Smallholder conservation agriculture mechanization scheme in Zambia for mitigation of climate change
Zambia, located in the southern region of sub-Saharan Africa, is one of the most vulnerable countries to the threats posed by climate change. Its agricultural and food systems are already being affected by extreme weather events. Over the past years, severe drought spells have reduced agricultural production; in some cases causing total crop failures. Heavy rains and flooding has also affected production. Numerous agricultural projects are being implemented to support climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. One of these strategies concerns mechanization for conservation agriculture.
Conservation agriculture is a farming system that is based on minimum soil disturbance, the retention of crop residues or other materials to maintain soil cover, and the use of crop rotations. Minimum soil disturbance is an essential component of sustainable agricultural mechanization. Zero tillage is ideal, but the conservation agriculture crop production system may involve controlled tillage or reduced tillage. In Zambia, rippers drawn by tractors or draught animals are used, as well as direct seeders.
For entrepreneurs focusing on production-related mechanization and land preparation, it is essential to have the appropriate equipment readily available for land preparation by ripping or direct seeding. These two practices are in line with conservation agriculture principles. Incentives and tailored support are required to facilitate the demand for these services and mitigate the risk assumed by the entrepreneurs who must make an initial investment to obtain the equipment needed to implement conservation agriculture.
Photo by J. Kienzle