What s in a word

Forget the word dryland in a recently published book that carries the title Managing dryland resources. At least that is what the authors say, albeit in a different way. Dryland means one thing for pastoralists who can move herds in dry situations and quite another for farmers who grow crops. The meaning of dryland for farmers in Uganda, where once in 5 years there might not be enough rain for a good crop, is different from its meaning for farmers in the north of Chad or Sudan, who might need to sow twice every season in anticipation of the onset of the rainy season. Anyhow, what remains is a good question and answer kind of book for every farmer in sub-Saharan Africa, where abundant rainfall is absent. It provides a variety of ideas, techniques and information on what to do and what not to do, including ways of conserving and applying water, fighting erosion, different kinds of cropping patterns, managing livestock, using markets, and developing community organisations and participatory extension. It should be used as a fieldwork manual and reference guide by farmers and extension and development workers, who all know what they mean when they talk of drylands. Managing dryland resources: A manual for Eastern and Southern Africa IIRR CTA, 2002. 227pp. ISBN 9966 9705 2 5 CTA number 1090. 20 credit pointsManaging dryland resources: A manual for Eastern and Southern Africa IIRR CTA, 2002. 227pp. ISBN 9966 9705 2 5 CTA number 1090. 20 credit point