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Tag: conservation agriculture

Can organic fertilizers rebuild Zimbabwe’s fragile soils?

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

(Tracy Chokurongerwa and Atlas representative in her trial plot (Photo: CIMMYT)

“Our soils are exhausted. Even the best hybrid seed won’t yield much without nutrients. Organic fertilizers give us hope, but are they affordable and available? We need to understand our soils and make informed choices. This is an agrarian district; water isn’t scarce, but good soil is,” lamented Mrs. Munyoro, a district local authority official in Murehwa.

These words reflect a difficult reality confronting many smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe’s dryland farming regions: the urgent need to restore soil health in an increasingly fragile climate. With nearly 70% of the soils in districts like Murehwa and Mutoko classified as sandy, low in organic carbon, and prone to nutrient leaching, the potential for long-term productivity is steadily declining. Compounding this challenge is a decline in livestock populations due to disease, which reduces access to cattle manure, once a dependable source of organic nutrients.

To respond to these issues, the Resilience Building through Agroecological Intensification in Zimbabwe (RAIZ) project, led by the research consortium CIMMYT, is conducting field trials targeting soil fertility enhancement strategies that align scientific rigor with local practicality. These trials explore how conservation agriculture (CA) techniques and various organic fertility inputs—ranging from traditional manure to market-supplied products like Bokashi, Atlas orgfert (organic D), Orgfert, and Vermicompost—can sustainably improve soil fertility, structure, microbial health, and ultimately yield outcomes.

But why do these trials matter? The market is increasingly saturated with organic fertilisers, which offer both opportunities and dilemmas for smallholder farmers. From ZimEarthworms’ vermicompost, Bokashi, Orgfert, and Atlas orgfert (organic D) gaining visibility, questions remain around their affordability, accessibility, and context-specific performance. Farmers continue to rely on cattle manure where available, but rising livestock mortality, including from theileriosis (commonly referred to as January disease), is limiting this resource.

The RAIZ trials go beyond measuring yield data—they also evaluate farmer appreciation, labor requirements, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, local authorities emphasize the importance of understanding how different organic inputs influence nutrient cycling, soil microbial activity, and overall soil fertility dynamics over time.

With several companies producing organic inputs, and cattle manure being a traditional staple, the big questions remain: What works best? What can farmers afford? And how can the findings shape broader adoption? This integrated approach is critical for guiding broader adoption of sustainable practices in Zimbabwe’s farming systems, where poor granite-derived sandy soils of low organic matter and low pH constitute up to 60% of the country’s arable land.

Insights from the Field

The farmer-led trial by Tracy Chokurongerwa in Murehwa offered compelling insights into the comparative value of organic inputs under both conventional and CA management, including intercropping setups such as maize–cowpea combinations. Treatments across plots were standardized to include five organic amendments: Vermicompost, Orgfert, Atlas orgfert (organic D), Bokashi, and cattle manure.

An aerial view of the experimental plot on organic soil amendments in Murehwa Ward 28 (Photo: CIMMYT)

Bokashi showed notable improved performance compared to the previous season, while Atlas orgfert (organic D) emerged as the preferred input by farmers based on visual crop vigor and yield observations. ZimEarthworms’ vermicompost performed particularly well when combined with Compound D fertilizer, suggesting synergistic effects between organic and synthetic inputs. However, challenges with land topography and water retention reinforced the need for supporting practices such as contour ridges, stormwater diversion channels, and timely land preparation.

In another trial, one farmer tested intercropping with pigeon pea and echoed the preference for Atlas orgfert (organic D). A separate rate trial examined the impact of increasing organic input volumes, revealing a positive yield response under CA systems, although erosion risks on sloped terrain were a concern—emphasizing once again the importance of land and water management.

In Mutoko, trials faced additional variables. Termite infestation was notable in one plot, aggravated by water runoff and poor mulch management. However, plots that utilized decomposed leaf litter mulch showed better moisture retention and stronger crop establishment under conservation agriculture practices. At some sites, the differences between CA and conventional till plots were striking to all visitors, clearly demonstrating the regenerative capacity of CA-based systems.

These examples illustrate how site-specific conditions—such as slope, soil type, and mulch availability—heavily influence the outcomes of soil fertility interventions. Importantly, researchers noted that marginal land allocation for trials (often the only land farmers can offer) can limit replicability and yield potential, highlighting the tension between field research conditions and real-world farming constraints.

Highlights of the 2023/24 Season

The 2023/24 season was a year of experimentation and learning for the RAIZ project, as farmers diligently undertook the targeted trials with recommended organic fertilizer rates and conservation agriculture (CA) methods. A total of 51 farmers participated in farmer-led experiments, with 30 testing standard or recommended rates of organic amendments under CA techniques, and 21 evaluating different organic fertilizer rates. Six decentralized learning centers hosted demonstrations on maize variety performance, CA principles, sorghum, and manure use, providing a platform for peer learning and knowledge exchange.

Despite erratic rainfall ranging from 250 to 500 mm, the trials delivered critical insights into what works and where. Results showed limited maize harvests, while the trials emphasized understanding which soil amendments are most effective across different areas. This approach helps farmers avoid costly fertilizer investments by identifying locally affordable and sustainable soil enhancement options. The need for early land preparation and strategic planning at the start of the season was a key takeaway, particularly in the face of climate unpredictability and ongoing soil degradation.

Reflections from the Ground

One of the strongest messages from both farmers and stakeholders was a call for continuity. Participants appreciated the way research was embedded within farmer realities and stressed the importance of scaling the initiative. Farmer engagement from the outset, coupled with co-implementation of trials, has fostered a sense of ownership and trust.

A particularly telling observation was the presence of witchweed in conventional maize plots, reinforcing the importance of integrated soil fertility management and diversified cropping systems. Such findings not only validate CA and organic input combinations but also contribute to a growing body of evidence on how to manage parasitic weeds through ecological approaches.

With community trust, scientific insight, and early success stories in hand, the pathway to broader adoption of organic-based soil restoration strategies is becoming clearer. However, sustained support, adaptive extension services, and inclusive learning platforms will be critical to maintain momentum. For districts like Murehwa and Mutoko, soil health is the limiting factor—but with the right inputs, the right knowledge, and continued collaboration, smallholder farmers can rebuild the fertility foundation of their lands, and with it, secure the future of rural livelihoods.

Kamaluddin Tijjani Aliyu

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Kamaluddin Tijjani is a cropping systems agronomist conducting research across a diverse range of tropical crops. His research interests include cropping systems, soil health and fertility management, plant nutrition, and digital extension advisories. He joined CIMMYT in 2023 to support various aspects of cropping systems and soil health research in the Southern Africa region.

Prior to joining CIMMYT, Kamaluddin worked at the Center for Dryland Agriculture in Nigeria and later at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, also in Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor of Science in General Agriculture, a Master of Science in Agronomy, and a Doctorate in Agronomy (specializing in crops and cropping systems in drylands), all from Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.

Decades of on-station conservation agriculture trials reveal key farming insights for Zambia’s changing climate

Written by mcallejas on . Posted in Blogs.

Aerial view of one of the long-term, on-station trials on conservation agriculture, CIMMYT (Photo: CIMMYT).

Long-term research rarely offers quick fixes. More often, it is a patient pursuit, marked by seasons of uncertainty, occasional setbacks, and gradual, hard-won insights. Yet, when carefully managed, its outcomes can redefine farming systems and adaptation strategies to long-term climate trends.  

This is the story of CIMMYT‘s persistence, working alongside Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture to maintain some of Southern Africa’s most critical long-term Conservation Agriculture (CA) experiments for over two decades. 

Scattered across Zambia’s contrasting agro-ecological zones, from the high rainfall Northern province to the drought-prone Southern Province, and the tropical savanna climate in the Eastern province, the Misamfu Research Station, Monze Farmer Training Centre, and Msekera Research Station have hosted these long-term trials, with Monze being established in 2005, Msekera in 2011, and Misamfu in 2016. Through searing droughts, erratic rainfall, floods, pest outbreaks and changing policy landscapes, these stations have systematically tested CA principles over multiple seasons, focusing on crop productivity, economic viability, and soil health, pest and disease dynamics, soil moisture and climate resilience among other aspects, to adapt CA to local farming conditions. More importantly, they have adapted these principles to Zambia’s diverse socio-economic realities and contexts. 

 

Testing CA under Zambia’s climate gradients

At the core of these trials is a simple, but essential question: “Can CA systems be adapted to Zambia’s smallholder farmer conditions to improve productivity, soil health, and resilience under climate variability?” 

Each research station offers a unique window into answering this question. For instance, Monze Farmer Training Centre located in Zambia’s Southern Province, hosts one of the oldest CA trials in the region. In addition, originally set up with eight main treatments and 32 trial plots, it has since expanded to 48 plots consisting of 12 treatments, testing CA under no-tillage against conventional plough-based systems with maize, cotton and sun hemp rotations of varying sequences. The plots have accumulated invaluable data, owing to the detailed and precise monitoring of yields, soil moisture, infiltration rates, pest and disease dynamics, soil quality indicators, and soil organic matter, year after year. 

Christian Thierfelder, CIMMYT’s Principal Cropping Systems Agronomist and founder of all long-term experiments reflects, “When we started, CA was a hot topic in Zambia. We wanted to know its benefits if you persist with these systems under Zambia’s conditions, not just for three or five years, but over decades”. 

