Tillage and weed control interactions on a semi-arid granitic catena. III. A socio-economic evaluation
1999
Ellis-Jones, J. (Silsoe Research Institute, Bedford (U.K.)) | Gatsi, T. | Mazhangara, E. (Department of Research and Specialist Services, Harare (Zimbabwe)) | Chatizwa, I. (Department of Agricultural and Technical and Services, Harare (Zimbabwe)) | Twomlow, S.J. (Silsoe Research Institute, Bedford (U.K.)) | Riches, Ch. (University of Greenwich, Kent (UK). Natural Resources Institute)
Major constraints to increasing the productivity of crop production in semi-arid areas are shortages of draught animal power (DAP) and labour, combined with variable soil moisture and at times excessive weed growth. Farmers, research and extension staff have been developing and testing innovative moisture conserving crop establishment and weeding practices for a maize. based cropping system in semi-arid Zimbabwe. This paper, the third of three, provides a socio-economic evaluation of those practices, selected by farmers as suitable to their circumstances. This has involved on-farm trials and a process of farmer testing on typical granitic soil catenas. Evaluation has been based on criteria farmers consider important, yields, labour and draught animal requirements. Results indicate that rip and open plough furrow plant practices increase productivity benefiting those who have access to adequate DAP and labour. Reduced demand for DAP may release DAP for more timely use by those reliant on borrowing or sharing arrangements. Hand hoe weeding techniques usually outperform the ox-cultivator or plough confirming a need for improving the use of such implements. It is also recognised that farmers should be encouraged to experiment to identify those methods most suitable for their circumstances. Programmes for this are in place for next season.
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Este registro bibliográfico ha sido proporcionado por International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre