU. The partnership has a long and successful relationship since 1997.
Researchers from UofS are using expertise and closely work with HU Faculty in plant breeding
(chickpeas) and soil management to help address some of the issues related to nutrition and food
security in southern Ethiopia. Faculty from HU travel each year to the UofS to work in advanced
condition in the College of Agriculture and Bio-Resources and upgrade their capacity. UofS
nutrition faculty continues to use their research training to build the capacity of the nutrition staff
and graduate students to develop innovative health promotion programs for women and children.
In this project, the goal of research is to ensure the effectiveness of health promotion and nutrition
interventions and deliver research-based community nutrition education with a view to broaden
policy horizons in addressing food and nutrition security in Ethiopia.
Research groups. How is the project contributing to stronger research groups for improved food
security policies and decision-making?
Faculty from the division of nutrition, UofS, has been involved in shaping the nutrition
curriculum since 2007. More than 50 students have graduated from the program and are now
contributing to building the national nutrition agenda as educators (higher education), public
health professionals and nutritionist. UofS faculty assumes responsibility for guiding graduate
student research on the project, HU co-supervise, thus also building staff capacity. HU faculty,
both agriculture and nutrition, will conduct joint research with the partners from UofS. This will
enhance experience sharing and strengthen the capacity of young staff at HU to conduct research.
Food distribution. How is the project contributing to more equitable food distribution for food
security?
25
Food processing and storage. How is the project contributing to improved food processing and
storage for food security?
One joint faculty research (described earlier) in area of Food Science and Post-harvest
Technology has been initiated. The study, the “effect of post-harvest practices (sorting, drying &
de-hulling) on physic-chemical properties of chickpea and Faba bean flour and snack foods is
expected to yield important outcomes to addressing food processing and storage. Several other
studies are seeing to address issues pertaining to food processing and storage as it relates to
enhancing micronutrient utilization. This remains an important component of project activities.
Risk-mitigation. How is the project contributing to better risk-mitigation for food security?
Access to resources. How is the project contributing to improved access to resources for food
production and security? E.g. land tenure, extension and credit, market access.
In this study, understanding the agriculture value-chain framework maybe one of the strategies
used to recommend more efficiency in pulse production and processing. The study, “pulse value
chain analysis in selected woredas of Southern Ethiopia and constraints for livelihood
improvements and export development” is expected to provide import insights with
recommendations for improved access to resources for food production and security.
Income generation. How is the project contributing to improving vulnerable/poor people’s
ability to purchase more and better quality food, in particular for the benefit of women and
children?
The project is aimed at improving the productivity of pulses, which are known as “poor man’s
crops”. Growing high yielding varieties with better management will enable the vulnerable/poor
farmers to get more protein for themselves. This is particularly important for the family of the
poor, as they are totally dependent on plant protein. The farmers will sell whatever produced in
excess, which could be verified by the project’s market and consumer studies report shortly.
Policy options. How is the project influencing the development and implementation food
security policies?
Findings from the studies and extension activities undertaken in this CIFSRF project will be
shared with decision makers at various levels- national, regional and local levels, using a variety
of media (published and reports)..
ICTs. Has the use of ICTs contributed to increase access to information and improved food
security for the most vulnerable?
It is expected that as the studies and extension work progress, greater efforts will be placed on
sharing outcomes using local media (radio, newspapers), and other outlets.
Gender. Several projects are focused on addressing health, socioeconomics, and gender issues.
One project began during 0-6 months reporting period and was completed in this 6-12 month
26
reporting period by HU researchers Nigatu and Gete. It is also important to note that project
activities to-date has been very sensitive to addressing gender concerns, such as in planning and
implementation of project activities. Two of the PhD projects are seeking ways to address the
needs of females- “assessing the effectiveness of methodologies for processing and preparation
practices for enhanced bioavailability of nutrients in Ethiopian households and “dietary practices,
maternal status and stunting in <5years old children: A comparative study in pulse growing and
non-pulse growing rural communities in southern Ethiopia”. Further work is planned by the
gender team –much will be worked on as Dr Nigatu and team (Gete, Getenesh, Mojos) visit
Canada this summer to collaborate with the Canadian gender team (Jaffe & Kaler).
