Northern Region Rural Development Project

The project built on the First Rural Development Project in the Northern Region, which was financed by the World Bank’s International Development Agency (IDA). The project focused on an integrated approach with the objective of improving crop production by small-scale farmers, improving rural infrastructure and strengthening local institutions. The main activities financed by IFAD were:

• extension and soil conservation
• research and development
• seed production
• agricultural credit
• irrigation and water supply
• establishment of a rural development fund

The project included activities to improve access to safe water among the population, in an area where surface water flows do not exist throughout the year. In response to the need to reverse the trend towards environmental deterioration, the project included measures to expand soil conservation activities and promote tree planting.

Despite political instability the project was able to complete road construction and to support agricultural activities, particularly the development of irrigated rice cultivation. The project provided farmers with access to credit and training, promoted the use of animal traction and supported the establishment of local shops dealing in agricultural inputs.

Source: IFAD