Sustainable agriculture extension manual

Drawing on experiences from a large part of Africa, this manual provides specific examples of technologies and approaches in agriculture. It is intended for use as a field guide by development workers of community-based and non-government organisations, churches, government agencies and research institutions engaged in agricultural development. It aims to serve as reference material for schools, vocational institutions and universities. <br /><br />The manual has two main&nbsp;sections of particular significance. The first focuses on the social processes and issues involved in sustainable agriculture, and the second looks at soil and water issues, cropping systems and livestock issues. <br /><br />Key points from the first key section include: <br /> participatory technology development (PTD) can be an integral part of community-based extension approaches. It is an approach which involves farmers in developing agricultural technologies that are appropriate to their particular situation seeks to reinforce the existing creativity and experimental capacity of farmers, and to help them keep control over the process of generating innovations<br /> a credit for farm activities approach enables poor members of society to acquire what they would not otherwise be able to with their limited resources. When properly done and successful, the community members are empowered because they have added to their assets and are able to manage other forms of credit. The process thus develops the community's capacity to organize itself for a particular activity <br />Key points from the second key section include: <br /> soil erosion is a serious problem for farmers. The erosion problem is likely to be more severe on certain types of soils, on steep slopes, where there is intense rainfall, and where the vegetation is removed. For any form of land use to be sustainable, production must be combined with conservation of the resources it depends on. <br /> maintaining soil fertility is one of the most important things farmers can do. They need to know the characteristics of your soil and its problems. For example, is it short of nitrogen? Is it low in phosphorus? Does it have enough organic material? <br /> livestock health is a major problem facing farmers and herders throughout Africa. Although there are few veterinarians in rural Africa, many of the most common livestock diseases and other problems can be treated by local people using a small range of simple equipment and drugs.