The conundrum of conservation agriculture and livelihoods in Southern Africa

Nkala Peter, Mango Nelson A.R., Corbeels Marc, Veldwisch Gert Jan A., Huising E. Jeroen. 2011. The conundrum of conservation agriculture and livelihoods in Southern Africa. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 6 (24) : 5520-5528.

https://doi.org/10.5897/AJAR10.030

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Résumé : Low crop productivity, food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition; inadequate farming knowledge and skills, implements and inputs are characteristic of smallholder agriculture in Southern Africa. Many researchers argue that conservation agriculture can guarantee higher crop productivity, food security, improved livelihoods and environmental protection, better than the unsustainable traditional systems of slash and burn practices. In this paper, we present the results of a meta-analysis of over 40 academic publications to review conservation agriculture's role in influencing desired livelihood outcomes in Southern Africa. We conclude that the effectiveness of conservation agriculture towards better livelihood outcomes in Southern Africa remains debatable, especially when supportive government policies are lacking.

Mots-clés Agrovoc : agriculture alternative, pratique culturale, système de culture, petite exploitation agricole, développement agricole, efficacité, niveau de vie

Mots-clés géographiques Agrovoc : Afrique australe

Mots-clés complémentaires : Agriculture de conservation

Classification Agris : F08 - Systèmes et modes de culture
E14 - Économie et politique du développement
E50 - Sociologie rurale

Champ stratégique Cirad : Axe 1 (2005-2013) - Intensification écologique

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