Integrated evaluation of conservation agriculture (CA) technologies using multipurpose grain legumes (MGL) to improve productivity and sustainability of cotton-cereal systems
Agricultural expansion is one of the main threats to ecosystems of global conservation importance in the Mid Zambezi Valley. Introduction and expansion of cotton farming appears to be a major driver of change in cropping patterns, in fertility management and in overall farming systems. Modern conventional systems can only be sustainable if increased quantities of external inputs are used, combined with mechanical operations. However, increased poverty of rural communities combined with a general decrease in quantities of fertilizers used by farmers have forced most farmers to rely more and more on the natural fertility of their soils. Subsequent land degradation is also influenced by effects of immigration, fueling agricultural expansion and loss of natural vegetation.
The main objective of this research is to evaluate socio-economic and environmental impacts of various CA technologies based on MGL for the diversity of smallholder livelihoods in the Mid Zambezi Valley. A farm-scale simulation model will be developed to evaluate trade-offs between productivity/income and sustainability/ externalities of different CA technologies using MGL, for the diversity of farming units in the area and under various scenarios of adoption. Simulation model results will be used to engage extension agents, representatives and field staff of cotton companies, conservation agencies and rural development NGOs in discussion about scaling out promising technologies to wider areas. PhD researcher: Frédéric Baudron (MSc)
Co-funded project in collaboration with CIRAD.
Livestock and concerted action in the face of competing interests
...
PhD researcher: Steven Matema (MSc)
