59991 Yemen Preliminary Evaluation of a Field Survey of the Qat Research Unit (AREA Program) Visit to Qat Cultivation Areas of the Kuchlan and Hajja Regions (June 14-15, 1999) Peer Gatter Country Department III Sustainable Development Department Middle East and North Africa Region Report for the Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation and the World Bank Quote: Gatter, P. (1999 h): Preliminary Evaluation of a Field Survey of the Qat Research Unit (AREA Program). Visit to Qat Cultivation Areas of the Kuchlan and Hajja Regions (June 14-15, 1999). Report for the Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation and the World Bank, 13 pp. 1. Framework and Method On June 7, 1999 the Qat Research Unit (AREA Program) has launched its first research project on Qat for which the Ministry of Agriculture has allocated 340.000 Rial (ca. $ 2.150). Farmers in five different Regions are being questioned on Qat related topics. Five days are going to be spent in each one of these regions (Sana'a, Hajja, Taiz, Dhaleh, and Dhamar). In each of them different growing areas are going to be visited. A further two weeks are reserved for evaluating the data gathered. A final report is planned to be ready by the end of July 1999. The team consits of six participants and is lead by Dr. Ali No'man Abdullah, Chairman of the Qat Research Unit (MS in Soil, Ph.D. in Genetics, Cytology, and Plant Breeding). He is accompanied by three AREA specialists: Said al-Bakri - Animal Protection Engineer Muhammad al-Mudwahi - Soil Microbiologist Mansur al Dallas - Horticulturist Further members of the team are a driver and a local mediator (one for each survey area), who's task it is to help overcome the farmer's fears of government agents and to introduce the team. In the case of the Kuchlan/Hajja-regions this was: Ahmad al-Ghumari - Deputy Director of COKA (Central Organization for Control and Auditing) The financial costs for the project are made up of: - 1400 Rial/person/day for expenses (wages are paid by the AREA program) - 800 Rial for local mediator/day - gasoline for the AREA car (driver is AREA employee) 2 2. Questionnaire All farmers asked are growing Qat along with other crops. General - what is characteristic for the work with different crops? - what problems do you face in general? - what crops do you prefer and why? Water - what are your means of irrigation? - what are the costs of irrigation? - how much water does Qat use compared to other crops? - do you face difficulties with the water supply? - where do you see a solution to water problems? Qat variety, Quality - what makes good Qat? - what varieties of Qat do you have? What is the name of your Qat? - is this a good variety? - if you would get specimens of an excellent Qat variety and plant them here, would the outcome also be excellent? Why, why not? - which is the best Qat variety? Planting Qat (input/output) - why do you plant Qat, what are the benefits compared to other crops? - what are you financial and labor inputs? - if you want to newly cultivate one hectar of Qat, how do you do that? - what are your outputs (how many Qat bundles (rubtas), respectively Rials, do you get out of one hectare/planting unit? - how many twigs does one rubta contain? - how much do you get for your Qat, do prices fluctuate? - how much land do you have under Qat? - how much taxes do you pay? Other crops, change in planted crops - which crops do you prefer apart from Qat? - which problems, costs, and profits do these crops bring? - what crops did you plant before you predominantly grew Qat? - what share did the different crops account for in your overall production before planting predominantly Qat, what is the share today? - how did the size of the area of cultivated land change in this process of switching to Qat? - what crop varieties did you have before switching to Qat and after? - did the crop varieties (e.g. of Sorghum) become less due to this switch? Fertilizers, pesticides - what fertilizers do you use, how often, why? - what are the benefits of fertilizers (quantity of output, quality)? - what pesticides do you use, why, against what? - what are the benefits of pesticides (quantity of output, quality)? - are you aware of the dangers of pesticides for your health? 3 3. The Research Area Two areas were visited with the Qat Research Unit: - Kuchlan with the Qat growing areas Aibeh and Shahel - Hajja with the qat growing area Mabian 4. Some Results Shahel (Kuchlan area) In the Shahel area nearly entirely coffee was planted before Qat was introduced. Qat cultivation there dates back about 20 years. Now about 80% of the agricultural land are reserved for Qat. Due to an abundance of spring water and an elaborate system of channels and basins, farmers face little difficulties with irrigation. The farmers of Shahel were not aware of the danger that pesticides pose for their health. Taxes being paid to the government are about 10% of the farmers profits. These 10% (dharab) are paid in addition to the zakat. The farmers are well aware of the rising cultivation of Qat allover Yemen. There is a general fear for overproduction which could result in a drop of prices and consequently in financial losses. Since predominantly Qat is planted in Shahel, this fear is understandable. Farmers do not believe that the import of higher quality Qat plants from other growing areas would make them grow better Qat. They are convinced that climate and soil are determining factors for quality. Mabian (Hajja