From dogmatic views on conservation agriculture adoption in Zambia towards adapting to context. Issue 2 (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ndah, Hycenth Tim; Schuler, Johannes; Diehl, Katharina; Bateki, Christian; Sieber, Stefan; Knierim, Andrea
• Is Part Of: International journal of agricultural sustainability. Volume 16:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 228
• Page End: 242
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Conservation agriculture -- adaptation -- partial adoption -- QAToCA -- Zambia; Agriculture -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Agricultural ecology -- Periodicals; 338.14
• DOI: 10.1080/14735903.2018.1447227
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-5903

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Conservation Agriculture (CA) has been widely promoted in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) as a sustainable agricultural practice, yet with debatable success. Most authors assume successful adoption, only if all three principles of CA are implemented: (1) minimum or zero tillage, (2) maintenance of a permanent soil cover, and (3) integration of crop rotations. Based on this strict definition, adoption has declined or remained stagnant. Presently, not much attention has been given to context-suited adaptation possibilities, and partial adoption has not been recognized as an entry point to full adoption. Furthermore, isolated success cases have not been analysed sufficiently. By applying the QAToCA approach based on focus group discussions complemented by semi-structured qualitative expert and farmer interviews, we assessed the reasons behind positive CA adaptation and adoption trends in Zambia. Main reasons behind Zambia's emerging success are (1) a positive institutional influence, (2) a systematic approach towards CA promotion – encouraging a stepwise adaptation and adoption, and (3) mobilization of strong marketing dynamics around CA. These findings could help to eventually adjust or redesign CA promotion activities. We argue for a careful shift from the 'dogmatic view' on adoption of CA as a packaged technology, towards adapting its principles to the small-scale farming context of SSA.