Environment. The project focuses on indigenous management practices with low external input.
Some of the graduate research works will include biological nitrogen fixation in pulses and
residue management of pulse crops. All these reduce external inputs of chemicals and will ensure
sustainability without affecting the environment.
The project is designed to enhance research and extension expertise, promote farm-based and
human nutrition expertise, particularly among women. Few mechanisms exist in Ethiopia to
address the multifactorial causes of food insecurity. This CIFSRF project will provide important
findings for policy uptake and for dissemination to the wider scientific community and lay
community.
27
ANNEX 2: TEAM COMPOSITION
List key members of ALL applicant research teams (add more tables and rows as needed). For type of organization, indicate: government, university, private sector, NGO (national), NGO
(international), or other.
Organization 1 (name, type of organization, country). Hawassa University, Government organization, Ethiopia
Family name
Given
name
Male
(M) /
Female
(F)
Address (mailing address, phone number, fax, email)
Project role/responsibility (please indicate if lead PI and identify if
consultant)
% of time
committed
on this
project
Job title
Jiru
Sheleme
Beyene
M
Associate
Professor
P.O.Box 5, Hawassa Ethiopia, shelemebe@yahoo.com
Lead P.I. Activities on soil Science, advise PhD and MSc students,
Joint research administration
20%
Ali
Kebede
Abegaz
M
Assistant
Professor
Kebede Abegaz <abegaz2005@yahoo.co.uk>
Food processing, fermentation, knowledge transfer, and local
coordinator
10%
Ayele
Walelign
Worku
M
Associate
Professor
walelignworku@yahoo.co.uk
Advise and carry out Agronomy/Crop Physiology activities
5%
Geda
Nigatu
Regassa
M
Associate
Professor
Nigatu Regassa <negyon@yahoo.com
Carry out activities related to population development and gender
studies
5%
Beyene
Gete
Tsegaye
F
Assistant
Professor
Gete Tsegaye <tuge62@yahoo.com
Carry out gender-related activities. Home economics/nutrition
5%
Anniye
Endalkach
ew
W/Meskel
M
Assistant
Professor
Endalkachew Welde-meskel
<ewm_endalkachew@yahoo.com
Advise and carry out Rhizobia Inoculation activities
5%
Ameda
Towordros
Teffera
M
Assistant
Professor
Tewodros Teferra <dagted@gmail.com
Advise students and works on socioeconomic aspects
5%
28
Getenesh
Berhanu
F
Lecturer
geteneshbt@yahoo.com
Involve in nutrition aspect of the project
5%
Address (mailing address, phone number, fax, email)
Project role/responsibility (please indicate if lead PI and identify if
consultant)
% of time
committed
on this
project
Organization 2(name, type of organization, country).
Family name
Given
name
Male
(M) /
Female
(F)
Job title
Lead P.I, joint research administration, collaborate in carrying out
baseline studies, including
Associate
Henry
Carol
F
Professor
College of Pharmcy & Nutrition, University of
Saskatchewan
household food security and dietary assessment, participatory methods,
socio-demographic
20%
Saskatoon, SK, S7N5C9
assessment and gender and jointly conduct related participatory
interventions
Tar’an
Zello
Bunyamin
Gord
M
M
Assistant
Professor
Professor
Pulse crop breeding; Advice on field trials including experimental
design, germplasm/variety selection
Bunyamin Tar'an <bunyamin.taran@usask.ca
10%
and trials, varietal response to Zn fertilizer, data collections and data
analysis
Gordon Zello <Gordon.Zello@usask.ca
Advise and participate in health and dietary assessment relating to
chickpeas, haricot beans and non-legume
5%
staples at the household; advise on analytical methods,.
