%0 Journal Article %@ 1023-487X %A Mackinon, J %A Monyo, E S %A Dube, N %D 2000 %F icrisat:1899 %I International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics %J International Sorghum and Millets Newsletter %P 19-19 %T Linking promotion of improved sorghum and pearl millet varieties with community based seed multiplication: the rural livelihoods programme %U http://oar.icrisat.org/1899/ %V 41 %X Five NGOs (Oxfam Canada, Management Outreach Training Services for Rural and Urban Development [MOTSRUD], Dabane Trust, Zimbabwe Project Trust [ZPT], and Organization of Rural Associations for Progress [ORAP]) are collaborating on a pilot program on rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe. The program aims to improve nutrition levels and reduce vulnerability to drought in 15 target rural communities in drought-prone regions. SMIP was requested to participate because of its expertise on sorghum and pearl millet — crops that have a comparative advantage in drought-prone areas. SMIP's role is to provide improved varieties and training on small-scale seed production techniques to farmers, project managers, and extension workers involved in the program.