Two decades later, key findings from these trials reveal that rotations that include cotton and/or sun hemp consistently outperform others in maize yields due to the nitrogen-fixing and soil-improving effects of the legume and deep-rooting cotton. CA plots, especially those combining minimum tillage, residue retention, and rotations, also demonstrate better soil moisture retention and infiltration, even in drought years. In fact, one striking observation has been that during intense rainfall events, water infiltration under CA plots is dramatically higher than under conventional systems, reducing flooding, erosion, and surface run-off. CA plots absorb and retain more moisture, a significant advantage as rainfall patterns become more erratic. 

However, the trials have also revealed complex trade-offs that researchers alike must accommodate. For example, while the maize-cotton-sun hemp rotation delivers exceptional yields, its economic viability hinges on market dynamics. When sun hemp seed and cotton commanded reasonable prices in the past, the system was highly profitable; in its absence, farmers risk sacrificing income for soil benefits alone. Another surprising insight comes from long-term soil organic carbon (SOC) trends. While CA systems reduce erosion and improve infiltration, the anticipated build-up of SOC has remained elusive, except at one long-term trial site outside Zambia at the Chitedze Research Station in Malawi. Thierfelder notes, “Declining rainfall, declining biomass, and declining soil carbon levels are interconnected. CA alone may not reverse these trends unless combined with complementary practices like manure application or agroforestry species.” 

A snapshot of different trials being implemented at Monze FTC and Misamfu Research station, CIMMYT (Photo: CIMMYT).

Adapting CA for high-rainfall areas

Misamfu Research Station, in Zambia’s wetter Northern Province, has wrestled with another challenge: CA’s performance under high-rainfall conditions. Since 2016, Misamfu has hosted the long-term CA systems trial. Originally designed to conserve moisture, CA systems, especially when planted on the flat, struggle with too much moisture, leading to waterlogging, and here, not drought, is the problem. CA plots without drainage interventions have underperformed in very wet years. Yet, new innovations are emerging. Permanent raised-beds and permanent ridges, two promising CA systems developed under irrigated systems, are showing promise by improving drainage while retaining CA’s soil health benefits. 

 “In relatively dry years, CA systems shine,” explains Thierfelder, “but under waterlogged conditions, we now know that permanent raised beds or ridges could be the missing link.” “Over the long-term, CA systems planted on the flat are capable of buffering high rainfall effects, probably due to improved infiltration”, remarked Blessing Mhlanga, CIMMYT’s Cropping Systems Agronomist.  

Capturing cumulative effects over time

Since 2011, the CA long-term experiment at Msekera Research Station in Eastern Zambia has revealed how CA performs beyond short-term seasonal gains. Unlike seasonal experiments, these trials capture the gradual, cumulative effects of CA on soil health, water use, weed and pest dynamics, and crop yields under real-world conditions. With ten treatments, including conventional tillage, ridge and furrow systems, and CA practices- such as direct seeding, residue retention, and crop rotations, the trials provide critical evidence. So far, results from Msekera show that no-tillage systems with crop residue retention, especially when combined with crop rotations, significantly improve soil moisture retention and structure, leading to more stable crop production over time. 

Why long-term matters

Long-term trials are essential to fully understand the benefits and limitations of CA across a full spectrum of climate conditions. Such trials require consistent donor support, strong partnerships with research station managers, and effective field management. Unlike short-term experiments, long-term trials capture the cumulative effects of CA practices across diverse seasons, including droughts and floods.  

These trials also show that CA is not a one-size-fits-all solution — its success hinges on continuous application over time. Since to date, rainfall patterns cannot be predicted precisely, deciding to adopt CA only in dry years is ineffective. Instead, long-term trials reveal how CA builds resilience and improves productivity year after year. 

This body of work is more than just a collection of experiments. It is a living archive, many years of climate, crop, and soil interactions, yielding insights impossible to capture through short-term trials. “We learned, for example, that infiltration rates under CA improved noticeably within just two years,” says Thierfelder. “But understanding yield trends, soil fertility dynamics or the role of rotations takes decades.” Moreover, these trials have shown that CA is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its benefits are context-specific, often requiring adaptive management depending on rainfall, soil type, and market conditions. 

From plots to farmers’ fields

The value of this long-term work extends beyond research stations. Field days and exposure visits have allowed farmers and extension officers to engage directly with these trials, drawing lessons for their own fields. In some regions, farmers are already adapting lessons, adopting rotations, maintaining residues, experimenting with raised beds and permanent ridges, and tailoring CA to their realities. Importantly, the trials continue to evolve. While core treatments remain unchanged to preserve data integrity, small innovations, such as integrating manure or testing alternative rotations, are helping to sharpen recommendations for the next generation of CA practitioners. 

An aerial view of a mother trial implementer in Zambia, SIFAZ (Photo: CIMMYT).

The road ahead

As climate variability intensifies, the value of long-term research becomes even more critical. These trials offer answers to one of agriculture’s most urgent questions: How can CA be fine-tuned to deliver resilience and productivity? This is not just a scientific quest; it is about securing the future of Zambia’s smallholders, helping them navigate a more uncertain climate future, and ensuring their fields remain productive for the next generations. 

With Innovations, They Protect Maize Biodiversity

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Rural women in Quintana Roo have been guardians of maize for generations. Today, with sustainable innovations and the support of technicians like Esmeralda Andrade, they are strengthening their role in food security and biodiversity conservation.

For generations, native maize has been at the heart of food systems and cultural identity in the Mayan communities of Quintana Roo. The women of these communities, heirs to the legacy of Mesoamerican societies that shaped native maize, have long selected and conserved seeds, ensuring the continuity of the varieties best adapted to their environments. In their hands, maize is not just a crop—it is a legacy.

Women from Quintana Roo during a workshop held as part of the project between the state government and CIMMYT (Photo: YucatĂĄn Peninsula Hub)

Today, however, this legacy faces growing threats. High production costs, competition with less diverse farming systems, and increasing pressure from climate change are putting the biodiversity of native maize at risk. In response to these challenges, the Food and Nutritional Security for Rural Communities in the State of Quintana Roo project—promoted by the state government and CIMMYT—is working to strengthen agricultural productivity, seed conservation, and the sustainability of maize-based systems. At the center of these efforts are women.

In Quintana Roo, 74% of agricultural production units use native or criollo maize seeds, making the state a stronghold of maize biodiversity. However, data from INEGI’s 2022 Agricultural Census also reveal that only 17.9% of these units are headed by women. Despite their traditional role in conserving seeds, managing storage, and selling in local markets, the gender gap in agriculture remains significant.

To help close this gap, the project has prioritized training for women farmers—equipping them with scientific knowledge and technical tools to improve crop productivity and market access. These initiatives provide spaces for women to exchange seeds, learn improved agronomic practices, and build stronger support networks. Community seed houses and native maize multiplication plots have been established to support these efforts.

Esmeralda Andrade, one of the project’s technicians, promotes the integration of traditional knowledge with scientific approaches. “Many of our producers grow native maize, and use the lunar calendar to guide planting and management activities. They’ve also adopted innovations like optimal planting arrangements, seed treatment, and agroecological pest management,” says Esmeralda, highlighting how innovation can strengthen tradition.

Participants in one of the workshops to promote sustainable practices for the conservation of native maize (Photo: YucatĂĄn Peninsula Hub)

This blend of knowledge strengthens food security and reduces the vulnerability of communities to climate change. “One of the key changes we’ve seen is that farmers now have a more sustainable outlook. They understand the importance of soil conservation and the quality of their agricultural products,” she adds.

The project has also been a platform for breaking down gender barriers in agriculture. As a female technician, Esmeralda has faced the challenge of working in communities where agricultural decisions have traditionally been made by men. “In the area where I work, due to customs and traditions, it is mostly men who attend meetings and workshops, so it can be difficult to engage with them,” she explains. However, the support of community leaders has been key to building trust and fostering inclusion.

Thanks to these efforts, more and more women producers are increasingly participating in decisions related to agricultural production and family food security. “The impact of women technicians is clear. Rural women are participating more in production activities and financial education. This fosters teamwork in rural households, where women are now making decisions—not just helping in the fields,” says Esmeralda.

The Food and Nutritional Security for Rural Communities in the State of Quintana Roo project not only aims to improve productivity and market access—it is also planting a seed of change in the role of women in agriculture. By providing them with tools to strengthen their role as guardians of maize, it is also enhancing their economic autonomy, community participation, and capacity to shape the future of agriculture in the region.

Producer during a grain moisture measurement activity (Photo: YucatĂĄn Peninsula Hub)

“My message to other women interested in becoming technicians or leaders in the agri-food sector is: don’t forget your worth and your abilities. Believe in your value—and above all, know that you’re not alone. You are supported every step of the way. There’s still a long road ahead,” Esmeralda concludes.

With projects like this, the rural women of Quintana Roo are showing that the best way to ensure the future of maize is through training, organization, and empowerment. In their hands, the legacy of native maize will continue to flourish.

