Caravan 24: Review of agriculture in the dry areas

Abstract

Articles in this issue describe how value-addition options were identified for herbal and medicinal plants in a remote valley in Morocco; how cactus species – that combine hardiness with high market value – are being promoted in North Africa; and how value addition is helping to conserve biodiversity in Jordan. In Afghanistan, ICARDA and its partners are helping to promote value addition in mint and saffron. ‘Protected agriculture’ options are being promoted in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and elsewhere, enabling small-scale farmers to grow high-value fruits and vegetables. In West Asia the Center and its partners are developing improved crossbred sheep with higher meat and milk productivity. Studies in Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela have catalyzed major changes in livestock management at community level, improving incomes as well as rangeland health. Technology development is supported by capacity building. ICARDA and its partners have been conducting training courses for several thousand participants from developing countries: farmers, researchers, extension staff, university students and others. Training programs range from simple methods to process milk into cheese or fruits into jam, to management of small agrienterprises, to DNA fingerprinting and other biotechnology applications.