cases from tanzania - Sustainet

3 Cases from Tanzania
Figure 14 Erosion and gullying were a major problem in Likamba
• Ripped plot, planted with maize intercropped with pigeonpeas (yield: 35 kg; no pigeonpeas
because of drought).
• Direct planting without ripping plot, maize intercropped with pigeonpeas (yield: 15 kg
maize, pigeonpeas dried and were not harvested).
• Farmer’s normal practice: ploughing twice, then planting maize intercropped with beans,
pigeonpeas and pumpkins (yield: 12 kg maize, pigeonpeas not harvested).
The farmers chose the techniques to test with help and advice from the facilitator. CA-SARD
suggested the farmers use the appropriate conservation agriculture equipment.
The group divided up responsibility for each plot. Each week, a subgroup checked on the
crops in their plot, and then reported back to the whole group. The whole group monitored
the differences among the plots, discussed each sub-group’s findings and solutions, and
agreed on what to do.
By the end of the season, the farmers had decided that it was best to rip the soil, then plant
maize intercropped lablab. The lablab covered the soil well, protecting it from the sun and
rain, and cutting erosion dramatically. Ripping with maize and pigeonpea was also good,
though the pigeonpeas took longer than lablab to cover the soil. The ripped furrows allowed
rainwater to seep into the soil, producing an excellent crop stand.
The four conservation agriculture plots were all better than the farmers’ traditional practice
of ploughing twice and planting a mix of crops.
Unfortunately, bad weather prevented the Eotulelo group from completing all the field-school
steps in 2005, so they have not yet formally graduated. But some of the group members had
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