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!