Intensification options for the extensive farming systems of central Mozambique: application of the NUANCES framework

Rusinamhodzi Leonard, Dahlin Sigrun, Corbeels Marc, Van Wijk Mark T., Giller Ken E.. 2011. Intensification options for the extensive farming systems of central Mozambique: application of the NUANCES framework. In : CIALCA International Conference 2011: Challenges and Opportunities for Agricultural Intensification of the Humid-Highland Systems of sub-Saharan Africa, Kigali, Rwanda, 24 to 27 october 2011. s.l. : s.n., Résumé, 229. CIALCA International Conference, Kigali, Rwanda, 24 Octobre 2011/27 Octobre 2011.

Matériel d'accompagnement : 1 poster

Résumé : Central Mozambique is characterized by relatively extensive agricultural systems which is a reflection of the generally low population density, limited capital resource endowments, and market access constraints. Slash and burn, limited fertilizer use,and low crop-livestock integration are common practices. On the other hand, the rising population pressure and a dwindling resource base means that production systems have to be intensified to produce more food from small pieces of land. Intensification entails the use of external inputs, improved varieties and breeds, more efficient use of labor, and better farm management of which a greater proportion of farmers cannot afford. The complexity of the interaction between multiple processes underlying agricultural production and farmers' decision making has to be understood. Approaches are required to capture all the interactions, trade-offs in resource and labour allocation on different fields and different farms. We therefore use the NUANCES framework which combines detailed farming systems characterization, on-farm experiments and simulation modeling to improve targeting of suitable production systems for a particular locale. The objective of this study is to apply the NUANCES framework for analyzing and exploring the sustainability of intensification options in the low-input farming systems of central Mozambique. Current options to improve soil productivity include fallowing and maize-legume intercropping. Analysis of crop residue managements suggests that conservation agriculture is currently not an option in these systems. Surprisingly in this site, farmers with livestock do not use manure for crop production due to labour limitation and lack of general knowledge on manure management and its effect on crop productivity. Soil analysis results show that fallowing on the sandy soils does not result in improvement of soil organic carbon but significant increases in soil bulk density. In the short term, improved fallows are an option for improving the quality of grazing land as well as adding good quality organic matter to the soil. Results from maize-legume intercropping showed higher productivity, improvements in income generation, returns to labour and rainfall infiltration. We conclude that the current practices of slash and burn, and fallowing are unsustainable and there is need to intensify maize-legume intercropping and to integrate more livestock and crops by recognizing the value of manure in improving soil fertility and crop yields. (Texte intégral)

Classification Agris : F08 - Systèmes et modes de culture
L01 - Élevage - Considérations générales
E80 - Économie familiale et artisanale

Auteurs et affiliations

• Rusinamhodzi Leonard, TSBF (ZWE)
• Dahlin Sigrun, Uppsala University (SWE)
• Corbeels Marc, CIRAD-PERSYST-UPR SCA (BRA)
• Van Wijk Mark T., Wageningen Agricultural University (NLD)
• Giller Ken E., Wageningen University (NLD)

Source : Cirad - Agritrop (https://agritrop.cirad.fr/570641/)

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