Conservation agriculture Tanzania_casestudy.pdf - Sokoine ...

Despite the soundness of conservation agriculture principles in improving cropproduction, there are many challenges to overcome before conservation agriculturebecomes a reality in Karatu. This case study documents experiences of conservationagriculture in Karatu District—its practices, achievements, challenges and gaps,and future prospects for it in the study area.2 Study objectivesGeneral objective• To develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of conservationagriculture in Karatu District.Specific objectives• To document the biophysical, socio-economic and institutional environmentof the study area• To give a history of conservation agriculture–related work together with anoverview of conservation agriculture adaptation, diffusion process and impact• To present gaps and challenges in conservation agriculture technologies• To document key issues in conservation agriculture, that is, labour, biomassmanagement and suitability of conservation agriculture under differentbiophysical conditions3 MethodThe Karatu case study began with the formation of a local case study team byintegrating representatives from the Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI),RECODA (Research, Community and Organizational Development Associates)and the agricultural department of the Karatu District Council (KDC). Briefingmeetings included training, discussion of the framework and questionnaires, andallocation of specific duties.Relevant institutions were identified as key sources of information, and a list wasdrawn up of the type of information each institution was expected to provide.Selection of institutions was based on their being involved in soil and waterconservation, agricultural input supply, or manufacture of agricultural implements,and in improving crop production through research and extension services. Amongthe institutions earmarked and visited were SARI, Tanzania Farmers’ ServiceCentre (TFSC), Heifer Project Tanzania, Karatu Development Agency (KDA),Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), Tanzania Association ofForesters (TAF), Centre for Agricultural Mechanization and Rural Technology(CAMATEC), Tanzania Engineering and Manufacturing Design Organization(TEMDO), Nandra Engineering Moshi, Mazingira Bora Karatu (MBK), andCanadian Physicians for Aid and Relief. The institutions were visited to relate theiractivities with sustainable agriculture and conservation agriculture improvement inKaratu District.58 Ringo et al.