Browsing by Author "Friedrich, Theodor"

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
  • Agroforestry and conservation agriculture: Complementary practices for sustainable development
    Sims, B.; Friedrich, Theodor; Kassam, Amir H.; Kienzle, Josef (2009)
    This paper explores how conservation agriculture and agroforestry can be complementary approaches for increasing agricultural sustainability. Developing a discussion of how both systems are designed to mimic the natural environment through the maintenance of a 'natural' ground cover and the complimentary production of crops which utilize different soil nutrients. Benefits of conservation agriculture and agroforestry systems are accrued in several primary areas: efficiency of natural resource use, sustaining the production environment, increased income generation opportunities, and environmental improvement. With this in mind, the paper goes on to set forth the conditions in which complementary development of conservation agriculture and agroforestry may be realized.
  • Conservation agriculture and sustainable crop intensification in Karatu District,Tanzania
    Owenya, M.; Mariki, W.; Stewart, A.; Friedrich, Theodor; Kienzle, Josef; Kassam, Amir H.; Shetto, R.; Mkomwa, S. (Rome, Italy: Plant Production and Protection Division: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2012)
    The report/case study discusses the importance of agriculture in the Karatu district, the loss of agricultural productivity from soil and land degradation, how climate change jeopardizes small farmers in the district, and how conservation agriculture (CA) could significantly address problems of agricultural productivity. The study/intervention was focused on five villages in the Karatu district and was intended to strengthen the livelihood and food security of small farmers through protection of ecosystem services that would allow for sustainable crop production intensification. These CA practices and services were implemented through outreach, education and training with small Tanzanian farmers. Involved stakeholders were farmers, government actors, intentional institutions, and non-governmental organizations. As conservation agriculture practices were adopted, scientists examined fluctuations in how farmers generating income and the various concerns that ensued. Critical factors that enable successful intervention were outlined as the following: strong interaction between all stakeholders, problem analysis by local farmers, involvement of facilitators skilled in CA practices, and initial provision of resources needed to implement CA. Factors that discouraged implementation of CA practices were lack of needed resources; lack of CA experts, training, and policy; and lack of involvement of stakeholders. Authors of the report suggested that the district should have an explicit, national policy approach to conservation agriculture; collaboration should be strengthened to align goals and implementation efforts; various approaches to CA should be utilized to maximize participation in CA; resources needed to implement CA s should be reasonably priced and accessible to local farmers. The report concludes that CA efforts should be expanded through stronger linkages with extension officers and national governmental agencies. Also, food processing strategies could be utilized to add value to the increased production gains from CA.
  • Conservation agriculture in developing countries: The role of mechanization
    Friedrich, Theodor; Kienzle, Josef; Kassam, Amir H. (2009)
    This paper reviews the current conditions of conservation agriculture globally and its implication for mechanization of farming around the world. Included is a discussion of opportunities for technology development and important considerations for mechanization by smallholders in developing countries.
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    Manual on Integrated Soil Management and Conservation Practices
    Benites, J.; Friedrich, Theodor (Rome, Italy: UN-FAO, 2000)
    Soil resources depletion is a wide-spread, direct threat to the sustainability of agricultural production. Dramatic changes in soil management concepts are needed to counter the threat. This manual proposes options for such changes, addressing a very broad variety of topics related to agricultural land management ranging from chemical and physical attributes of soils, soil management concepts, mechanization and tillage, mulching and green manure, erosion control and water resources management, to concepts of participative transfer of technologies.
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  • Production systems for sustainable intensification: Integrating productivity with ecosystem services
    Kassam, Amir H.; Friedrich, Theodor; Shaxson, F.; Reeves, T.; Pretty, Jules; Moraes Sá, J. C. (Herausgeber: Institut für Technikfolgenabschätzung und Systemanalyse (ITAS), 2011)
    Most agriculture is conducted through an ‘interventionist approach’ in which the application of synthetic mineral fertilizers for plant health and technological developments (such as weed and pest control with agrochemicals, soil tilling, etc.). However, “Conservation Agriculture,” an ecosystem approach to farming characterized by fertile soils, is becoming more common. This Conservation Agriculture approach is sustainable through both its ecological impacts and its capacity to produce food and raw materials economically. The article calls for formation of knowledge-diffusion, technologies, policies, research, funding and institutional arrangements that promote the spread and development of Conservation Agriculture.
  • The spread of conservation agriculture: Justification, sustainability and uptake
    Kassam, Amir H.; Friedrich, Theodor; Shaxson, F.; Pretty, Jules (2009)
    This paper argues that conservation agriculture has both environmental and agricultural benefits, but is knowledge intensive because it requires fundamental change in our thinking and approach to agriculture. The purpose of the paper is to justify why a transition to conservation agriculture is necessary, setting up discussion in a subsequent paper of the conditions for the spread of conservation agriculture.