Walley
Fran
F
Professor
Fran Walley <Fran.Walley@usask.ca
Whiting
Susan
F
Professor
Susan Whiting <Susan.Whiting@usask.ca
29
Provide advice on the design and implementation of pulse crop
inoculation and fertilizer studies..
Advise and participate in health and dietary assessments relating to
chickpeas, haricot beans athousehold level and advise on characterizing
micronutrient levels phytate content of food, andcollaborate on
5%
5%
appropriate interventions
Jaffe
JoAnn
F
Professor
JoAnn Jaffe <joann.jaffe@uregina.ca
Advise, participate and analyse baseline studies of social and cultural
aspects of Agro-food systems, and food (in)-security. Collaborate on
protocols for participatory methods. Advise and participate in data
collection and analysis of local practice/knowledge and political
economic research.
15%
10%
Kaler
Amy
F
Associate
Professor
Amy Kaler (akaler@ualberta.ca) <akaler@ualberta.ca
Advise and participate in the development of baseline research
instruments, especially household survey instruments, semi-structured
interview guides, household biographies and life history studies.
Advise and carry out analysis of baseline household survey,
information and prepare gender framework.
Tyler
Bob
M
Professor
Robert Tyler <bob.tyler@usask.ca
Advise and carryout activities relating to food processing, crop
utilization , micronutrient lab, and pulse knowledge transfer
8%
Grevers
Mike
M
Adjunct
Professor/Consult
ant
Mike Grevers <mcg541@mail.usask.ca
Provide advice on the design and implementation of pulse crop
inoculation and fertilizer studies..
5%
Kimaro
Anthony
Assistant
Professor
anthony.kimaro@usask.ca
Advise on soil micronutrient and biofortification
5%
30
Annex 3: Performance measurement framework
Performance measurement indicators (PMI)
Carol Henry (U of S)
Improving Human Nutrition in Ethiopia through plant Breeding and Soil Management
Title
No.
Team Leader
Sheleme Beyene (HU)
Ethiopia
Country/Region/ Institution
Budget
$1,600,000
Duration
2 ½ years (March 30, 2012 to August 30, 2014)
University of Saskatchewan and Hawassa University
Expected results
Ultimate Outcome
(Long -term)
Indicators
Baseline Data
Targets
Data Sources
Data Collection Methods
Frequency
Responsibility
1) Improved
reduction in
malnutrition
deficiencies
through
households food
nutritional
security
a)
Number and percentage of
individuals and households
stratified by gender and
socio-economic groups
having a balanced diet in
the project area (peasant
associations)
b) Number and percentage of
meals per day per person in
households
a)
a)
a)
a)
a)
a)
b) Number of meals per
day per person in 2014
and beyond
b) Households in study
sites (peasant
associations)
b) Men, women
and children
c)
c)
Number of children
with adequate weightfor-height beyond
2014
d) Number of farmers in
study area growing
pulse crops
c)
c)
e)
e) Farmers in the study
2) Increased
sustainability of
local agroecosystems
Percentage of children
under 5 with adequate
weight-for-height
d) Number and percentage of
farmers growing highyielding and micronutrientrich pulse crop
e) Number and percentage of
farmers using inoculated
pulses in crop rotations and
intercropping
Number and
percentage of
individuals having a
balanced diet in 2014
and beyond
Number of farmers in
study area inoculating
pulse crops
Households in study
sites (peasant
associations)
Households in study
sites (peasant
associations)
d) Farmers in the study
sites (peasant
associations)
sites (peasant
associations)
31
Men, women
and children
Men, women
and children
d) Field
evaluations
e)
Field
evaluations
Household surveys, focus
group discussions,
interviews with public
health practitioners
At the end of the
project and beyond
HU and U of S &
partners, with
additional funding
b) Household surveys, focus
group discussions,
interviews with public
health practitioners
c) Household surveys, focus
group discussions,
interviews with public
health practitioners
d) Survey of farmers and of
local Bureau of
agriculture specialists
b) At the end of the
project and beyond
b) HU and U of S &
partners, with
additional funding
c)
c)
d) At the end of the
project and beyond
d) HU and U of S &
partners, with