area) About 20 years ago 80% of the land in the Mabian area, was cultivated with sorghum, wheat, barley and vegetables, 20% with coffee and fruit. Now on about 60% of the land Qat is grown, on another 30% corn. As in Shahel, also in the Mabian area intensive Qat cultivation started about 20 years ago. However, in Mabian village very old Qat trees were found that according to the memory of a town elder (age about 70 years), were planted 40 years before his birth, which would give an age of over a hundred years. In Mabian there is only little spring or well water available, most of the water has to be purchased. One can see huge tanks erected on wood and stone stilts in the fields. Water that has previously been pumped into them is from there distributed onto the fields. In an area close to Mabian water was sold by a well owner to Qat-farmers by a truck carrying a water tank. The cost for approx. 800 liters of water was 1000 Rials. 4 Due to water problems a shift back to other crops like coffee and grapes is not likely today. The farmers say that in dry years, as in this one, Qat can very well go for long periods with only very little water, whereas coffee and grapes need constant watering. It happens from time to time that these plants die due to drought, and when being replaced, it takes up to 5 years until they bring profit again. With the cultivation of Qat such risks can be reduced considerably. Input in cultivating Qat is in Mabian besides fertilizers and pesticides especially the cost of labor. Many farmers employ workers on their fields. These are paid about 1000 Rials/day (500 in cash, the rest in food, cigarettes and Qat). Farmers questioned why they do not plant more wheat or sorghum for subsistence, instead of buying it on the market, replied that even when planting wheat themselves on a large scale, the harvest will last for subsistence only some 5 months. When planting Qat instead, the profits will buy them wheat for several times that period. An argument heard here for planting Qat was also that the sons and daughters of Qat farmers can marry earlier because of the greater wealth of the families. Farmers report that since Qat has reduced the extent of cultivation of other crops, many crop varieties that had been planted before have been lost. Mabian farmers reported to have cultivated 7 varieties of sorghum some years ago, today they know only 2. They are not aware of the consequences such a loss in the biological variety could have for Yemen's agriculture (in Yemen allegedly 5800 varieties of sorghum have been found (Dr. No'man)). 5. Comments Research topic - The questions that are raised in the current project of the Qat Research Unit are of great importance. Until now, only very little is known about the farmer's side of the Qat phenomenon. More knowledge in this field is therefore highly desirable and the findings of the research unit will without doubt be valuable. Method of questioning - A comprehensive catalogue of questions does not exist. The above listed questions were collected during my two day stay with the research unit. The sequence of questions listed above, was determined by me. The farmers are asked out of a feeling for the moment, of what questions are appropriate at that point of time, and what questions might cause distrust. This is necessary due to the farmer's fear of strangers. However, some questions are not asked, because they don't "fit" or because they are overlooked due to the lack of a thoroughly followed questionnaire. In some cases new questions are randomly added. This makes evaluation difficult and a 5 comparison between different regions hard and in part inaccurate. A standardized method of questioning would be desirable. Number of participants The project involves 6 people (4 specialists, 1 local mediator, 1 driver). - The study could be carried out by two interviewers only, since not all of them were actively interviewing simultaneously. This was due to the fact that farmers were not always ready to answer questions or four farmers could not be found simultaneously. Others simply walked away, when having appeased an initial curiosity. - Since the research group was identified as government agents, farmers were at first quite scared of our coming. They thought we were spying for the tax collectors, who would later on come with a soldier escort to get their money. A reduced number of interviewers could possibly also reduce the farmers feeling of being invaded and overwhelmed. - The farmers were forced by tradition and politeness to host us and invite us for lunch. Accommodating a group of six people (in this respect 8 with me and my driver) can be a financial strain on a farmer's family. A reduced number of participants would therefore be desirable. Educational background of researcher team - The members of the research team are all qualified experts in the field of agriculture. Besides their high number (4 persons), their educational background, however, does not necessarily qualify all of them for the research on Qat (eg. an Animal Protection Engineer (see above)). A more thorough choice of experts would be desirable. Local mediator - The local mediator was badly picked. He originated from this area and knew it quite well, but is residing in Sana'a since many years. He seems to be well known in the region, probably due to his high position as government employee. This facilitated the work on one hand, but complicated it on the other. The mere fact that he, as well as the AREA researchers, were from the government, created suspicion. A lower profile mediator, maybe just a Sana'a University student, originating from the region, would most likely be more helpful. A better choice of mediators, would also involve, changing them from region to region. This, however, would mean that the areas of research must be chosen more carefully, requiring a more thorough, and time consuming preparation. 