BACKGROUND OF CA SARD

Conservation Agriculture for SARD is an FAO project funded by the German Trust Fund. The project started in 2004 and is currently on its 2nd phase which ends in 2010. Ministries of agriculture from Kenya and Tanzania, KARI (Kenya Agricultural Research Institute), SARI (Selian Agricultural Research Institute),  ACT (African Conservation Tillage Network) and FAO (Food & Agriculture Organization) are the key implementers of the project.

DISSEMINATION APPROACH

The project uses farmer field school (FFS) methodology as a tool for introducing the CA concept to smallholder farmers. The FFS groups consist of between 25 and 30 members coming together to share experiences in a learning process that revolves around the farmer's plot.

CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE DEMONSTRATION

Under this methodology, farmers are trained and then implement their learning over two seasons. At the end they ‘graduate’ with a certificate, qualifying them to initiate other FFFs.

GIVING VOICE TO WOMEN

The FFS methodology has empowered women and youth to freely express themselves during the group meetings. This has greatly enhanced learning and sharing experience hence
leading to greater freedom of expression to the otherwise marginalized voices among some communities where the project operates.

LABOUR REDUCTION

In the African farming context, women bear the heaviest burden of farm labour. Conservation agriculture therefore brings a ray of hope to the women who are now able to use jab planter, zamwipe, cover crops among other equipments and techniques for modern farming. Bishop-Sambrook et al, 2004 looked at the labour saving in the context of smallhoder farmers and come up with the below findings;

CROP YIELD

Farmers adopting CA reported increased yields. However at the initial stages, the increase in yield could be attributed to the use of certified seeds, fertilizers and rainwater harvesting through ripping/ subsoiling. However after two or three seasons when the natural dynamics of CA set in, the farmers are able to enjoy the benefits which come as a result of reduced cost of production, increased soil cover by crop residues hence more moisture retention and Soil organic matter build up. According to a study undertaken in northern Tanzania where the project sites were located, conventional ox ploughing farmer's practice produced the lowest grain yield throughout. Compared to the trend setter jab planter with lablab treatment, yields from the conventional farmer's practice treatment have been declining from 76% to 52% to 36% in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

CHALLENGES

The biggest hindrance to adoption of CA among the smallholder are numerous but the following are key; Fixed mind set on the use traditional tools ie. hand hoe and plough, Cover crop and Crop residue, Crop livestock conflict, Land tenure, High cost of farm inputs, weed management and access to produce markets.

CONCLUSION

Conservation agriculture presents a great opportunity for improved food security in Africa especially now when global food prices have sky rocketed and the adverse climatic conditions.