additional funding
e)
e)
e)
Survey of farmers and of
local Bureau of
agriculture specialists
At the end of the
project and beyond
At the end of the
project and beyond
HU and U of S &
partners, with
additional funding
HU and U of S &
partners, with
additional funding
f)
Extent of soil health
improved and land
rehabilitation
f)
Existing soil and land
characteristics and
extent of degradation
f) Farmers in the study
f)
sites (peasant
associations)
Field
evaluations
f)
Survey of farmers and of
local Bureau of
agriculture specialists
f)
At the end of the
project and beyond
f)
HU and U of S &
partners, with
additional funding
Expected results
Indicators
Intermediate outcome
(Medium Term)
Baseline Data
Targets
Data Sources
Data Collection Methods
Frequency
Responsibility
1) By 2014,
implementation
strategies and
studies will
reveal actual
number of men
and women
adopting new
technologies
2) Increased use of
micronutrient
rich pulses in
household diets
and nutritional
intervention
education on
complementary
feeding practices
help mitigate
hunger and
malnutrition
3) Increased pulse
production, help
tackle
malnutrition,
improve food
security and
enhance soil
quality and
environment
4) Produce specific
dissemination
a)
a)
a)
a)
a)
a)
a)
Number and percentage of
farmers in the study areas
growing high-yielding
pulse crops
b) Number and percentage of
households adopting
improved processing
strategies for improved
micronutrient intake
c)
Number and percentage of
farmers participating in
scheduled interventions
including improved
nutrition knowledge and
use of biofortified crops
Data collected from field
experiments such as
increased crop yield, micro
and macronutrient content,
protein content
d) Nutrition education
material (manuals, recipes,
Current agricultural
practices adopted by
of farmers (male and
female) in the study
area
Local farmers and
farming households
in the study site
Farmers and
farming
households
participating in
interventions in
selected areas
Household surveys,
interviews
On-going
monitoring
measuring linked
to pre-post
interventions
Project team
members (HU &
UofS)- faculty
researchers, PhD
students
b) Knowledge, practices
and beliefs of farmers
and farming
households relating to
pulse crop production,
processing,
preparation and
consumption
b) Local farmers and
farming households
in the study site
b) Farmers and
farming
households
participating in
interventions in
selected areas
b) Household surveys,
interviews
b) On-going
monitoring
measuring linked
to pre-post
interventions
b) Project team
members (HU &
UofS)- faculty
researchers, PhD
students
c)
c)
c)
c)
c)
c)
Knowledge, practices
and beliefs of farmers
and farming
households relating to
pulse crop production
d) Traditional recipies
from Ethiopian
Farmers and farming
household from the
selected area
d) Local farmers and
farming households
32
Farmers and
farming
households
participants
d) Farmers and
farming
Soil and plant analysis
including various
chemical analysis such as
macro and micronutrients,
crop yield
d) Household survey
On-going
monitoring
measuring linked
to pre-post
interventions
d) On-going
monitoring
Project team
members (HU &
UofS)- faculty
researchers, PhD
students
d) Project team
members (HU &
tools adapted to
the needs of
farmer groups
and development
partners
flyers) for promoting
healthy eating
household
e)
in the study site
households
participants
measuring linked
to pre-post
interventions
Community based
nutrition manuals,
secondary literature
search
UofS)- faculty
researchers, PhD
students
Expected results
Indicators
Immediate outcome
(Short Term)
Baseline Data
Targets
Data Sources
Data Collection Methods
Frequency
Responsibility
1) Gender
framework &
research
activities
integrated into
project activities
Synthesis of primary data on
gender, age and other socioeconomic characteristics,
stratified by gender
Local farmers in the
study sites, peasant
associations, government
Men and women
farmers, peasant
associations,
government
personal
Surveys of individual and
households; health
professionals, and of local
Bureau of Agriculture
Specialists. Field observations
On-going
MSC & PhD studies
HU faculty and staff.
