Improving the way farmers manage soil fertility

A textbook, a CD-ROM, a manual, case studies and field tools are combined in this innovative package to provide practical advice on how to work with farmers to improve soil fertility. Developed by African and European institutes, together with development agencies, farmers, researchers and field workers, the package explains ways of gathering, managing and analysing information through participatory learning and action research (PLAR). 'The objective is not to achieve the scientifically best solution to maintain soil fertility, but to find one that is practical, applicable and adapted to the individual farmer s specific situation.' Part 1 helps the user to analyse farming situations and enables farmers to learn new techniques and to link scientific and farmers knowledge. In Part 2, case studies from Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali and Tanzania show how PLAR and nutrient flow analysis help to understand specific situations and plan new ways of farming. Tools are set out on laminated cards in Part 3 to help the user work with farmers. Part 4, a software package on CD-ROM, helps with the management of data collected during this process. The CD-ROM also contains electronic versions of the detailed field tools and user s guide found in Part 5, the manual, together with interview and recording forms. This modular toolkit is flexible: 'Readers can let their interests and expectations shape the way they use it'. But a basic training in natural sciences, and motivation, are needed to investigate and learn collaboratively with farmers. Managing soil fertility in the tropics: A Resource Guide for participatory learning and action research. T Defoer & A Budelman (eds). CTA/IER/IIED/KIT. 2000. 208 pp. (Part 1), 192 pp. (Part 2), 192 pp. (Part 5). ISBN 90 6832 128 5 CTA number 992. 120 credit pointsManaging soil fertility in the tropics: A Resource Guide for participatory learning and action research. T Defoer & A Budelman (eds). CTA/IER/IIED/KIT. 2000. 208 pp. (Part 1), 192 pp. (Part 2), 192 pp. (Part 5). ISBN 90 6832 128 5 CTA number 992