The Effects of Increased Earnings from Traditional Agriculture in Southern Africa

Nieuwoudt, W. L.; Vink, Nick

doi:10.1111/j.1813-6982.1989.tb00196.x

Cited by 31 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…It is both a technological and a political/economic challenge, and cannot be ignored any longer. Agrarian stagnation in SSA has defied numerous attempts at transforming subsistence agriculture, even with due consideration to issues related to biophysical constraints and the human dimensions challenges (Otuska, 2006;Vermeer, 1983;Nieuwoudt and Vink, 1989). Traditional agricultural practices in SSA have been addressed in relation to soil degradation (Choker and Odemerho, 1994), soil nutrients and SOM depletion (Stromgaard, 1991;Dakora and Keya, 1997;Sanchez and Leakey, 1997;Nye and Greenland, 1958), soil pests (Hillocks et al, 1996), pest management (Abate et al, 2000), and plant defense mechanisms (van der Westhuizen, 2004).…”

Section: Constraints To Transforming Traditional Agriculture In Sub-smentioning

confidence: 99%

Soils and food sufficiency. A review

Lal

2009

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

190

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-Soil degradation, caused by land misuse and soil mismanagement, has plagued humanity since the dawn of settled agriculture. Many once thriving civilizations collapsed due to erosion, salinization, nutrient depletion and other soil degradation processes. The Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, that saved hundreds of millions from starvation in Asia and elsewhere, by-passed Sub-Saharan Africa. This remains the only region in the world where the number of hungry and food-insecure populations will still be on the increase even by 2020. The serious technological and political challenges are being exacerbated by the rising energy costs. Resource-poor and small-size land-holders can neither afford the expensive input nor are they sure of their effectiveness because of degraded soils and the harsh, changing climate. Consequently, crop yields are adversely impacted by accelerated erosion, and depletion of soil organic matter (SOM) and nutrients because of the extractive farming practices. Low crop yields, despite growing improved varieties, are due to the severe soil degradation, especially the low SOM reserves and poor soil structure that aggravate drought stress. Components of recommended technology include: no-till; residue mulch and cover crops; integrated nutrient management; and biochar used in conjunction with improved crops (genetically modified, biotechnology) and cropping systems, and energy plantation for biofuel production. However, its low acceptance, e.g. for no-till farming, is due to a range of biophysical, social and economic factors. Competing uses of crop residues for other needs is among numerous factors limiting the adoption of no-till farming. Creating another income stream for resource-poor farmers, through payments for ecosystem services, e.g., C sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems, is an important strategy for promoting the adoption of recommended technologies. Adoption of improved soil management practices is essential to adapt to the changing climate, and meeting the needs of growing populations for food, fodder, fuel and fabrics. Soil restoration and sustainable management are essential to achieving food security, and global peace and stability.food security / soil restoration / sustainable development / soil degradation / conservation agriculture / no-till farming / biochar / integrated nutrient management

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Section: Constraints To Transforming Traditional Agriculture In Sub-smentioning

confidence: 99%

Soils and food sufficiency. A review

Lal

2009

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

190

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“…Consolidation of land by productive farmers through rental transactions will increase the responsiveness of product supply to price support programmes, previously constrained by the small size of farms (Nieuwoudt & Vink, 1989). However, rental markets appear to be hampered by insecure tenure in communal areas (Lyne & Roth, 1994).…”

Section: Rental Markets In Communal Areasmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…In rural KwaZulu, there is excess demand for additional land because of severe overcrowding, yet large tracts of land are left fallow and yields are low (Lyne & Nieuwoudt, 1991). Nieuwoudt & Vink (1989) estimate that the average size of farms in rural KwaZulu is 0,75 hectares, while most farms are smaller than 2 hectares. This is exceedingly small for the production of maize, the dominant crop in the area.…”

Section: Economic Incentives In Communal Areasmentioning

confidence: 98%

The prospects for improving institutional arrangements and land use in Southern Africa

Moor

Nieuwoudt

1996

Development Southern Africa

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“…On average, small farm households produce about one-half their maize requirement. Very few (17%) are self-sufficient (Nieuwoudt & Vink, 1989). Generally, three classes of technology are identified, namely those who apply chemicals (high technology), those who do not (low technology), and subsistence production.…”

Section: 2mentioning

confidence: 99%