Conservation tillage systems and water productivity implications for smallholder farmers in semi-arid Ethiopia

Conservation tillage systems have been adopted by farmers in many countries to solve the problem of land degradation and declining water productivity. However, direct application of such tillage systems was not possible among resource poor smallholder farmers in semi arid areas of Ethiopia. Problems such as shortage of rainfall, cost of herbicides, cost of implements and the small seeded crop, tef, which can not be planted in rows required development of locally adapted conservation tillage systems. This book presents the problems of traditional tillage systems and the results of tests carried out on appropriate conservation tillage implements and systems for smallholder farmers in semi arid regions of Ethiopia. The traditional tillage implement, the Maresha Plow and the related tillage systems were identified to be the main causes of repeated and cross plowing that led to land degradation and reduced water productivity. The Maresha modified implements were found to be suitable to undertake conservation tillage systems while being simple, light and affordable. Two types of tillage systems developed for maize and tef were found to reduce surface runoff, increase availability of water to crops and increase yields. The way forward and recommended areas of future research are also presented. More information: http://www.taylorandfrancis.co.ukCivil Engineering and Geoscience