UofS faculty
2) Analysis,
intervention
strategies & biofortification for
micro- nutrient
rich food to
improve
nutrition and
health
Micronutrient and anti-nutrient
levels of pulses (chickpea, broad
beans, lentils) determined by lab
analysis
Secondary data compiled
from previous studies
(MSc, PhD studies, recent
survey of Hu Technology
villages, market &
consumer studies, gender
studies) and gaps
analyzed
Samples of local and
improved varieties of
chickpeas, broad beans, &
lentil obtained from study
sites
Study sites, local farmers
in the peasant association
Results from lab
analyses
Standard laboratory
procedures
2013-2014
MSC & PhD studies
HU faculty and staff.
UofS faculty
3) Improved
nutrition
education,
healthy eating
practices, and
value- added
training in
household food
processing
4) Best-fit
agricultural
knowledge of agro-food based
system, pulse-value chain
analysis and constrains for
livelihood improvement
Availability of and access
adequate pulse food
supply, health and dietary
practices at the household
level
Local farmers and
households in the study
sites
Men and women
farmers, peasant
associations and
government
personals
Surveys of individual and
households; health
professionals, and of local
Bureau of Agriculture
Specialists
On-going
MSC & PhD studies
HU faculty and staff.
UofS faculty
Analysis of soil samples for
physical and chemical
Initial physico-chemical
analysis of soils
Soils of the selected sites
Results of lab
analysis
Field experiments, soil and
plant analysis
2013-2014
HU faculty and
students
sample of chickpea
obtained from varieties
grown in Canada for
comparison
33
technologies and
innovations for
pulses validated
5) Technologies for
pulse varieties
and crop
management
options
developed
6) Create strategic
alliances for
facilitating
dissemination of
pulse production
technology
properties especially
micronutrient deficiency
determined
Extent of response of different
pulse genotypes to Zn and Fe.
Germplasm identified and
Zn and Fe deficient sites
selected
New chickpea varieties
introduced in farming
system
Crop yield, Zn
absorption and
deposition in seeds
Field experiments, seed and
plant analysis
2013-2014
Faculty from HU and
UofS and PhD student
Level of interaction
between farmers, present
associations, agriculture
bureau, NGOs and other
extension agencies
Men and women farmers
and participating
associations
Meetings,
interviews,
questionnaires
Survey and meetings
On-going
Faculty from HU and
UofS
Methods for micronutrient
enrichment for pulse crops
Number of manuscripts relating
to gender, age and other SES
characteristics, stratified by
labor, land, authority and
consumption developed and
findings disseminated to
stakeholders
34
ANNEX 4 - OUTPUTSTABLE
Please ensure that IDRC has copies of all outputs produced by the project.
Each output submitted to IDRC must include a title page, abstract, and keywords (see Annex 4)
This table should be updated on a regular basis and submitted with each interim report.
Project Title and number: Improving Nutrition through plant breeding and Soil Management- 106927-001/2
Types of Outputs
Peer reviewed article(s)
Workshop/presentations
Research reports
Newspaper article
Bulletin, newsletter,
pamphlets, brochures
Title / Reference & Summary Description
New Global Institute to help food and nutrition security in
Ethiopia
Date of the output
27 December, 2012
Databases (GIS, and
35
Primary
authors/
organizations
responsible
Carol Henry
and Sheleme
were
interviewd by
news media
Was this
output
disseminated?
If yes, how?
Please indicate
what type of
audiences
have been
reached (i.e.
policy makers,
researchers,
others?
