Conservation agriculture and climate resilience

Michler, Jeffrey D.; Baylis, Kathy; Arends‐Kuenning, Mary; Mazvimavi, Kizito

doi:10.1016/j.jeem.2018.11.008

Cited by 142 publications

(89 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…Although widely considered one of the most appropriate climatesmart agricultural technologies for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (e.g., African Conservation Tillage Network, 2016;Michler, Baylis, Arends-Kuenning, & Mazvimavi, 2016), smallholder implementation of CA is often short-lived. Evidence from literature and practice points to a growing problem of dis-adoption (Andersson & Giller, 2012;Arslan, McCarthy, Lipper, Asfaw, & Cattaneo, 2014;Twomlow & Delve, 2016).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Why do smallholder farmers dis‐adopt conservation agriculture? Insights from Malawi

2018

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International donors and advisory bodies, governments, and nongovernmental organisations are actively promoting conservation agriculture (CA) to improve agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change impacts. However, many smallholder farmers continue to dis‐adopt (abandon) the technology. Reasons for dis‐adoption are not well known. This article examines farmers' lived experiences and perceptions of CA to understand why smallholder farmers dis‐adopt CA in Malawi. Improving understanding of dis‐adoption of this seemingly appropriate intervention is important to achieve sustained adoption and for ensuring long‐lasting impacts of agricultural development project interventions. A mixed methods approach was used, involving household questionnaire survey and focus group discussions with smallholder farmers. Findings reveal that although drivers of dis‐adoption are multidimensional and multilayered, they are rooted in shortfalls of CA promoters' implementation arrangements. Although CA proponents market CA as a time‐saving, labour‐saving, and yield‐improving technology, respondents report contrary experiences. Our findings show that farmers lack sufficient technical support and encounter technological, social, institutional, and economic challenges. These, coupled with unfulfilled expectations, undermine ownership of CA projects and lead to dis‐adoption. This highlights a need to (a) collaboratively design projects to better suit local needs and context with inclusive implementation arrangements; (b) emphasise climate resilience benefits of CA rather than economic benefits to manage farmers' expectations; (c) intensify multidisciplinary research that incorporates farmers' knowledge and experiences to develop suitable, flexible, and low‐input CA packages; and (d) provide regular hands‐on technical extension support to farmers.

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Why do smallholder farmers dis‐adopt conservation agriculture? Insights from Malawi

2018

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“…Under these climate conditions with drought severity, increase in irrigation practices could also be a strong contributing factor for the increase in harvested acreage 10. While a meta‐study by Ogle et al reported no changes in productivity with no‐till in wet and/or cool areas,13 long‐term studies revealed that CA was beneficial only in dry years and areas 3,14. Accordingly, to increase harvested cropland in semi‐arid conditions such as Arizona (Figure 2 and Table 1), sustainable on‐farm CA practices such as no‐till, reduced tillage, and cover cropping (Figure 3) are required.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable Agriculture Practices as a Driver for Increased Harvested Cropland among Large‐Scale Growers in Arizona: A Paradox for Small‐Scale Growers

Mpanga

Neumann

Schuch

et al. 2020

Advanced Sustainable Systems

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Extreme climate variability is a major factor threatening crop production in Arizona State. However, limited information exists on how growers are adapting with land‐use practices. Using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Agricultural Census (2012 and 2017) of the US Department of Agriculture, this study investigates trends of land‐use practices among small‐ and large‐scale growers and their possible effects on harvested cropland. From 2012 to 2017, there are reductions in total farmlands (−0.5%) and vegetable production lands (−4%) with varying temperatures, precipitation, and drought severity index. However, harvested crop‐ and vegetable land increased by 3% and 11%, respectively, which was mainly influenced by large‐scale growers. This coincided with an increase in sustainable land‐use practices such as conservation agriculture no‐till (103%), reduced tillage (71%), and cover cropping (123%) which are most popular among large‐scale growers. Manure application also increased by 30%. However, there were reductions in other practices such as intensive tillage (−9%), use of commercial fertilizers (−0.2%), nematicides (−63%), and chemical diseases control (−16%). Unfortunately, non‐sustainable practices (irrigation, insecticide, and herbicide application increased by 27%, 39%, and 10%, respectively. This study reveals potential benefits of sustainable agricultural practices in Arizona and a need for increased adoption among small‐acreage growers.

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“…Na agricultura, a variabilidade da produção é afetada em até 80% pelas condições meteorológicas. A precipitação pluviométrica é o elemento mais importante e o atributo climático de maior expressão e significância nas regiões de clima tropical e subtropical, onde a sua distribuição variável anualmente e períodos de chuva extrema e seca influenciam nas diversas atividades humanas (AYOADE, 1986;PELL et al, 2007;CARAMORI et al, 2008;AGOVINO et al, 2018;GELCER et al, 2018;MICHLER et al, 2018).…”

Section: Introductionunclassified

Frequência, Intensidade E Variabilidade Pluviométrica Na Mesorregião Sudoeste Paranaense

Caldana

Martelócio

Rudke

et al. 2019

ABClima

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A variabilidade climática exerce influência significativa sobre as atividades humanas. Os eventos extremos de precipitação causam danos severos tanto no espaço urbano quanto no rural. O aumento da temperatura média da superfície global, em conjunto com eventos extremos de precipitação causam grandes incertezas na dinâmica dos impactos das condições de tempo e clima, e como se planejar para prevenir os impactos é um tema que se torna cada vez mais crucial. Dessa forma, estudos que evidenciem a variabilidade climática em diferentes escalas são fundamentais para o planejamento das atividades humanas. O estado do Paraná se encontra em uma região de transição climática com grande variação dos elementos meteorológicos, sendo essencial a compreensão destes fenômenos devido a seus possíveis impactos. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a variabilidade pluviométrica, a intensidade e frequência da precipitação na Mesorregião Sudoeste Paranaense - MRSPR associados ao fenômeno El Niño Oscilação Sul - ENOS. Para isso utilizou-se as escalas temporais anual, mensal e diária com o recorte temporal de 1976 a 2017. Através dos resultados, identificou-se grande discrepância nas alturas pluviométricas anuais, mensais e diárias, com parte expressiva dos eventos extremos e maiores alturas de precipitação ocorrendo em períodos de El Niño, enquanto os períodos secos predominam em condições de La Niña.

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Conservation agriculture and climate resilience

Cited by 142 publications

References 59 publications

Why do smallholder farmers dis‐adopt conservation agriculture? Insights from Malawi

Why do smallholder farmers dis‐adopt conservation agriculture? Insights from Malawi

Sustainable Agriculture Practices as a Driver for Increased Harvested Cropland among Large‐Scale Growers in Arizona: A Paradox for Small‐Scale Growers

Frequência, Intensidade E Variabilidade Pluviométrica Na Mesorregião Sudoeste Paranaense

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