6 Finances - Of the 340.000 Rials foreseen for this research by the Ministry of Agriculture, so far only 200.000 have been made available. When, and whether the remaining 140.000 Rial will be paid, is not yet clear. - For a team of six the financing of this research trip seems to be critical. The participants are paid 1400 Rials daily for their expenses. Since there is not much choice of hotels in some research areas (such as Hajja), and hotels there are rather expensive, this sum seems to be too low. This resulted in an unsuccessful two hour long search for a place to stay at of some distant acquaintance's house. Transportation - In order to access the often remote Qat growing areas a means of transportation is absolutely crucial to carry out this project. For the Kuchlan/Hajja trip transportation was made available to the team of researchers by AREA. Upon their return to Sana'a, however, the car had been taken from them. The future of the research project is therefore critical. 6. Suggestions - Reduction of the participants to four (two interviewers, a driver and a local mediator) in order to reduce costs, guarantee more efficiency, and try to reduce the overwhelming effect a large a large group inflicts on farmers. - Designing of a standardized questionnaire that makes comparison of results possible. - A more thorough choice of mediators (possibly at the university of Sana'a, where students from these areas could be recruited for short term missions. Another possibility would be to involve the agricultural authorities in the district capitals like Hajja, Dhamar, etc. to help in the choice of local mediators. - Revision of the budget. An amount of 2000-2500 Rials per day and person seems to be more realistic to avoid problems in finding affordable accommodation and to avoid to be dependent on invitations. 7 Annex Proposal for Qat Research Projects April 1999 ________________________________________________________________________ Qat Research Unit Northern Areas Research Center (al-Irra) Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation 8 Activity Type: Founding Bubble Irrigation net on 1 hectar of land Direct Supervisor: Dr. Ali Noman Abdulla Assistances: Adnan Al Qarshi (Irrigation) Abdulla Khamis (soil) Start of Implementaion: Begins in April 1999 Proposed Budget: YR 1,195,200 Justification: Plants requirement of water varies and qat requirement of water is huge so the plant would produce many pickings per annum. Irrigating qat take place according to traditional methods. Fill up method is the common way, but this method cost huge waste of water. Therefore making researches to specify the exact requirement of water for irrigating qat according to the area measurement will provide many answers for researchers and specialists, also will facilitate presenting modern means that save water. Water quantity will enable irrigating other economic corps or keeping these sources hidden underground for coming generations. Aims: Acknowledge the real requirement of water to irrigate qat for the whole year and then go ahead in presenting modern methods of irrigation to water rationing. Expected Results: Getting the real requirement figure of water to irrigate qat according to the different ages of the plant and types: - Acknowledging the green cells of production of the plant in area measurement. - acknowledging irrigating times and quantity of water consumed per year. - Acknowledging the present periods of irrigation. Study materials and methods: After comprehensive knowledge of water quantity consumed for qat irrigation by traditional methods, the quantity of water should be specified in the farm of Mr. Hussein Al Badawi where work will be carried out on 1 hector, this area will be planted with qat according to the measurement specified in the agreement signed between Qat Research Unit and the farmer, a modern water net will be set on (Bubble Irrigation) after specifying the soil type also other factors affecting the growth of the plant. This matter will require some 5 plastic pipes (P.P.C.) and accessories plus big and small tanks and other requirements for the net. Budget Details (in Yemeni Rial): Article Details Amount Requirements Irrigation net, scissors, plastic 530,000 bags, tanks Transportation allowances 50,000 Equipment maintenance Diesel, engine oils, petrol, 40,000 vehicles oil 50,000 Extra employment 3 employees x YR 8000 per 18,000 month x 12 months Stationary 5,000 Writing and typing the report 15,000 Technical Meetings 99,600 Managerial expenses 99,600 Total 1,195,200 9 Project name: Approving the plan of water consumption in Qat farming with the contribution of farmers and proving funds. Justification: Qat farming has been widely spread during the last 3 decades in various agricultural environments. This expansion occurred jointly with the exporting of water digging and pumping equipment. And it became strongly linked with the wide spreading of artesian water wells. A matter that allow us to utter that one of the benefits of qat farming is the expansion in wells' digging. Regarding the "accurate