Reinventing mechanization for Southern Zambia’s drylands: The story of Joe Akombaetwa

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Joe Akombaetwa shows the improved no-till multi-crop planter fitted with a T-bar and furrow kits (Photo: CIMMYT)

In Dumba Camp, a small farming community in Mazabuka District, Joe Akombaetwa is proving that even in the face of unreliable rains and poor soils, small shifts in how farmers work the land can make all the difference. A farmer since 1992, Joe has lived through the growing impacts of climate change, its frequent shocks to the rain-fed systems, and the high risks it brings to farming families in Zambia’s Southern Province. For the past five years, he has worked as one of the earliest mechanization service providers (SPs) under the European Union-funded Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ) project. As a SIFAZ service provider, Joe acquired a set of machinery, including a two-wheel tractor, a trailer, a multi-crop thresher, and a sheller in 2021. Since then, he has been offering paid mechanization services to farmers in his community. But more than a service provider, Joe is an innovator, a machinery fabricator, and a businessman, creating tailor-made climate-smart mechanization solutions with the support of the SIFAZ project, responding directly to the challenges faced by farmers in his community.

Grounding innovation in reality

Joe’s innovations aren’t conceived in a lab—they’re forged in the field, shaped by the lived realities of his fellow smallholder farmers. One of his earliest breakthroughs came when he collaborated with SIFAZ engineers to design a T-bar to modify the Chinese single-row, no-till multi-crop planters into a double-row planter for a two-wheel tractor, allowing simultaneous planting of two rows instead of just one.

The original single-row planters, while functional, were slow and inefficient. “We wanted to save time and get the work done faster,” Joe explains. “So, we created the T-bar so that two planters could work together in tandem.”

But the innovation didn’t stop there. Joe received feedback from the farmers on the issue of high side separation between the seed and fertilizer openers on the planter. This high side separation of about 120 mm might be useful to reduce seed burning in an irrigated system for which the planter was developed, but Joe and his client farmers in the rain-fed system noticed reduced early plant growth, evidently resulting from delayed nutrient access by young seedlings of the crops. Further, the furrow covered by the press wheels of the planter was not optimum (leaving some seeds uncovered with soil), leading to germination failures.

With his own hands and tools, together with the SIFAZ engineers, Joe redesigned the seed placement system by better aligning the seed and fertilizer openers (with 50 mm side separation) and developing a flexible seed-covering kit fitted before each press wheel on the planter. These modifications addressed what agronomists refer to as “placement efficiency”, but for Joe, it was simply about “getting the seed and fertilizer placed close to each other for the plants to access the fertilizer early and firmly cover the seeds for optimum emergence.” To further improve performance, he added a balancing bar to help stabilize the planter across uneven ground, making the machine more practical for Southern Province’s uneven terrains and varying soil textures.

Joe demonstrates his two-wheel tractor mini boom sprayer to the CIMMYT mechanization team (Photo: CIMMYT)

Bridging science with farmer-led solutions

Joe’s hands-on creativity is not new. Back in 2010, he was part of the team that co-developed an animal-drawn ripper, a widely adopted tool that aligns with Conservation Agriculture (CA) principles by reducing soil disturbance.

With a background in blacksmithing and metal fabrication from Kasisi, and early career exposure to seed certification at ACCI in Chilanga, Joe has long moved between formal agriculture and on-the-ground adaptation. Joe is aware of declining draft animals and the aging of the farmers in Zambia, which adds to the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. He sees a declining interest of rural youths in agriculture who do not want to walk behind the beasts or do labor-intensive manual work. Observing the ease with which large-scale commercial farmers operate rippers and boom sprayers, Joe wondered, “Why not adapt this to smallholder needs?”

Joe designed a double-row ripper and a mini boom sprayer for use with a two-wheel tractor. Compared to the traditional animal-drawn single-row rippers or the knapsack sprayers, the two-wheel tractor double-row ripper saves not only time, costs, and drudgery, but also makes farming interesting. “In just ten minutes, I can finish spraying a 16 m by 39 m field,” he says. It’s a leap in efficiency, and for farmers, who often juggle time, labor, and resource constraints, it’s a game-changer! Joe has sold a few rippers and boom sprayers to his neighboring farmers and different projects. The demand for the machinery is on the rise, which encourages him as a rural manufacturer.

Business with a purpose

Joe isn’t only an innovator; he’s also a sharp businessman. From ripping and planting to boom spraying and shelling maize, his mechanization services are in high demand among farmers in and around Dumba Camp. “Ripping has been the most profitable,” he notes. “Almost every farmer now wants it because of the sustainable farming practices introduced by SIFAZ.” He charges based on plot size and crop type, typically around ZMW 200–450 per hectare (approximately US$7–16) for services like no-till planting. But he also knows the realities farmers face. “Sometimes, I negotiate. I don’t want the price to scare away the farmers.” Demonstration days and field shows are his marketing lifeline. From the Cotton Development Trust-organized mechanization field days to local radio promotions, Joe has built a network of trust and visibility. He’s become a go-to name in the Dumba Camp and beyond.

Joe stands with his 80-year-old client, who, thanks to hiring the no-till soybean planting service, is able to keep his family farm running despite his children’s absence. (Photo: Md A Matin, CIMMYT)

Staying afloat in tough seasons

Last season, the El Niño-induced drought was a huge blow in farmers’ fields. Poor and uneven rainfall and economic strain slashed demand for mechanization services. But Joe stayed afloat by leaning on his farmer instincts. He didn’t sell off all his harvest, but instead, he stored 100 bags of maize and sold another 100 bags to have money for living. That food sovereignty, paired with diversified income from shelling and ripping, kept his business breathing through the drought.

A legacy in the making

Behind the machines and modifications is a father of five, two of whom are already following in his footsteps, bringing civil engineering skills into the family’s growing innovation portfolio. It’s a quiet generational shift powered by resilience, knowledge sharing, and an openness to adapt. Joe’s story reminds us that the future of farming isn’t only shaped by distant policies or global climate models, but also built, welded, and tested in the fields of Southern Zambia, where farmer-innovators like Joe bridge the gap between science and local adaptation.

Sowing knowledge, Reaping impact: Lydia’s journey from trial farmer to community leader in Monze, Zambia

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Lydia Siankwede explaining her mother trial demonstration to agronomists, sharing insights and results (photo: CIMMYT)

An early morning walk across the fields in Zambia’s Southern province, one is met with maize fields infested with fall armyworm. In contrast to last season’s El Nino induced drought, and as we approached Lydia Siankwede’s field, one is met with her thriving maize and legume field, with its deep-green canopy signaling strong growth and optimal soil health in her crop.

Each morning, Lydia tends to her field with an inquisitive mind, clutching her protocol, which serves as a guide for daily tasks. The dew clings to her shoes as she inspects each plot, checking crop performance, scouting for pests, and noting observations in her trial protocol. Yet beneath this plant vigor, a silent threat lurks—fall armyworm, its larvae discreetly feeding on tender maize leaves.

Her field, which hosts a mother trial under the EU-funded Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ) program, is a patchwork of promising technologies. A mother trial is a farmer-managed, researcher-led experiment that serves as a central site for testing a variety of agricultural treatments under controlled conditions.

Mother trials are part of a mother-and-baby trial approach—a participatory research model designed to test and disseminate new farming technologies while involving farmers in the evaluation process. The approach involves mother trials and baby trials. Baby trials are farmer-managed trials conducted across multiple locations, usually in individual farmers’ fields. Each participant chooses a subset of treatments from the mother trial to test in their own field under specific local conditions. In these mother-and-baby trials, science meets farmer reality, and knowledge grows with every season.

Across the Southern Province, mother-and-baby trials are part of a broader research effort to develop crop intensification practices tailored to smallholder farming systems. In Kazungula Camp, where rainfall is low and erratic, the focus has been on integrating livestock and crop systems, rotating maize with fodder legumes like mucuna and lablab. In other communities, experiments are ongoing with integrating soybean into the maize-based cropping systems and intensifying them with pigeon pea and Gliricidia, both leguminous shrubs that provide fodder and enhance soil fertility. Each treatment is carefully monitored across experimental plots over several seasons to assess its effect on yields, soil health, pest pressure, and its longer-term impact in light of a changing climate.

Lydia, a hardworking farmer with 11 hectares of cultivable land, began her journey as a baby trial implementer, testing a single conservation agriculture (CA) practice in her own field. But her passion for learning and strong work ethic quickly set her apart. Within three years, she transitioned to managing a full-scale mother trial, giving her the opportunity to test a wider array and bundle of technologies across a larger plot. Today, Lydia experiments with crop rotations, intercropping, and fodder management—practices designed to boost productivity for humans, soil, and animals; build resilience; and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.

A maize–velvet bean (mucuna) rotation aimed at improving maize yield, soil fertility, and fodder production in Southern Zambia. (Photo: CIMMYT)

What do the agronomic results bring to the table?

Each season, unique by nature, has brought valuable lessons, with promising long-term results. Since 2021, more than 1,200 farmers in Kazungula Camp, including Lydia, have adopted CA-based crop rotations beyond the trials. While yield gains for maize and legumes are not always immediate, economic analyses consistently show that CA systems generate higher returns compared to conventional tillage systems with sole maize cropping. This proved especially important in years such as 2023/24, when rainfall barely reached 373 mm due to an unprecedented El Niño year. In Kazungula, trials on maize–mucuna strip cropping and maize–lablab rotations showed resilience, with farmers expressing strong interest in growing more fodder and advancing seed multiplication for these crops.

