Promotion of 'improved' conservation practiced in sub-Saharan Africa have rarely taken account of the practical, social and economic constraints faced by resource poor farmers. New technologies need to improve the supply and utilization of limited resources in these environments to satisfy the specific demands of the growing crop. At the same time they must not require costly inputs, unavailable skills or increase the demand on labour. Farmer uptake is therefore dependent upon the innovative use of existing implements, and thereby making the best use of what is generally available. This paper describes some of the lessons learned over the years and results from a five-year collaborative project between the Department of Research and Specialist Services (DRSS), Zimbabwe and Silsoe Research Institute, UK. The project aims to develop tillage systems that conserve water without increasing energy and labour requirements. Results of farmer managed trials sofar indicated that effective, low cost, conservation tillage practices can be achieved using existing implements to enhance water conservation, which will allow: i) earlier and more even crop establishment; ii) reduce effect of mid-season droughts and iii) extend the growing season where there is an early cut off to the rains. In order to identify whichh systems are appropriate and acceptable to dryland conditions, smallholder farmers have been fully involved in the selection and development of those technologies under investigation