The journey from experimental trial plots to widespread adoption of conservation agriculture illustrates how climate-smart innovations can transform livelihoods and inspire farmer-led adaptation. Each field tour provides a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities farmers face, demonstrating how different agroecological conditions shape agricultural outcomes.
In Zambia’s Southern Province, this year’s story is one of promise. Favorable rains have provided a strong foundation for crops, contrasting sharply with the previous season, which was marked by drought. In the Choma district’s Simaubi camp, conservation agriculture trials showcase resilience and adaptation. The region experiences erratic rainfall, with an annual average of 600–800 mm, but recent drought years have seen significantly less, putting crops under stress. The sandy loam soils, with low organic matter and poor water retention, make farming particularly challenging.
In response, conservation agriculture trials have been set up, consisting of mother trials testing a range of technologies and baby trials where farmers adapt favored methods to their own contexts. These trials focus on maize-legume intercropping and strip cropping systems as alternatives to conventional tillage practices. As more farmers adopt these methods, they are witnessing the benefits of sustainable intensification firsthand.
A Champion in the Making
Among them is a farmer whose passion for learning and adaptation has made him a leader in conservation agriculture. His journey began with small-scale experimentation, implementing a four-row strip cropping system on a 10 m by 20 m plot. He combined ripped maize and groundnuts, initially facing setbacks but persevering in his commitment to learning.
Over five years of participation in conservation agriculture trials, he has seen how small steps can drive significant change. His early trials provided hope, proving that improved yields were possible even under challenging conditions. Encouraged by his initial success, he expanded his conservation agriculture practices to a 1.5-hectare plot in the 2024/2025 season. Using income from goat sales, he invested in his farm, integrating livestock into his cropping system. Goat manure has complemented fertilizers, enhancing soil fertility and farm sustainability.
From Experimentation to Expansion
Scaling up conservation agriculture was driven by tangible results. Intercropping maize and groundnuts in well-spaced rip lines proved more effective than conventional farming methods. However, the transition was not without challenges. In his first season, delayed planting resulted in minimal yields. The following year, poor timing led to a harvest of only four bags of maize from 200 m². A severe drought wiped out his entire crop in the 2023/24 season.
Despite these setbacks, he refined his approach, improving planting timing and weed management. He began incorporating herbicides when necessary and adjusted his practices to optimize productivity. Through persistence and adaptation, his farm has now become a learning hub for fellow farmers. Others in his community visit to learn about his planting techniques and his success in integrating crops and livestock. With a herd of goats, an expanding knowledge base, and a strong commitment to sharing his experiences, he exemplifies farmer-led innovation.
Inspiring Adoption, One Farmer at a Time
His story highlights a key lesson: when farmers witness the benefits of conservation agriculture on a small scale, they are more likely to adopt and expand these practices. His resilience and ability to identify effective techniques have made him a role model in his community. From initial trials to full-scale implementation, his success demonstrates the potential for conservation agriculture to be widely adopted.
As more farmers embrace these methods, his journey serves as a testament to the scalability and sustainability of conservation agriculture. His experience shows that with dedication, adaptation, and the right support, conservation agriculture can move beyond experimental plots to become a way of life, ensuring a more resilient future for farming communities.
