Comprehensive Agricultural Sector Policy 2005.

The Comprehensive Agricultural Sector Policy is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The overall goal of the Comprehensive Agricultural Sector Policy is to ensure that the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors contributes fully to economic growth, food security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable natural resources management.
Food security will be enhanced through comprehensive strategies in the agriculture sector. Moreover, gender-sensitive measures to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on poverty and food security will be developed. Access to land and water resources will be improved to enhance food security at the household level. Water supply and management systems will be improved for smallholder irrigated crop production and animal production will be diversified to ensure food security.
The participation of women and youth will be promoted in agriculture. To this end, training programmes will be provided in agricultural production and marketing and agricultural income-generating activities will be supported for youth and other vulnerable groups at community level. In addition, commercial opportunities will be diversified for value-adding activities in all crop and animal production zones to increase incomes of smallholder households and rural communities. Efficient and comprehensive extension services will be provided to the farmers in order to enhance agricultural productivity. The formation of smallholder water user groups will be promoted and their participation in planning and management of irrigation schemes will be enhanced. Irrigation infrastructure will be continuously developed and equitable access to irrigation water will be improved.
The adoption of diversification and sustainable intensification and use of appropriate technology will be promoted to increase agricultural output and productivity. Sustainable irrigation practices will be adopted in crop production for rational use of water resources available for irrigation and increase in water productivity and efficiency in irrigation. Sustainable levels of water quality will be restored and maintained and environmental flow requirements will be recognized and considered in the issuance irrigation water permits in catchments. Moreover, sustainable rain-fed cropping systems and management practices will be adopted in the high rainfall areas. The introduction of agro-forestry, intercropping, conservation agriculture, crop rotations, planting of leguminous crops and other management measures will be promoted to improve the soil quality and productivity. Rain-fed areas will be used efficiently according to its biophysical suitability and socio-economic viability. The adoption of drought tolerant crop varieties will be encouraged in dry lands. Furthermore, the diversification of irrigated crops will be promoted in order to increase preparedness to change to alternative crops. A functional processing and marketing system will be established for sustainable cotton production that financially and technically supports smallholders. Animal husbandry and livestock management will be strengthened to increase its contribution to economic growth. Improved communal grazing management and sustainable utilization of the rangelands will be promoted. The beef and dairy industry will be commercialized to meet domestic demand and to increase exports. Moreover, the production of small ruminant, pig and poultry will be promoted and developed. Domestic production and marketing of animal fodder and feeds will be supported, and its availability and quality will be improved. Optimal management, conservation and sustainable use of animal genetic resources will be encouraged for genetic improvement, breeding and multiplication of farm animal biodiversity for multi-purpose production by maintaining minimum livestock breeding standards and conserving national animal genetic resources. Animal health will be improved through efficient delivery of veterinary services. Agricultural research will be strengthened and focused on increased agricultural productivity and on generating improved and appropriate technologies. Market systems and infrastructure will be developed to facilitate the access to local and export markets.
Rapid climate change adaptation strategies will be developed to increase crop and livestock productivity, enhance food security and sustainable livelihood.