Farmers' adoptability of Mucuna fallowing and agroforestry technologies in the coastal savanna of Benin

The role of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions in the uptake of agricultural and agroforestry innovations among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa

“…However, often farmers experiment with different adaptations of the technology, which tends to be neglected by scientific research institutions (De Wolf 2010). When farmers are able to adapt the new technology themselves and apply it in their local context, the potential of successful and sustained adoption will increase (Versteeg et al 1998, Douthwaite et al 2001, Mekoya et al 2008). …”

The Potential of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources in Sub-Saharan African Crop Farming Systems

“…The potential of alley cropping to improve yields depends on the nutrients added or recycled through hedgerows if the local constraint is nutrient supply, and on the ability to retain soil water by increased infiltration and reducing runoff if the crop production is constrained by water availability (Mathuva et al, 1998). Alley farming has been successfully demonstrated in Benin and produced best yield, compared to annual legume cover planting and maize groundnut rotational farming (Versteeg et al, 1998). Shisanya et al (2009) in their study on the "effect of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on soil mineral nitrogen and maize yields in central highlands of Kenya" recommended that farmers in the area should be encouraged to incorporate non-competitive fast growing trees in their farming systems that would assist in 'capturing' the leached nutrients and recycling them back to the system.…”

“…On nutrientdeficient sites, additional nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium supply from leguminous biomass may markedly improve crop vigour and resistance to pests and diseases (Schroth et al, 2000). For example, in southern Benin, improved tree fallow of Acacia auriculiformis, and a short season fallow of mucuna (Mucuna puriens) have been successfully applied to address soil fertility problems (Versteeg et al, 1998).…”

The Speargrass (Imperata cylindrica (L) Beauv.) menace in Ghana: Incidence, farmer perceptions and control practices in the forest and forest-Savanna transition Agro-ecological Zones of Ghana

“…1973). None of the farmers mentioned the use of cover crop fallow for reclaiming speargrass infested fields (Versteeg et al, 1998).…”