Towards Sustainable Intensification of Maize-Legume Cropping Systems-
Ethiopia Experience
SIMLESA PROGRAM
Authors:
Dagne Wegary, Abeya Temesgen, Solomon Admasu, Solomon Jemal, Alemu Tirfessa, Legesse
Hidoto, Fekadu Getnet and Fred Kanampiu
Problem Statement • In Ethiopia smallholder farmers predominantly grow
maize and legumes in association with livestock.
• Crop yields are low due to poor soil fertility and lack of use of fertilizer.
– Conventional tillage methods over time have degraded the resource base
• Farmers do not use quality seed or fertilizers due to:
– lack of economic incentives to invest on new technologies
– Inadequate input – output markets
– Lack of know how
Problem Statement …• NARCs and local universities are working in
collaboration with CIMMYT and QAAFI, QEEDI and Murdoch University in partnership with local farmers and agri-businesses.
Objective:•To identify more productive and sustainable practices, and more profitable and resilient farming systems designs that reduce food insecurities and improve rural incomes
Milestone:
High yield and sustainable farming systems attainable under Conservation Agriculture Practices
Conservation Agric Vs. Conventional Practices
Conservation Agriculture Conventional Tillage
Target SIMLESA Project areas
Mid-Altitude Dry-land (MAD) zones
Mid-Altitude Sub-Humid (MASH) zone
1. Boset2. Sire3. Dugda4. Adami – Tullu5. Shalla6. Hawassa – Zuria7. Meskan8. Badawacho
1. Gobu – Sayo2. Bako – Tibe3. Pawe4. Guangua
Mixed crop – livestock systems are predominant farming system
Activities done
Testing of CA practices vs. Conv. PracticesVariety selection (FPVS)Capacity building
• These trials have been conducted on-station at three research centers: Melkassa, Bako & Pawe RCs
– Treatments under CA and CP comprised of:Sole maize and sole legumeMaize-legume intercropMaize-legume rotation
On-farm activities
• Treatments:Farmers PracticeConservation AgricultureConservation Agriculture with tie ridging
• Number of on-farm trials:
– in MAD zones : 5 districts and 30 farmers.
– in MASH zones: 2 districts and 14 farmers.
Results
SIMLESA best fit treatment vs. CP at MAHZMADZ
Fig. Effect of tillage system and cropping system maize/soybean at Bako (MASHZ)
Fig. Effect of tillage system and cropping system maize/soybean at Melkassa (MADZ)
Benefits of SIMLESA best fit CA Technology
• Maize yields in MASH zones increased by >32% in the initial years
• In the long run CA could increase agricultural productivity in sub-humid, arid and semi-arid areas of Ethiopia• soil fertility build up due to crop residue
management and • proper crop rotation practices
Benefits of SIMLESA best fitCA Technology ….
• CA provides long term merits in maintaining soil physical and chemical properties (replenishment of SOM), soil & water conservation and weed control
• Intercropping will increase total land productivity and improve resource use efficiency
The way forward
• There is a need to repeat on-station and on-farm trials to fine-tune the results obtained so far
• Maize/legume varietal compatibility for intercropping
• Introduction and evaluation of efficient CA equipments could complement the CA packages
The way forward….
• Establish alternative sources feed, fuel and roofing material to enhance residue retention in the fields
• Establish integrated and innovative approaches for technology scaling out
• Conduct field days at different levels and organize experience/expertise sharing visits
Thank you!