Browsing by Author "Kienzle, Josef"
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- Agroforestry and conservation agriculture: Complementary practices for sustainable developmentSims, 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,TanzaniaOwenya, 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 as a labour saving practice for vulnerable householdsBishop-Sambrook, C.; Kienzle, Josef; Mariki, W.; Owenya, M.; Ribeiro, F. (International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2004)Conservation agriculture is frequently cited as having labour saving properties and as a potential solution to farm power shortages suitable in households under labour stress. However, its suitability for use by vulnerable households in sub-Saharan Africa has yet to be examined from technical, economic and social perspectives. Its adoption requires a significant change in farming practices and the use of specialist equipment, as well as a fundamental change in mindset towards cultivation practices.
- Conservation agriculture as a labour saving practice for vulnerable households: Suitability of reduced tillage and cover crops for households under labour stress in Babati and Karatu Districts, Northern TanzaniaBishop-Sambrook, C.; Kienzle, Josef; Mariki, W.; Owenya, M.; Ribeiro, F. (Rome, Italy: IFAD and FAO, 2004)
- Conservation agriculture in developing countriesKienzle, Josef (Blacksburg, VA: Virginia Tech, Office of International Research, Education, and Development (OIRED), 2009)Conservation agriculture (CA) aims to achieve sustainable and profitable agriculture and improve the livelihoods of farmers through the application of the three CA principles: minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotations. Conservation agriculture holds tremendous potential for all sizes of farms and agro-ecological systems, but its adoption is most urgently needed by smallholder farmers, especially those with poor quality soils and those facing acute farm labor shortages. Conservation agriculture combines profitable agricultural production with environmental concerns and sustainability and it has been proven to work in a variety of agroecological zones and farming systems. Its use has expanded rapidly on large mechanized land holdings and it is now starting to be adopted in increasing numbers by resource poor smallholders. This presentation provides an overview of what conservation agriculture farming systems are, opportunities and challenges associated with CA, and reviews their application and potential in developing countries, with particular emphasis placed on Africa where I have most experience.
- Conservation agriculture in developing countries: The role of mechanizationFriedrich, 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.
- Farm power and mechanization for small farmers in sub-Saharan AfricaSims, B. G.; Kienzle, Josef (Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2006)