Conservation agriculture (CA) benefits include increased organic matter, improved water retention, improved soil fertility, reduced soil erosion, reduced weed infestation, crop productivity and others. In this study, we reviewed the different CA practices to understand the experiences by stakeholders, the opportunities and challenges of CA development in Malawi. Through structured questionnaires, a formal survey was administered to 13 key institutions that are The most important CA players in the country. These institutions were located in different parts of the country and were selected from the National CA Task Force’s (NCATF) database of CA stakeholders. The study showed that permanent planting basins (92%), maize stover (92%) and agroforestry (84%) are the most promoted methods by stakeholders for minimizing soil tillage, maximizing soil cover and supplementing CA practice, respectively. The inconsistent research and on-farm demonstrations, extension capacity, policy support from Agriculture Sector Wide Approach’s (ASWAp) catalyse CA development in Malawi. D espite livestock and fire damage resulting in scar city of crop re sidues and longer gestation period of the benefits, CA has the potential to rejuvenate soil health in the long run . It is recommended that CA should not be promoted in a one - size - fit - all style due to the diverse agro - ecological conditions in Malawi and harmonized extension materials should be devised to avoid confusions amongst farmers and stakeholders
Publication year
2022
Authors
Sosola B G; Sileshi G W; Akinnifesi, F.K.; Ajayi, O.C.
Language
English
Keywords
agriculture, conservation (storage), extension activities, smallholders, stakeholders, traditional farming
Geographic
Malawi
