Maize farmers strike back against Striga and stemborer. Validated RNRRS Output.
Abstract
This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Summary for Project titles: R8215: Increasing food security and improving livelihoods through the promotion of integrated pest and soil management in lowland maize systems and R8452: Increasing food security and improving livelihoods through the promotion of integrated pest and soil management in lowland maize systems, Phase II.
Poor farmers in 30 villages in Tanzania have increased their demand for Striga-tolerant maize varieties, as well as green manure and improved maize seed that is distributed in small, affordable packs. The reason: they've seen how well they work. Previously, Striga, a parasitic weed, and the stemborer insect pest took a terrible toll on these farmers' maize crops. Now, improved understanding of cropping strategies, on-farm evaluation of selected technologies, improved access to inputs and stronger partnerships are giving them new hope. Soil fertility has also increased using simple farming practices, such as rotation and rainwater harvesting to increase soil moisture.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact, Annex. Attached PDF (20 pp.) taken from the CD.
Citation
CPP14, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 12.