Her reality on-farm

For Lydia, these trials are more than research—they are a valuable tool for transformation. What impressed her most was the maize–lablab rotation. “It’s a game changer for me,” she says. “Lablab suppresses weeds, improves the soil, and even the leaves and pods are useful to eat as relish.” Although lablab is primarily cultivated as animal feed, Lydia’s family has started to enjoy lablab as part of their diet, reducing food costs and increasing nutrition.

In addition, the strip cropping of alternating four rows of narrowly planted maize with four legume rows has also impressed her, especially in terms of weed management. “Weeds are easier to manage, and although armyworm damage is present, it is not destructive,” she explains.

Her determination has grown with each season. Last year, Lydia harvested just 50 bags of maize from scattered parts of her trial field. But instead of pulling back, she leaned in. This season, with better planning and deeper knowledge, she expects to harvest up to 300 bags—enough to feed her household of seven and still have a surplus to sell.

Lydia’s story highlights how participatory research can empower farmers to lead change from the ground up. With access to the right knowledge, support, and tools, she is not merely surviving uncertain seasons—she is farming with purpose.

Scaling conservation agriculture: Victor Munakabanze’s journey from trials to transformative adoption

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Victor Munakabanze in his field sharing his scaling story with scientists and district agriculture officers (Photo: CIMMYT)

Each annual field tour offers a fresh perspective on the realities farmers face. It’s a window into how different agroecological conditions shape farming experiences and outcomes, revealing what works in farmers’ fields and what doesn’t under an increasingly unpredictable climate.

This year, in Zambia’s Southern Province, the story is promising, as good rains have set the foundation for a favorable crop—a stark contrast to the past season, marked by the El Niño-induced drought.

In the Choma district’s Simaubi camp, Conservation Agriculture (CA) trials paint a picture of resilience and adaptation. The area experiences a semi-arid climate with erratic rainfall averaging 600–800 mm annually, often prone to dry spells and drought years, such as the last, when only 350–400 mm were received. The soils are predominantly of sandy loam texture, with low organic matter and poor water retention capacity, making them susceptible to drought stress.

The area around Simaubi hosts seven mother trials, where a wide range of technologies are tested, and 168 baby trials, where a subset of favored technologies are adapted to farmers’ contexts. Each trial tests different maize-legume intercropping and strip cropping systems against conventional tillage-based practices. As adoption steadily rises, more farmers are experiencing firsthand the benefits of sustainable intensification.

A Champion in the Making

Meet Victor Munakabanze, a farmer with decades of experience and a passion for learning. He began his CA journey as a baby trial implementer, experimenting with the four-row strip cropping system on a 10 m by 20 m plot, with four strips of ripped maize and four strips of ripped groundnuts. Starting in the 2020/21 season—despite a slow start—he persevered. Instead of giving up, he and his wife embarked on a learning journey that led them to scale up and champion CA technologies in their community.

Victor has been part of CA trials under the Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ) project in the Southern Province for five years and has seen the power of small steps in driving change. His initial trial plots sparked hope, showing him that improved yields were possible even under challenging conditions. Encouraged by these results, he expanded his CA practices to a 1.5-hectare plot during the 2024/2025 cropping season, investing in his farm using income from goat sales. He successfully integrated livestock within the cropping system, using goat manure to complement fertilizers—an approach that has not only improved soil fertility but also strengthened the farm’s sustainability.

From Experimentation to Expansion

Victor’s decision to adopt CA at scale was driven by tangible results. He found that intercropping maize and groundnuts in well-spaced rip lines could optimize overall yields better than conventional methods.

However, the transition wasn’t without challenges. In the first season, he started late and harvested little. The following year, delayed planting resulted in just four bags of maize from the 200 mÂČ. The El Niño event during the 2023/24 season wiped out his harvest completely. But through each setback, he refined his approach, improving his planting timing and weed management by incorporating herbicides when needed.

Now, his farm serves as a learning hub for fellow farmers from the surrounding community in Simaubi camp. They are drawn in by his success, curious about his planting techniques, and impressed by his ability to integrate crops and livestock. With 23 goats, a growing knowledge base, and a determination to share his experience, Victor embodies the spirit of farmer-led innovation. His story is proof that CA can be practiced beyond the trial plots—it is about ownership, adaptation, and scaling what works.

Inspiring Adoption, One Farmer at a Time

Victor’s journey highlights a crucial lesson: when farmers see the benefits of CA on a small scale, they are more likely to adopt and expand these practices on their own. His resilience, coupled with a keen eye for what works, has made him a role model in his community. From testing to real-world application, his success is growing evidence of the replicability of CA technologies. As adoption spreads, stories like Victor’s pave the way for a future where sustainable farming is not just an experiment—but a way of life.

Exploring Azolla Farming as a Sustainable Feed Source for Poultry in Murehwa, Zimbabwe

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs, News.

A handful of azolla (Photo: Telma Sibanda, CIMMYT)

Often referred to as “green gold,” Azolla is a small, free-floating and fast-growing aquatic fern with immense potential in driving towards agriculture sustainability. Thriving in waterlogged environments, this hardy plant forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, making it a natural fertilizer for crops like rice. Rich in protein, Azolla is also an affordable, eco-friendly feed for livestock and fish, reducing reliance on commercial alternatives. Its rapid growth and carbon sequestration capabilities contribute to climate resilience and resource efficiency. The water in the pond is enriched with nitrogen and can be used to irrigate plants/crops, increasing its value to farmers. Farmers in low-income regions are embracing Azolla as a game-changer, unlocking opportunities to boost productivity, improve soil health, and transition toward more sustainable farming practices.

Recognizing Azolla’s potential, the CGIAR-funded Transformational Agroecology across Food, Land, and Water Systems Initiative, also known as the Agroecology Initiative (AEI) in Zimbabwe, is integrating it into agroecological approaches in Murehwa. This initiative, which operates through five work packages (WPs), is reimagining farming systems by combining innovative business models (WP3) with agroecological technologies (WP1).

Chicken fowl run in Murehwa, (Photo: Loveness Mudarikwa, CIMMYT)

In one of the districts in Murehwa, AEI Zimbabwe selected poultry business model working in collaboration with Hamara Chicks, focusing on resilient and dual-purpose Sasso chickens. Known for their resistance and ability to free-range, these chickens provide both meat and eggs, offering farmers diversified income streams. Hamara Chicks implemented a two-stage model: first the brooding stage, where farmers raise chicks up to four weeks old and then sell them to other farmers who raise them from juveniles to maturity. While promising, the first cycle faced challenges, including a lack of affordable, nutritious feed, and difficulties in securing a market post-brooding and after maturity. To address these issues, WP1 and WP3 identified Azolla as a potential supplemental or alternative feed to support the poultry business model.

The dilemma of Azolla: Two sides of the coin

Azolla farming offers a compelling mix of benefits for sustainable agriculture. Environmentally friendly and resource-efficient, Azolla farming requires minimal land, water, and inputs, making it particularly suitable for small-scale farmers seeking cost-effective solutions. Its rapid growth is one of its standout attributes; under optimal conditions, Azolla can double its biomass in just 3-5 days. This rapid growth allows farmers to produce significant quantities of forage with limited investment, significantly reducing feed costs and increasing overall profitability. Its ability to be harvested daily ensures a consistent and reliable feed supply.

Source : Azolla Biosystems Ltd – Azolla Biosystems Ltd

Nutritionally, Azolla is a powerhouse. With a protein content of 25-30% (dry weight), it is packed with essential amino acids, vitamins such as A, B12, and beta-carotene, and essential minerals. When incorporated into livestock and poultry diets, Azolla contributes to improved health, faster growth rates, and better production results. For smallholder poultry farmers, these benefits translate into tangible gains in meat and egg production, providing a pathway to higher incomes. Moreover, Azolla’s agricultural utility extends beyond animal feed. Its nitrogen-fixing capability enriches soil fertility, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and supporting sustainable crop production systems.

However, as promising as Azolla is, its cultivation is not without challenges. Water availability is a critical requirement, posing a potential barrier in regions with limited water resources. In Murehwa, Zimbabwe, where the CGIAR-funded Transformational Agroecology Initiative is promoting Azolla, horticulture farmers already have access to reliable water sources, alleviating this concern.

Another challenge is the maintenance of Azolla ponds. To thrive, Azolla requires well-managed conditions, including optimal pH levels and nutrient balance. Poorly maintained ponds can compromise growth and productivity. Recognizing this, farmers participating in the initiative have received extensive hands-on training to effectively manage and sustain these conditions effectively, ensuring that Azolla remains a viable and productive resource.

Empowering farmers through training and capacity building

The initiative partnered with KDV Consultancy to train 70 farmers, including 40 women in Murehwa, equipping them with essential skills for Azolla cultivation. The training sessions focused on pond construction, maintenance, and integration of Azolla into poultry feeding systems. This hands-on approach ensures that farmers can sustainably enhance their poultry value chains.

Training in progress in Murewa (Photo: Dorcas Matangi/CIMMYT)
Training in progress in Murewa (Photo: Dorcas Matangi/CIMMYT)
Training in progress in Murewa (Photo: Dorcas Matangi/CIMMYT)
Training in progress in Murewa (Photo: Dorcas Matangi/CIMMYT)

By co-designing solutions with farmers, the initiative prioritizes their needs and challenges, and promotes practical, farmer-driven outcomes. Empowering farmers with the knowledge and tools to implement sustainable practices not only strengthens their resilience but also enhances the long-term sustainability of poultry production in Murehwa. This collaborative effort is laying the groundwork for a more robust and adaptive agricultural future.

