Project
Legumes crop allocation strategies in the maize-based cropping systems of Tanzania
What scope is there for sustainable intensification of maize-based farming systems through crop diversification with legumes? We explore this issue to improve the understanding of cropping system planning and management by smallholder farmers and to explore pathways to facilitate legume integration on the basis of current crop allocation practices.
Background
Diversified agricultural systems that integrate legumes have been shown to enhance soil fertility, pest and disease control, and mitigate climate variability in smallholder systems of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, despite decades of promotion, the adoption of legume integration in these systems has been slow. This is partly due to a lack of understanding of the current crop allocation practices of smallholder farmers and the contextual barriers to legume adoption.
Project description
The study uses both qualitative and quantitative methods, including farm-level simulation, remote sensing, and farmer’s interviews to contribute to the development of appropriate interventions to promote the adoption of legume-based sustainable intensification options. Recognising a disconnection between recommendations of agricultural extension and farmers’ practices, we use here a farmer-centric approach building on participatory research methods to co-develop options based on the practice of crop rotation.