Conservation agriculture for small holder rainfed farming: Opportunities and constraints of new mechanized seeding systems

Abstract

In the past, development and dissemination of conservation agriculture technologies, such as mechanized seeders and herbicides, has suited large-scale agricultural operations. Recent innovations specifically designed for smallholders have been developed in Brazil and introduced in Africa. These include animal-drawn rippers and direct seeders, which have produced equal yields to conventional tillage and seed broadcasting. However, more research is needed concerning weed management and place-based agro-ecological variance in order to further disseminate conservation agriculture technologies (and subsequent ecosystem services) to greater numbers of smallholder farmers.