The integration of Azolla farming represents a promising step towards achieving a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system in Murehwa. By addressing the feed challenges faced by poultry farmers, Azolla not only enhances poultry production but also contributes to the broader goals of food security and economic stability in the region. As the Transformational Agroecology across Food, Land, and Water Systems project progresses, the positive impacts of innovative practices like Azolla farming continue to support the well-being and livelihoods of farmers in Murehwa.

Scaling Conservation Agriculture-based Sustainable Intensification in Ethiopia (SCASI): Empowering Farmers and Engaging Development Partners

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Features.

This image illustrates one of the SCASI’s practices – mulching – in the Wolaita Zone. Mulching is key to improving soil health, conserving moisture and increasing crop productivity in sustainable agriculture (Photo: CIMMYT)

Ethiopia faces increasing challenges from climate change, including erratic rainfall, soil erosion and longer dry seasons. With a rapidly growing population of more than 120 million, the country’s agricultural systems and natural resources are under considerable pressure. To address these challenges, the Scaling Conservation Agriculture-based Sustainable Intensification (SCASI) project, launched in March 2022 and implemented by CIMMYT and CFGB networks with the financial support from the Development Fund of Norway, offers a promising solution. SCASI integrates Conservation Agriculture-based Sustainable Intensification (CASI) practices to improve productivity while conserving natural resources. 

The SCASI initiative is an exemplary model of how holistic agricultural approaches can enhance crop productivity, improve soil health, and build resilience to climate change in Ethiopia. Here’s an overview of the project’s key components and impacts.  

Key components of CASI

CASI is a comprehensive production system in which conservation agriculture (minimum tillage, covering the soil surface with mulch and use of cereals and legumes in the form of intercropping or crop rotation) is combined with improved seeds, application of recommended organic and inorganic fertilizers, use of best management practices (recommended seed rate, timely weeding, proactive pest management, etc.) to increase productivity per unit area while improving the health of the production environment (soil, climate, fauna and flora and biodiversity). CASI also includes practices that help optimize the mixed crop-livestock systems by reducing the competition for crop residues through the promotion of alternative fodder crops, alley cropping, agroforestry and other locally adapted innovations. 

Implementation across Ethiopia

  • Targeted Regions: The initiative was implemented in eight districts in the Amhara, Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz, and South Ethiopia regions, each with unique agricultural contexts.  
  • Direct Impact: Approximately 15,000 households (more than 75,000 smallholder farmers) have directly benefited, been capacitated, and gained access to sustainable practices that improved their productivity and livelihoods. 
  • Partnership: Creates a unique partnership between national institutions, international organizations, and NGOs to support and strengthen national capacity to demonstrate and scale up CASI practices. Implements a collaborative and inclusive process in which partners contribute based on their expertise, capacity, and thematic focus. 

How do we implement SCASI?

This is a well-managed plot in Baro village, Ura district, illustrates the key components of the SCASI project in Benishangul Gumuz. The effective implementation of sustainable agricultural practices is evident, reflecting the positive impact on productivity, diversification and soil health (Photo: CIMMYT)

The SCASI project uses an approach that integrates collaborative partnerships, with CIMMYT leading action research, the Ministry of Agriculture and regional offices aligning policy, and NGOs (CFGB, FHE, TDA, MSCFSO) engaging communities. It is supported by a comprehensive implementation framework that includes large-scale demonstrations to illustrate the benefits of CASI, action research to adapt practices to local needs, and capacity building to empower farmers and stakeholders for sustainable adoption and scalability. 

CIMMYT’s researchers, provide action research findings that highlight the multifaceted approach of the SCASI initiative, which focuses on context-specific solutions to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability in Ethiopia. Birhan Abdulkadir, SCASI project leader and agronomist at CIMMYT, said, “We conducted a comprehensive participatory assessment to identify the major production constraints in the 40 kebeles and developed site-specific packages from the combinations of CASI practices. These were implemented in mega demonstrations on host farmers plots with close support from CGFB networks and BoAs. We facilitated access to inputs and provided technical backstopping.”  

The project also uses farmer-centered approaches to promote the practices. Host farmers train other farmers and share knowledge and skills through farmer field schools (FFS), self-help groups (SHG), various farmer social networks and media. All these scaling efforts are coherent, inclusive and effective in different contexts and have played a crucial role in catalyzing the adoption and scaling up of CASI practices over the past nearly three years.  

The merits of SCASI 

The SCASI project has had a significant impact in Ethiopia, particularly in helping farmers improve productivity and soil health. As evidence of the project’s effectiveness in addressing the challenges farmers face, Birhan Abdulkadir noted that by adopting minimum tillage and using crop residues as mulch and compost, among other recommended practices, farmers have dramatically increased their maize yields. This approach not only improves productivity and soil health but also saves time on weeding and reduces production costs. 

In August 2024, a delegation of donor representatives and implementing partners visited the Benishangul Gumuz Region and Wolaita Zone for a joint monitoring and evaluation field visit. This visit provided valuable insights into the impact of the project in Ethiopia. Interacting with technology adopters and government partners, the team observed positive results and encouraging examples of how the project is improving agricultural practices. These interactions highlighted the benefits of the interventions, reinforcing the project’s effectiveness in improving farmers’ livelihoods and promoting sustainable practices in the region. In total, 3,700 hectares of agricultural land in the Asosa zone are now using SCASI, demonstrating the project’s widespread impact. 

Mr. Bobeker Holeta, Head of the Benishangul Regional State Bureau of Agriculture, emphasized the commitment to understanding the SCASI project over the past two years. He highlighted its effectiveness as a sustainable to improve farmers’ food security and climate resilience. As a result, the regional government has decided to expand the use of this technology to cover 50% of the region’s agricultural land. He believes this decision is an important step in supporting farmers and transforming the agricultural system, ultimately leading to a more resilient and productive agricultural landscape. 

Mr. Beshir Hitman, a host farmer from Asosa Zone in Akendo Afafri village, has experienced significant benefits from adopting SCASI technology. Starting with just 0.4 hectares two years ago, he has now expanded his operations to 2.5 hectares. Previously, farmers relied on broadcasting and multiple tillage systems, which were effective but labour intensive. Mr Hitman points out that the SCASI methods have not only improved his crop production and productivity but have also saved him time and labor by minimizing weeding.   

 

In Asosa zone, Ura District, Baro Village, farmer Rawda Mustefa stands proudly on her SCASI project plot. Her successful adoption of sustainable practices demonstrates the positive impact on her farming results (Photo: CIMMYT)

The thriving maize fields of farmer Fantan Karamala in Dunga Arumela village, Ura district, Asosa zone illustrate the effectiveness of the SCASI project. Her commitment has resulted in an impressive six quintals increase in maize yield. By incorporating mulching with crop diversification and expanding her demonstration to 2 hectares, she has successfully intercropped soybean with maize, significantly increasing her income. 

Farmers in the Wolaita zone are also inspired by the principles and benefits of SCASI technology. Many have adopted sustainable practices that enhance productivity and improve soil health. The positive impact on yields and incomes has motivated these farmers to adopt innovative approaches, fostering a community-wide commitment to resilience and food security. Their shared experiences highlight the transformative potential of technology in their farming practices.

Farmer Adanech Bebiso in the Boloso Sore district of Wolaita Zone beams with joy as she reaps multiple benefits from her small plots of land managed under the SCASI project. Her positive experience reflects the transformative impact of sustainable agricultural practices on her livelihood (Photo: CIMMYT)

Adanech Bebiso shared her experience, stating, “We began using SCASI after the training we received in 2021. Along with inputs like improved seeds, ginger, taro, sweet potatoes, and forage plants, we also received regular technical support. Previously, using conventional techniques yielded minimal results for many years. SCASI has transformed our operations, and we are reaping the benefits. I started with a 60x40m plot, and my maize harvest increased dramatically from 6 to 16 quintals. This farm has improved our lives in many ways, and we are truly benefiting from this endeavor.” 

The reduction of multiple tillage and the production of organic fertilizers, such as vermicompost, have empowered women to become more actively involved in farming. In addition, the availability of fodder has opened up new opportunities for farmers, allowing them to explore alternative businesses such as livestock fattening and dairy production. Many farmers are replacing local cows with improved varieties to enhance milk production and dairy quality. 

These changes not only improve the farmers’ livelihoods but also foster social cohesion and build economic capital within the community. For example, the establishment of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) has become a valuable platform for technology transfer, financial savings, and access to credit, further supporting their agricultural and business endeavors. 

Host farmers like Amarech Koricho play a key role in their communities by sharing their knowledge. She has trained around 50 fellow farmers in her area about SCASI practices. As a result, these farmers are thriving and actively adopting CASI practices to improve their land management and crop production. Their collective efforts are having a significant impact on sustainable agriculture in the region. 

During the joint monitoring visit facilitated by CIMMYT, Tilahun Tadesse, Program Manager of the Terepeza Development Association (TDA), emphasized the advantages of the SCASI approach. He noted that farmers were experiencing higher yields per hectare and greater resilience during droughts compared to conventional methods. He attributed the success of these trials to farmers’ commitment, progressive learning, and increased awareness. The variety of crops grown on the demonstration plots are producing impressive results, further demonstrating the effectiveness of the SCASI project. 

