Zero tillage or reduced tillage: the key to intensification of the crop–livestock system in Ethiopia

This chapter is part of the book "Strategies for Sustainable Land Management in the East African Highlands". It discusses the problems of the current crop&ndash;livestock system and suggests an alternative pathway for the crop&ndash;livestock system to enhance productivity and safeguard the environment in Ethiopia. <br /><br />Numerous methods are available for increasing crop and livestock production in the Ethiopian highlands. Both national and international research institutes have developed technologies that are technically appropriate for these conditions. However, according to the report farmers&rsquo; adoption of these technologies has been very limited, and farming is still characterised in most areas by low input use and limited use of improved technologies. <br /><br />The chapter suggests that there should a more integrated approach for agricultural development. There is a need to develop technologies and management schemes that can simultaneously enhance production, preserve the natural resource base, and reduce poverty. Different technological options have different effects. For example a pure fertilizer-based approach cannot address the problems of the poorer households and solve the problem of soil erosion, and a focus only on indigenous knowledge and low input use cannot generate sufficient growth. <br /><br />Crop and livestock production are closely integrated in Ethiopia; hence, changes in one component directly affect the other components of the system. The chapter explains that adoption of the zero tillage or reduced tillage system could trigger a change in the crop&ndash;livestock system in Ethiopia. Development of zero tillage or reduced tillage is most likely to take place in areas with good market access. Despite this the chapter states that introducing zero tillage or reduced tillage without accompanying technologies does not suffice. Intensification of crop production will also be of benefit to livestock production. <br /><br />The chapter concludes that a more market-oriented approach of the farming systems in the Ethiopian highlands is needed. The policies that can trigger such a change in the agricultural system are: favorable price policies for outputs and inputs strengthening local institutions, particularly in the field of management of natural resources purchase and sale of agricultural produce. Lastly, the chapter recommends placing more emphasis on the development of an adequate infrastructure, development of local credit institutions, and strengthening research and extension programmes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;