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Options for Improving Smallholder Conservation Agriculture in Zambia

Author

Listed:
  • Bridget. B. Umar
  • Jens. B. Aune
  • Fred. H. Johnsen
  • Obed. I. Lungu

Abstract

This study examined the agronomic practices of smallholder Conservation Agriculture (CA) farmers in Zambia. Questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, field assessments, desk study and soil analyses were employed to collect data on tillage systems, crop rotations, weed control, soil fertility management, crop residue retention and crop yields. The results showed that weed management, crop residue retention, timely planting and soil fertility management were the most challenging for CA farmers especially those without reliable access to oxen. Crop residue retention conflicted with the socio-cultural practices of the communities and was hardly practised while crop rotation seemed difficult in light of the dominance of maize cultivation and the lack of markets for crop legumes. Possible options for improving smallholder CA systems were greater integration of livestock, correct herbicide application, market provision for crop legumes, farmer training in agri-business and better access to agricultural credit and subsidized inputs. CA promoters must incorporate the farmers’ local cultural contexts in order to better address the challenges associated with adopting CA.

Suggested Citation

  • Bridget. B. Umar & Jens. B. Aune & Fred. H. Johnsen & Obed. I. Lungu, 2011. "Options for Improving Smallholder Conservation Agriculture in Zambia," Journal of Agricultural Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 3(3), pages 1-50, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:jasjnl:v:3:y:2011:i:3:p:50
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ellis, Frank, 2000. "Rural Livelihoods and Diversity in Developing Countries," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198296966, Decembrie.
    2. Knowler, Duncan & Bradshaw, Ben, 2007. "Farmers' adoption of conservation agriculture: A review and synthesis of recent research," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 25-48, February.
    3. Giller, Ken E. & Rowe, Ed C. & de Ridder, Nico & van Keulen, Herman, 2006. "Resource use dynamics and interactions in the tropics: Scaling up in space and time," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 88(1), pages 8-27, April.
    4. Zulu, Ballard & Nijhoff, Jan J. & Jayne, Thomas S. & Negassa, Asfaw, 2000. "Is the Glass Half-Empty or Half Full? An Analysis of Agricultural Production Trends in Zambia," Food Security Collaborative Working Papers 54458, Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kabwe Mubanga & Bridget Umar, 2014. "Smallholder Farmers’ Responses to Rainfall Variability and Soil Fertility Problems by the Use of Indigenous Knowledge in Chipepo, Southern Zambia," Journal of Agricultural Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 6(6), pages 1-75, May.
    2. Balasubramanya, Soumya & Kafle, Kashi, 2025. "Adoption of land restoration activities in Ethiopia: Understanding gender-labor dimensions," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    3. Sakala, Isabel C. & Kalinda, Thomson H. & Nkonde, Chewe & Burkem, William J., 2021. "Adoption of ox-drawn minimum tillage ripping by smallholder farmers in Zambia," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 60(3), July.
    4. Sulinkhundla Maseko & Selma T Karuaihe & Damien Jourdain, 2023. "Impact of the adoption of residue retention on household maize yield in northern Zambia," Post-Print hal-04525209, HAL.

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    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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