Location
of the
output
Please
provide
weblink if
applicable
other information
systems)
Policy briefs
Books / Book chapters
Thesis, essay, paper
Conference proceedings,
speech, slide
presentation
Manual, curriculum,
training material
Photograph, film
Scoping study,
exploratory report
Evaluation report
Websites, social media
(Facebook, twitter),
multimedia (Youtube,
others)
Media coverage. Articles
in local or international
media
Others
http://www.usask.ca/food_security_ethiopia/Food_Securit
y_in_Ethiopia/CIFSRDCall3/CIFSRF_Call_3/Home.html
36
ANNEX 5 – GRADUATE STUDENT INFORMATION
Surname
Ayalew
Given name
Abay
Gender
M
Organization
HU
Department
Soil Science
Country of research
Ethiopia
Degree
PhD
Hidoto
Legesse
M
HU
Agronomy
Ethiopia
PhD
Abebe
Hiwot
F
HU
Nutrition
Ethiopia/Canada
PhD
Phytate and Micronutrients in crop processing and
preparation: addressing food security in Southern
Negash
Cannaan
F
HU
Nutrition
Ethiopia
MSc
Kabeta
Alemneh
M
HU
Nutrition
Ethiopia
MSc
Manaye
Teshale
M
HU
Nutrition
Ethiopia
MSc
Mulualem
Demmelash
M
HU
Nutrition
Ethiopia
MSc
Abebe
Frezer
F
HU
Nutrition
Ethiopia
MSc
Dansa
Roza
F
HU
Nutrition
Ethiopia
MSc
Tafese
Elizabeth
F
HU
Nutrition
Ethiopia
MSc
Asrat
Rahel
F
HU
Nutrition
Ethiopia
MSc
Effect of Broad bean based complementary food on
nutritional status of young children in Hulla, Titecha
Kebele
Barriers to and acceptance of pulse use by families and
by communities (differing in usual usage of pulses and
other crops) in a qualitative or quantitative way
Survey of Local Nutrition Practices in Southern region,
Ethiopia- with the goal of identifying best practices in
food processing, preparation (people, customs, rituals,
etc.)
Effects of nutrition intervention on promoting pulses
crops in complementary feeding practices
Efficacy of nutrition education materials targeting
pulses consumption at houses hold level in low income
mothers in Halaba Huletegha Choroko
Effect of nutrition education of female farmers on pulse
consumption and nutritional status of preschool children
in Taba Kebele of demote Gale Woreda, Wolaita Zone,
Southern Ethiopia
Effect of nutrition education on pulses for household
consumption, dietary practices and food security in
pulses producer farmers in Taba kebeles Damot Gale
Woreda Southern Region Ethiopia
Comparative study between pulses users and non pulses
users in relation with nutritional status and house hold
37
Title of Thesis
Micronutrient status of Soils and Effects of Zinc and
Iron Fertilization on Haricot Bean Production in Some
selected areas of Ethiopia
Genetic and agronomic approaches for micronutrient
enrichment in chickpea
Date expected
June 2015Degree completion
CIFSRF project 2014
June 2015Degree completion
CIFSRF project 2014
June 2016Degree completion
CIFSRF project 2014
June 2013
June, 2013
June, 2013
June, 2013
2014
2014
2014
2014
Fikru
Sara
F
HU
Nutrition
Ethiopia
MSc
Tesema
Abera
Tadesse
Kebebush
Rediet
Meseret
F
F
F
HU
HU
HU
Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Ethiopia
MSc
MSc
MSc
Bezabih
Yenealem
F
HU
Ethiopia
MSc
Proposal in progress
2014
Berhau
Hiwot
F
HU
Food Science
Agronomy
Gender & Family
Studies
Gender and Family
Studies
Rural Development
food security among preschool children’s, Taba kebeke,
Damot Gale Woreda, Wolayita Zone, southern Ethiopia
Assessment of food security and nutritional status
among pulse user and non pulse user preschool child: A
comparative community based cross-sectional study
Proposal in progress
Proposal in progress
Proposal in progress
Ethiopia
MSc
Proposal in progress
2014
38
2014
2014
2014
2014
Annex 6. Initial soil analysis for zinc availability
Sample
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Location
Farmer
Site
pH
Wol/ita
Jorge Chama
Duko Adema
Berhanu Bey.