Lessons and future directions

Action research conducted over two years in four regions of Ethiopia highlights the potential of SCASI to drive agricultural transformation. By integrating conservation agriculture with sustainable intensification principles, it effectively addresses immediate agricultural challenges while building resilience to the impacts of climate change. This initiative goes beyond increasing agricultural productivity and improving soil health; it also promotes the expansion of social capital and strengthens system resilience. The practices have effectively reached rural communities through various channels, including radio, demonstrating that targeted, long-term promotion efforts increase the uptake of CASI. The tangible successes experienced of early adopters motivate non-adopters to join the movement. Additionally, host farmers play a crucial role in cascading knowledge and practices to their peers, further facilitating the scaling up of CASI practices. By combining sustainable farming practices with community-based solutions, SCASI empowers farmers to overcome collectively address challenges. 

Looking ahead, a sustained commitment to institutional capacity building, the integration of CASI-friendly policies into regional and national frameworks, and effective resource mobilization will be critical to sustaining the momentum of SCASI and expanding its benefits throughout Ethiopia. By expanding the initiative’s reach, CIMMYT and its partners aim to foster a more resilient, productive and sustainable agricultural future that adapts to the country’s diverse agro-ecological conditions. This collective effort will not only improve food security but also empower communities to thrive in the face of climate challenges. 

Advanced Training in Conservation Agriculture: Fostering Sustainable Agronomic Systems

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Participants attended the opening ceremony at NAS Complex in New Delhi (Photo: CIMMYT)

CIMMYT, the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA), and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) jointly organized a three-week training course on conservation agriculture (CA) and regenerative agriculture (RA). The program focused on the potential of sustainable farming methods as vital tools for managing risks in agrifood systems in both irrigated and rainfed areas.

Held from December 3–23, 2024, the training brought together farmers, scientists, and stakeholders to explore innovative solutions to agrifood challenges. Sessions were held at the ICAR Indian Institute of Maize Research and BISA in Ludhiana, Punjab; the ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute in Karnal, Haryana; and the ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Building Resilient Agrifood Systems

Conservation agriculture (CA) and regenerative agriculture (RA) are approaches to land management that prioritize ecosystem health. These practices are based on three core principles: minimal soil disturbance, continuous soil cover, and crop diversification. Together, they improve yields, restore natural resources, reduce farming costs, and develop resilient agricultural systems that protect the environment, enhance climate resilience, and improve rural livelihoods, particularly in the Global South.

In South Asia, where rural communities rely heavily on natural resources, farmers face significant challenges, including loss of soil fertility, water scarcity, pollution, and the effects of climate change. These pressures are straining agricultural systems, particularly in irrigated and dryland farming areas.

Despite the clear benefits of CA, adoption remains limited due to barriers such as lack of knowledge on how to implement CA in different agro-ecologies, limited access to appropriate tools, insufficient policy support, and low awareness of the long-term benefits of CA. To address these challenges, training and capacity development are essential for scaling up CA technologies among smallholder farmers and ensuring their long-term impact.

The Advanced Course on CA/RA in Asia was launched in 2010 by CIMMYT in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to address the challenges of sustainable agriculture. Since its inception, advanced training workshops have been held annually, and this is the 13th edition.

The training bridges cutting-edge scientific research and multidisciplinary strategies, equipping participants with skills in sustainable intensification, diversification of production systems, resilience-building, and natural resource conservation. To date, CA training has benefited more than 220 researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners from 20 countries.

The 13th edition, held in India, welcomed mid-career researchers from Uzbekistan, Morocco, and India. The course was coordinated by Mahesh Gathala, Cropping Systems Agronomist, and Alison Laing, Agroecology Specialist, both from CIMMYT; Madhu Choudhary, Senior Scientist at ICAR-CSSRI; and Raj Kumar Jat, Senior Scientist at BISA.

Key Highlights of the Advanced Conservation Agriculture Training Course

The Advanced Conservation Agriculture (CA) course was inaugurated on December 4, 2024, at the NASC Complex in New Delhi. The inaugural address was delivered by S.K. Chaudhari, Deputy Director General for Natural Resource Management at ICAR, who highlighted the importance of CA in addressing climate challenges and managing agronomic risks. Chaudhari emphasized CIMMYT’s leadership in promoting CA in India and reflected on the impact of the program, saying, “I have been watching this course for many years. Many young scientists have benefited from this course.” He also fondly recalled the inaugural training session held 13 years ago and extended his best wishes to all the participants. Watch his complete statement here.

Participants experiencing hands-on training at the BISA farm in Ludhiana.

During the course, participants explored a wide range of topics related to conservation agriculture (CA) and regenerative agriculture (RA) in different agro-ecologies. Key areas of focus included the role of emerging technologies such as drones, carbon credits, soil fertility, nutrient management, crop modeling, and soil testing in informing policy. Experts from various scientific disciplines provided valuable insights into cutting-edge research for both irrigated and dryland systems.

At BISA’s research station in Ludhiana, participants gained practical experience through hands-on training sessions conducted under the expert guidance of H.S. Sidhu and Manpreet Singh (both from Punjab Agricultural University), with the support of Pardeep Sangwal (BISA).

Participants learning new techniques at CSSRI, Karnal (Photo: CIMMYT)

The training included field visits to ICAR-CSSRI in Karnal, where Director R.K. Yadav, Madhu Choudhary, and Kailash Prajapat presented the Institute’s long-term conservation agriculture (CA) experiments. They also conducted hands-on demonstrations on soil biology and its role in generating evidence for policy decisions.

In addition, Mahesh Gathala conducted hands-on training in basic soil physical and chemical analysis techniques at joint ICAR-CIMMYT field plots in Karnal.

Special visits were organized to innovative agricultural machinery manufacturers, including Landforce and National Agroindustry, where participants observed advanced manufacturing techniques and explored the latest agricultural equipment.

Participants also interacted with the manufacturers’ association at the 5th India International Agri Expo in Ludhiana, gaining insights into emerging trends in agricultural machinery.

Participants visited the National Agro manufacturing unit in Ludhiana, Punjab (Photo: CIMMYT)

In addition, a village visit outside Karnal gave participants the opportunity to interact with farmers practicing conservation agriculture (CA). Farmers shared their experiences, giving participants a first-hand look at the practical benefits and real-world impact of CA on farming communities.

A visit to Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab (Photo: CIMMYT)

The success of the program underscores the importance of continued collaboration and training in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. By equipping participants with practical skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and opportunities to connect with peers across regions, the training was instrumental in advancing conservation agriculture (CA) and regenerative agriculture (RA).

Participants left the program with enhanced technical expertise, greater confidence in applying CA practices, and valuable insights into emerging areas such as carbon credit schemes and innovative agricultural technologies. These results underscore the critical role of capacity development in strengthening food security, building climate resilience, and promoting sustainable development in the Global South.

CIMMYT-ICAR Workshop on Long-Term Agricultural Experiments

Written by Nima Chodon on . Posted in News.

CIMMYT-ICAR Workshop on Long-Term Agricultural Experiments (Photo: CIMMYT)

CIMMYT and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, co-hosted a one-day workshop on Long-Term Experiments (LTEs) in agriculture, focusing on Conservation Agriculture (CA) and Regenerative Agriculture (RA) practices. The workshop aimed to explore strategies for researchers from the national systems to come together with CIMMYT colleagues and identify ways to increase productivity, improve food security, strengthen climate resilience of agricultural systems, and enable Indian farmers and researchers to take advantage of innovations and new research in LTEs. 

The event brought together leaders from ICAR’s research divisions and institutes – including Natural Resource Management (NRM), Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI) and the Research Complex for the Eastern Region (RCER) – with partner CGIAR centres CIMMYT, ICRISAT and IRRI, and others from donor agencies, private agricultural research organizations and the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA). 

The event was chaired by Dr Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Deputy Director General for Natural Resource Management at ICAR. In his remarks, Dr Chaudhari highlighted the critical role of LTEs in understanding evolving agri-food systems. He emphasized the value of revisiting past research with fresh perspectives, taking into account new knowledge, and taking a long-term, strategic view of our agricultural research portfolios.   

Dr. Prasanna Boddupalli, Regional Director for South Asia – CIMMYT, highlighted the importance of LTEs in generating knowledge for sustainable practices. He expressed hope that the workshop would inspire innovative ideas, such as the use of climate-resilient crop varieties like drought- and heat-tolerant maize, and the use of predictive analytics and machine learning to identify emerging trends  

Dr Alison Laing chaired the workshop. She outlined the objectives of the workshop and emphasize the importance of collaborative discussions in formulating guidelines and recommendations for ongoing and future experiments on CA and RA. She also highlighted the need for resource mobilization and contributions from the participating institutions.  

The opening session featured presentations by senior scientists, including Dr M.L. Jat (ICRISAT), Dr Rajbir Singh (ICAR-NRM ADG), Dr Rakesh Kumar (ICAR-RCER), Dr Madhu Choudhary (ICAR-CSSRI), Dr H.S. Jat (ICAR-IIMR) and Dr C.M. Parihar (ICAR-IARI). They provided insights into ongoing LTEs on CA and RA at their research institutions, including key research foci, discussed challenges and opportunities, and stressed the importance of ensuring the continuity of LTEs in the face of shifting priorities and donor fatigue. 

