Conservation Farming

In rural communities, the vast majority of people are dependent on the land for their livelihoods. Traditional farming methods tend to lead to the degradation of the soil and lower crop yields. 

With the onslaught of climate change and growing African populations, it is imperative that rural people adopt conservation farming (climate-smart agriculture) to secure a long term vibrant future.

Conservation farming principles include:

• Early preparation
• Minimum tillage
• Soil care and cover through compost, mulch and/or nitrogen-fixing cover crops
• Crop rotation

This type of farming rejuvenates the soil, enhances crop yields and leads to sustainable land use. Participants are encouraged to pass these skills on to their neighbours, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

In addition, participants learn agroforestry, the planting of trees and crops side-by-side, for mutual benefit. Farmers will also be taught business for agriculture so that they recognise the farm is a business, leading to higher value crops, cooperatives and the beginning of other related businesses.