requirement of water for qat" or the quantity of water that goes for qat irrigation according to the used methods of farmers there is no exact figures on this regard. Approximate figures could be given but they are far from real therefore having a study based on accurate measurement in some qat farming areas with different agricultural environments will enable us to obtain exact data for many questions. Aims: Such study aims to reach the exact consumption of water for qat irrigation. Study Requirement and Methods: Many field visits will take place to make a survey on the researched areas in the mentioned provinces (Sana'a, Haja, Dhammar, Ibb, Al Dhali') and 5 areas of each province will be selected separately, this selection will represents a clear variation of the weather, quantity of rain and irrigation method. An agreement with the farmers of whom their lands will be studied, and then will begin the implementation of work which takes three months during summer + three months in winter time, then another 3 months to prepare the report and produce it as a final study. Duration of Study: 10 months starting from July till April 2000. Findings: After finalizing this study we will reach an exact figures of water goes to qat irrigation. These figures will represents a real basic that enables official parts to lay down policies of water consumption and limits the waste of this rare wealth. Besides, enabling to acknowledge the affect of water consumption on qat and also the production of green cells for each 1 cubic meter of water. 10 Project name: use of hormone alternatives to prompt qat leaves to grow instead of chemical insecticide Justification: Qat farmers use different types of insecticide to prompt growing. These chemicals cause huge damage to qat farmers, dealers and their livestock and on the environment in general directly or indirectly. Therefore there must be an alternative materials that has no such effect on human health. And does same job of these chemicals. Aims: 1. Finding safe alternatives for chemicals that motivate the plant to grow. 2. Limiting the damage of the chemicals on qat dealers and the environment. 3. Economy in spreading methods. Previous Studies: No previous study made on this subject for Qat Plant but similar study was made on other corps. Expected Results: 1. Finding harmless alternates. 2. Convincing qat farmers for using these alternates. Study materials and methods: A number of qat plants will be planted in five locations in Hadhramout and Khawlan. These plants will be treated with various concentrates of the selected materials while other plants will be left to have a later comparison. Regular farming methods will be followed regarding times of adding these alternates, while data will be collected after the first spreading till picking. Work Plan: The program will begin in April 1999 and the first report will be delivered in December 1999. 11 Project name: Studying the ingredient of qat (analyzing the plant, soil and water) Justification: Qat Research Unit was founded in 1995 aiming to have studies and researches on different sides of the plant including the study of chemical elements of this plant besides studying the soil and water used for irrigation. Aims: Acknowledging the effect of soil, water and fertilizers on qat. Previous studies: None Expected Results: Finding results and data on the effect of soil, water and fertilizers on qat. Work Plan: 1. samples of soil will be taken from 30, 60 and 90 cm depth. 2. Complete analysis of samples (physically and chemically) 3. Complete analysis of the plant 12 Project name: qat Researches Justification: Qat farming has spread widely in most governorates of the country. It occupies huge fertile areas in compare with other products, besides, most reclaimed lands are used for qat planting. This widespreading took place due to the great profits qat bring. There are a lot of practices linked to qat planting, they are: 1. huge consumption of water to irrigate qat, this matter will cause great damage to inner water sources and increase of the national crisis the country is facing 2. Random usage of chemicals (insecticide and fungous) aiming to treat qat blight and motivate the plant to grow to bring many pickings without paying attention to the harm these chemicals cause on the environment, livestock and human beings. 3. Random usage of fertilizers, the known ones as (organic ­ chemical ­ ash) and other unknown as (bread yeast ­ salt and other products). Certainly these usage will cause damage to the soil. Up to now there are no studies made on this respect regarding theses practice and their effects on the environment and agriculture and on the plant itself. Therefore we are suggesting to have a recognition survey to provide basic data for future studies on this plant. Aims: Having modern database for Qat Research Unit enables the researchers in laying down their research programs regarding qat basing on correct scientific stands. Study Materials and methods: Recognition survey will be carried out by Interviewing Team in five governorates by using fast rural evaluation method to collect data mentioned in the attached questionnaire by individual and collective interviews with the farmers. The interviewing team will consist of 9 members, six of them are permanent members of the employed interviewers at the Northern High's Research Department, one from the concerned area station, one from the Guidance Institute in the area and one from the area people. 13