All participants then engaged in group discussions to address emerging priorities, funding challenges and barriers to implementation, and to identify ways in which LTEs can generate data to demonstrate the long-term impacts of agricultural practices and the performance of different cropping systems. These breakout sessions culminated in a plenary session where participants consolidated key issues and reached consensus on actionable recommendations. 

Dr Laing concluded the workshop by announcing that the recommendations would be compiled into a joint document to be submitted to ICAR-NRM, providing a roadmap for strengthening LTEs in India. 

In his vote of thanks, Dr Mahesh Gathala (CIMMYT) commended the participants for their valuable contributions to the objectives of the workshop’s. He expressed confidence in the collective commitment of scientists and institutions – public and private – to the advancement of LTEs and their critical role in strengthening agricultural and food system science and research. 

How effective soil aggregate management can boost productivity and climate resilience

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

Soils are the bedrock for plant health and sustenance, but how do we protect and enhance them to maximize their nutritional potential? Years of conventional farming practices have left many soils depleted, raising urgent concerns about how to rejuvenate them. The recent El Niño event during the 2023/24 farming season in southern Africa, bringing extreme weather conditions—ranging from prolonged droughts to intense floods—has exposed the vulnerability of these soils. Poorly managed soils, already strained by years of excessive tillage and lack of cover, struggle to retain moisture under such stress, leading to crop failures even after rainfall.

However, conservation agriculture (CA) offers a vital solution. By improving soil structure and moisture retention, CA practices provide a lifeline for crops in challenging conditions. Recognizing this, CIMMYT scientists are actively promoting CA among smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting its critical role in sustaining soil health and resilience in the face of climate challenges.

Isaiah Nyagumbo demonstrating soil aggregate stability (CIMMYT)

Described as lumps of soil particles that bind together strongly, soil aggregates play a vital role in maintaining soil health, supporting plant growth, and sustaining agricultural productivity. Formed by the combined effects of biological, chemical, and physical processes, the structure and stability of soil aggregates are crucial for several soil functions—primarily water infiltration, root growth, and resistance to erosion. Soil aggregates consist of various soil particles, including sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. There are different types of soil aggregates, including macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) and microaggregates (<0.25 mm), with macroaggregates typically more stable and beneficial for soil structure and functions.

Demonstrating the value of soil aggregate stability
A CIMMYT researcher holding a soil aggregate from a CA field (CIMMYT)

Imagine three soil aggregate samples taken from the same field but under different management regimes—from virgin soil that has not been previously cropped, to land under conservation agriculture practices for the last 5 to 8 years, and soil conventionally ploughed annually before crop planting for many years. When these soil aggregates are gently immersed in clear water, stark differences can be noted. The aggregates from conventionally tilled soil, weakened by years of intensive cultivation, quickly disintegrate, turning the water murky and brown.

In contrast, the aggregates from virgin soil remain intact, preserving the water’s clarity even after several hours. The CA soil aggregates exhibit much better stability than those from the conventionally tilled soil but fail to remain as intact as those from the natural virgin soil. A simple lesson is drawn from this demonstration! Restoring degraded soils is a serious challenge. Even after 5 years of CA practices, soil organic carbon levels may only show modest improvement, and the aggregates, while more stable, still don’t match the condition of aggregates from virgin soil.

Soil recovery from a degraded state is a slow process that is not “a walk in the park.” Transitioning from conventional tillage to CA is challenging and slow, requiring years to rebuild organic matter and improve aggregate stability. Patience and careful soil management are vital, as degradation can occur rapidly, but recovery is a lengthy process. However, incorporating organic soil amendments like manure and compost, along with diversifying crops by introducing legumes such as cowpea, groundnut, soybean, mucuna, and pigeon pea, can accelerate this recovery. While degradation occurs rapidly, soil restoration demands a long-term commitment, but the rewards are worth the effort.

Exploring conservation agriculture as a source to improve soil health

Conservation agriculture is built on three key principles: reduced soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and diverse crop rotation. Minimizing soil disturbance helps preserve soil structure, while permanent soil cover shields the soil against splash erosion and boosts microbial activity. Crop rotation enhances soil fertility, maintains aggregate structure, and disrupts pest and disease cycles. These principles are essential for soil recovery and the retention of organic matter.

Among these, permanent soil cover is often the most challenging for farmers to implement, yet it is critical for effective soil management. Demonstrating its importance, a simple test with water applied to soil samples with varying levels of cover illustrates splash erosion effects.

“Such a simple test mimics real-life conditions farmers face during rains. Soils without cover suffer significant erosion, while those with minimal or substantial cover show reduced erosion and improved water retention. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining permanent soil cover to foster microbial activity and enhance soil health,” highlighted Isaiah Nyagumbo, cropping systems agronomist.

In a nutshell, soil aggregate management is fundamental to climate resilience and agricultural sustainability. Through the adoption of conservation agriculture practices, smallholder farmers can significantly improve soil health, enhance water and nutrient retention, and increase crop resilience to climate stress. The journey from degraded to healthy soil is long and challenging, but with careful management and patience, the benefits are profound and lasting. By understanding and implementing these principles, farmers can build a more sustainable and resilient food system.

Linking sustainable agricultural methods

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Publications.

While agricultural food systems feed the world, they also account for nearly a third of the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Reducing the negative environmental footprint of agrifood systems while at the same time maintaining or increasing yields is one of the most important endeavors in the world’s efforts to combat climate change.

One promising mechanism is carbon credits, a set of sustainable agricultural practices designed to enhance the soil’s ability to capture carbon and decrease the amount of GHG’s released into the atmosphere.

Farmers generate these carbon credits based on their reduction of carbon released and then sell these credits in the voluntary carbon market, addressing the critical concern of sustainably transforming agricultural systems without harming farmers’ livelihoods.

Two is better than one

Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a system that involves minimum soil disturbance, crop residue retention, and crop diversification, among other agricultural practices. Its potential to mitigate threats from climate change while increasing yields has made it increasingly popular.

Using remote sensing data and surveys with farmers in the Indian states of Bihar and Punjab, four CIMMYT researchers quantified the effect on farmer’s incomes by combining CA methods with carbon credits. Their findings were published in the April 22, 2024, issue of Scientific Reports.

Previous CIMMYT research has shown that implementing three CA practices: efficient fertilizer use, zero-tillage, and improved rice-water management could achieve more than 50% of India’s potential GHG reductions, amounting to 85.5 million tons of CO2.

“Successfully implemented carbon credit projects could reward farmers when they adopt and continue CA practices,” said Adeeth Cariappa, lead author and environmental and resource economist at CIMMYT. “This creates a win–win scenario for all stakeholders, including farmers, carbon credit businesses, corporate customers, the government, and the entire economy.”

Farmers would enjoy an additional income source, private sectors would engage in employment-generating activities, the government would realize cost savings, and economic growth would be stimulated through the demand generated by these activities.

Less carbon and more income

The researchers found by adopting CA practices in wheat production season, farmers can reduce GHG emissions by 1.23 and 1.97 tons of CO2 per hectare of land in Bihar and Punjab States, respectively.

The researchers determined that CA practices, when combined with carbon credits, could boost farmer income by US $18 per hectare in Bihar and US $30 per hectare in Punjab. In Punjab, however, there is a ban on burning agricultural residue, which reduces potential earnings from carbon markets to US $16 per hectare.

“More farmers engaging CA methods is an overall positive for the environment,” said Cariappa. “But convincing individual farmers can be a struggle. By showing them that carbon credits are another potential source of income, along with increased yields, the case for CA is that much stronger.”

While the potential benefits are significant, there are challenges to linking CA and carbon credits.

“To achieve these potential benefits, carbon credit prices must rise, and projects must be carefully planned, designed, monitored, and implemented,” said Cariappa. “This includes selecting the right interventions and project areas, engaging with farmers effectively, and ensuring robust monitoring and implementation mechanisms.”

Innovating agroecology living landscapes in Zimbabwe

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Blogs.

Local farmers have conversations with the CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology partners in Zimbabwe during the co-designing process. (Photo: CIMMYT)

In the rural districts of Mbire and Murehwa in Zimbabwe, the CGIAR Agroecology Initiative (AE-I) has embarked on a comprehensive strategy that places farmers’ opinions at the heart of interventions to tackle the multifaceted challenges of agroecosystems. Recognizing challenges such as pest and disease outbreaks, periodic drought, inadequate grazing lands, and limited access to quality seeds and livestock breeds, the AE-I team has initiated a collaborative process involving various stakeholders to develop tailored agroecological solutions.

This integrated approach emphasizes active participation and cooperation among agricultural extension services, including the Department of Agricultural Technical and Extension Services of Zimbabwe (AGRITEX), food system actors (FSAs), and technology providers. These organizations have collaborated to form Agroecology Living Landscapes (ALLs) to identify, test, and iterate relevant innovations.

“This collaborative innovation and ongoing co-designing cycle empower local communities and fosters agricultural sustainability, positioning Zimbabwe as a model for agroecology transition,” said Vimbayi Chimonyo, CIMMYT scientist and crop modeler. “With these efforts, the AE-I is improving current agricultural practices but also building a foundation for future resilience in Zimbabwe’s rural districts.”

