Improving soil quality and crop productivity through conservation agricultural practices in cropping systems of West Africa

Abstract

This presentation describes conservation agriculture research activities in West Africa, with a focus on Ghana and Mali (LTRA-8). The variation between the two countries and their differing research focus creates a number of opportunities to further the study of conservation agriculture. For example, in both countries alternative uses for crop residues is raised as a major concern for conservation agriculture adoption. In Ghana, crop residues are gathered and sold after the harvest while in Mali, free ranging livestock survive by grazing upon field residues. As a result of such problems, the proposal emphasizes that innovation for conservation agriculture must be a farmer led activity.