Mamo Gidebo
Shiferawu Sh.
Shita Gidebo
Taba
Taba
Taba
Taba
Taba
Taba
6.94
6.43
6.87
6.08
6.05
6.29
Halaba
10
11
Silas Shita
Yosef Mamo
Hajimudin1
Hajimidin 2
Mohamed Sani
Onstation (BoA)
12
Butajira
Workineh A.
Taba
Taba
2nd Choroko
2nd Choroko
nd
2 Choroko
Near BoA
site
Jolle 1st
6.66
6.61
6.88
6.53
6.73
7.02
0.13
1.47
1.68
0.95
0.88
1.08
Amare Tesfaye
14
15
16
Maregn M.
Negese Ts.
Mebrate Ts.
Ziway
Alage
Tilahun Dem.
On station
College G-4
Jolle 1
st
Jolle 1
Jolle 1st
Jolle 1st
st
Jolle 1
Onstation
G-4 farm
Zn rate trial
Genetic response
Application
strategies
Zn rate
Application
strategies
0.98
0.21
st
Remark
Genetic response
6.86
13
17
18
19
20
Zn( mg/kg soil)
= (a-b)
*40/20*mcf*
1.69
0.64
1.04
0.33
0.28
7.36
6.89
6.86
7.22
7.15
8.05
7.12
0.05
0.68
0.34
0.17
0.19
1.05
1.80
The farm was not
ready
The farm was not
ready
Not ready
Genetic response
Zn rate &
app.strategies
Mcf= moisture correction factor, AA= atomic absorption spectrophotometer; a= zinc concentration in the sample solution, b
= zinc concentration in the blank; s= sample weight of air dry soil
39
Figure 1. Project Conceptual Framework
Agro-Systems approach: From Field to Fork
Soil quality and
management
Food Processing
Crop diversification
Genetic diversity
Bio availability
System wide analytical
tools
Bioavailability
-Value-chain analysis
-Gender analysis
-Monitoring &
evaluation
Linking soil & Plant nutrition
Human health &
Nutrition
Environment
Reducing the burden of fertilizer &
chemicals
Environmental quality; soil quality,
biological nitrogen fixation, reduced
land degradation
Gender stratification
Socio-economics
Stakeholders
Bureau of Agriculture,
Bureau of health,
NGO’s, EHNRI
Household food & Nutrition security
[Increased production of the new pulse crops,
consumptionimproved intake of macro 7 micro nutrients]
40
Figure 2: Nutrition Outcome Pathways
Gender sensitive
agriculture
interventions
Participation in
agriculturalnutrition
intervention
Agricultural
practice (plant
breeding, biofortification
improved seed &
soil fertility)
Nutrition education
Improved food
processing technologies
& preparation, consumption
Increased household
income through sales
of pulses as cash crops
(market & consumer
studies, value chain)
More pulse,
improved diet
quality &diversity
of households,
especially women
&children
Increased
production of
pulse, incl.,
nutrient rich
pulse crops
Enterprise processing
pulse food e.g.
complementary foods
41
Improvement nutritional
status and health of
communities, especially of
reproductive age women
and young children
Behaviour change outcome
Figure 3. Illustration of the whole process from site selection to harvesting for Taba
Activities from site selection to Cickpea havesting at Taba
42
Map of the Research sites in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Regional state
Jole
andgegna
& Ele
Huletegna
choroko
Oromiya-Zeway
Taba
Hula
Awasa
Zuriya
Symposium at University of Saskatchewan
44