A representation diagram of the co-designing cycle.

To ensure a well-informed process, the AE-I research team began its efforts by identifying dominant value chains in the two districts. In Murehwa, these included horticulture, maize, groundnuts, and poultry; while in Mbire, sorghum, cotton, and livestock. Challenges noted included production constraints (availability of improved seed and labor), biophysical constraints (water availability, increased incidents of fall armyworm), economic (market access) and social (agency).

Next, the AE-I research team, and the ALLs conducted a series of surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews to understand existing opportunities that might address the challenges and aid in strengthening the value chains. The AE-I team discovered opportunities related to addressing labor shortages and improving access to improved technologies.

As a result, the research team introduced appropriate scale machinery, suggested seed and livestock fairs to increase access to agroecological inputs, established a series of demonstration plots to showcase technologies that improve water use, and increased mitigation efforts for fall armyworm. After introducing machinery, seed and livestock fairs, and testing the technologies during the 2022/23 season, AE-I returned to ALL members to discuss the impact the activities had on their production systems and determine if any modifications were necessary.

Participants suggested increased visibility of the new technologies and methods, so the AE-I team enhanced demonstration plots and added 100 baby plots during the 2023-24 farming season.

Integrating adaptive testing and feedback yielded valuable information from farmers, providing a strong base for further adaptations in the 2023-24 farming season. This continuous engagement promoted adaptive and context-specific solutions within the AE-I, ensuring that interventions aligned with evolving community needs.

Technologies being tested

To achieve the visions of each ALL, context-specific technologies are being tested to ensure synergy across the identified value chains and collaboration among different food system actors.

Technology/Innovation Description
Demo plots 2022-23: Twenty mother plots were established to compare the performance of cereal planted in, push-pull, and conventional practices on productivity, rainwater use efficiency, and pest biocontrol.

2023-24: Additional treatments, including biochar, live mulch, and traditional treatments, were introduced. One hundred eleven baby plots were established where farmers adapted mother protocols to suit their contexts.
Farmer Field Days Conducted for the established demonstration plots in Mbire and Murehwa, these field days showcased the technologies to a broader audience and acted as an agent of evaluation and feedback for the AE-I team.
Mechanization A service provider model was adopted to introduce appropriate scale machinery, addressing the drudgery associated with farming operations. Equipment provided included threshers, basin diggers, two-wheel tractors, rippers, mowers, chopper grinders, and balers. Training on operation, repair, and maintenance was also provided.
Capacity building Yearly work plans, co-designed by ALLs, identification of  training needs, gaps, and priorities. Facilitated by AGRITEX, these trainings equip farmers with knowledge essential to facilitate agroecology transition and fulfil ALL visions.

 

Monitoring and evaluation is a valuable component in the co-designing process where the AE-I establishes a feedback loop, engaging farmers and government stakeholders in participatory monitoring and evaluation. This ongoing exercise analyzes various indicators across different experimental treatments, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness and suitability of these approaches within the agricultural context. This continuous analysis leads to further co-designing of tailored solutions for facilitating the agroecology transition.

Farmers and stakeholders from AGRITEX welcomed and appreciated the co-designing process, as they felt empowered by the entire process. They expressed how it gives them ownership of the technologies being implemented through the AE-I project.

The success of the AE-I in the Mbire and Murehwa districts hinges on active participation and collaboration among FSAs. By continuously evaluating and integrating feedback on innovations and addressing challenges through context-specific interventions, the initiative is paving the way for adopting agroecological practices in farming, enhancing the resilience of local food systems.

This original piece was written by Craig E. Murazhi, Telma Sibanda, Dorcas Matangi, and Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo.

Eight-year study in India by CGIAR and ICAR scientists suggests adoption of Conservation Agriculture can boost yields and manage an increasing carbon footprint

Written by Nima Chodon on . Posted in Publications.

Twenty-twenty four is set to become one of the hottest years on record. Warmer temperatures are destabilizing ecosystems, threatening human life, and weakening our food systems. On Earth Overshoot Day, CIMMYT calls for increased attention to the interplay between environmental health and efficient, abundant food production through sustainable practices.

Food systems are one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for one-third of all human-caused GHG emissions. While contributing to climate change, food production is also sorely impacted by it, undermining agrarian livelihoods and the ability to feed an increasing global population. Extreme and unpredictable weather is causing economic hardship, food and nutrition insecurity, and use of environmentally harmful practices.

In the Western Indo-Gangetic Plains of India, rice and wheat are the dominant staple crops, grown yearly in rotations covering more than 13 million hectares. But conventional tillage-based methods have been unable to increase yields. Some of these traditional methods based on intensive tillage have harmed the soil, exhausted aquifers, and increased GHG emissions, without raising crop yields. CGIAR soil and climate scientists and agronomists have partnered to find solutions that help increase rice and wheat production, while minimizing harmful environmental effects.

One of the CA-based practice research fields at ICAR-CSSRI. (Photo: Nima Chodon/CIMMYT)

At CIMMYT, we interviewed a group of CGIAR scientists who recently published a long-term study on sustainable intensification in the Western Indo-Gangetic Plains. Their work, conducted at the Central Soil and Salinity Research Institute (ICAR-CSSRI) in Karnal, India, demonstrates how integrating Conservation Agriculture (CA)-based principles into cropping systems can support climate-resilient and sustainable food systems.

“Today, agriculture faces many challenges, such as increasing input costs to maintain yield in the face of climate change and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural land,” said Mahesh Gathala, senior scientist at CIMMYT.

He mentioned that the collaborative research spanned over eight years, covering various crops and cropping cycles, and studying seven scenarios representing different farming practices. One scenario was based on farmers’ existing practices, while the other six involved combining and integrating the agronomic management practices and crop diversification options based on CA principles. The team collected data on yield, profitability, soil health, global warming potential, and fertilizer use, to name critical factors.

Gathala highlighted, “The findings are consistent with our previous research conclusions, while reinforcing the significant compounding impact of Conservation Agriculture-based cropping practices in the region, in the long-run.”

According to M.L. Jat, a former CIMMYT scientist who is global director for ICRISAT’s Resilient Farm and Food Systems Program, the CA-based measures that emerged from this research are applicable in much of the Western Indo-Gangetic Plains and beyond.

“Most of our research trials over some 2-5 years have provided substantial evidence in favor of Conservation Agriculture-based cropping diversification and sustainable intensification,” Jat said. “However, this study is one of very few long-term, collaborative research trials that provide strong evidence for policy decisions on resilient, climate-smart cropping system optimization to boost yields and nutrition, while improving soil health and fighting climate change.”

Other lead authors of the publication, Timothy Krupnik, principal scientist at CIMMYT and CGIAR South Asia, and Tek Sapkota, the Climate Change Science lead at CIMMYT, provided further explanation of important lessons from this eight-year study.

Two CA-based practice research scenarios at ICAR-CSSRI. (Photo: Nima Chodon/CIMMYT)
How does CA contribute to the sustainable and conscious use of natural resources? In what ways could CA be framed to governments to develop policies that do a better job of feeding us nutritious food while contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation?

Tek Sapkota: Conservation Agriculture promotes the production of nutritious, diversified crops, sustainable yield improvements, climate change adaptation, economic benefits, and environmental protection. Governments can support these initiatives through financial incentives, subsidies, investment in research and extension services, and the development of supporting infrastructure and market access. This support further enables farmers to implement and benefit from sustainable agricultural practices.

CIMMYT and CGIAR-led projects in South Asia, like CSISA/SRFSI/TAFFSA, have already recorded some wins for CA implementation. What are some immediate implications of this study on CIMMYT’s ability to deliver this knowledge to more smallholders in the region?

Timothy Krupnik: The ICAR-CIMMYT partnership establishes long-term experiments, or living labs, across diverse ecologies to build trust among smallholder farmers, extension workers, and stakeholders. These initiatives aim to demonstrate CA’s benefits, as part of sustainable intensification. The science-based evidence generated will be co-owned by partners, through their extension networks, and shared with farm communities to highlight CA’s advantages. Additionally, the study supports reducing carbon footprints, contributing to climate change mitigation and sustainable agricultural practices and potentially used by carbon market players to disseminate CA.

Apart from climate resilience, could you explain what are the economic benefits of diversification in the rice-wheat dominant systems?

Tek Sapkota: Diversifying away from rice-wheat cropping systems provides significant economic benefits beyond climate resilience. It enhances income stability, improves resource use efficiency, maintains soil health, reduces production costs (such as irrigation expenses and water usage), and opens up new market opportunities. Diversification contributes to the creation of more sustainable and profitable farming systems.

How can CGIAR and national agricultural research and extension systems promote more widespread adoption of these technologies by farmers in South Asia and beyond?

Tek Sapkota: By establishing a multi-stakeholder platform for learning, knowledge sharing, and developing adoption pathways, CGIAR Research Centers could work together with national partners to create programs that support capacity building and knowledge transfer. Another crucial step would be to collaboratively adapt and customize the technology to local production conditions ensuring smooth implementation at the grassroots level. Additionally, it is important to encourage innovations in policies, markets, institutions and financial mechanisms to facilitate scaling.

Read excerpts of the full journal article: Enhancing productivity, soil health, and reducing global warming potential through diverse conservation agriculture cropping systems in India’s Western Indo-Gangetic Plains