1. Social development programs

As part and parcel of the College, different activities are implementing particularly in the Rural Development Project (RDP).  RDP was established for the purpose of facilitating the transfer of new methods and practices developed in the department of agriculture of the College to the farmers of the area.  Furthermore, RDP is meant to provide a platform for out reaches and field training activities of students of the college.  In the past experiences of the college, RDP used to provide apprenticeship programs to the students of the College so that they would get good practical exercises in the field of agriculture.

Currently, the college is implementing the following social development programs.

1.2. Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) activities:

This project iscentred on the aimto contribute in reducing poverty and enhance food security of farming households and communities primarily through natural resources (soil, water, forest) conservation, sustainable management and responsible use.This project is financed by “Ferster foundation”Switzerland.

The main activities of the project (DRD-SWC)

•       Soil and water conservation and management
•      Irrigation development
       Ø Canal work 
      Ø Vegetable and fruit tree distribution 
        Ø Animal fodder production
•     Portable water development
  Ø Cistern construction
•   Income generating activities 
  
       Ø  Chicken production 
             ØBeekeeping
•     Capacity building (farmers, Governmental experts and project staff)

1.3. Outreach& Rural Livelihood Improvement Activities:

The main objective of this project is on food security situation of targeted household improved and enhances agricultural productivity/production. (Horticulture and livestock production of beneficiaries increased).

The main activities of the project (DRD-ORLIP)

1.      Livestock production

ü  Sheep production

ü  Chicken production

ü  Beekeeping

2.      Horticulture production

ü  Vegetable and fruit tree production

ü  Motor pump distribution

ü  Tridle pump distribution

3.      Strengthen local cooperatives

ü  Construction shop and warehouse

ü  Purchase of office tools and stationary

4.      Outreach

ü  Organize field visit to St. Mary’s college students

ü  Cooperative training St. Mary’s College students

5.      Capacity Building (Project Beneficiaries, Local Cooperative leaders,  Governmental experts and project staff)

           1.4. Integrated Natural Resource Management Afforestation Project (AFP), with the specific objectives include:

• Rehabilitating   degraded land through physical soil and water conservation, forest trees plantation and introducing multipurpose and environmentally friendly exotic tree species in the project site.

• Preserve and promoting of natural regeneration   of the existing endangered forest trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants

• Promoting biodiversity conservation and rational and wise use of natural resources on basis of integrated watershed development plan.