Conservation agriculture (CA) is transforming farming in Southern Africa, offering a sustainable and climate-smart solution to the challenges faced by farmers in the region. In the face of recurring droughts, particularly those induced by El Niño, CA is proving to be a lifeline for smallholder farmers who struggle to maintain productivity under conventional farming systems. One such example is Wilfred Mudavanhu, a farmer from Shamva District in Zimbabwe. His maize field, which had once yielded just 1.5 tonnes per season, has flourished to produce 2.5 tonnes in the 2023/2024 cropping season, thanks to CA practices that focus on soil moisture conservation and soil health improvement.
The practice of CA includes minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, and moisture conservation through mulching and proper weed control. These practices have shown to significantly improve soil structure and increase yields, making farming more resilient to climate change. In countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia, the shift to CA has led to yield increases of up to 90% in some areas, with Malawi reporting increases of up to 400%. In Zambia, where conventional maize yields were about 1.9 tonnes per hectare, yields have risen to 4.7 tonnes per hectare when farmers adopted CA techniques.
The benefits of CA go beyond just higher yields. By reducing soil degradation, conserving water, and enhancing soil health, CA offers a long-term solution to the region’s growing problem of soil erosion and nutrient depletion, which are exacerbated by climate change. As the effects of climate change become more severe, farmers are turning to CA as an essential tool to maintain productivity and ensure food security in the region. Experts agree that the widespread adoption of CA could be a game-changer for the rainfed cropping systems predominant in Southern Africa, helping farmers cope with erratic weather patterns and unpredictable rainfall.
For smallholder farmers, the adoption of CA has been facilitated by the use of machinery, which helps address the labor-intensive nature of the practice. Traditional CA methods often involve digging planting basins manually, a time-consuming and physically demanding task. However, innovations such as the basin digger, a low-energy machine that reduces labor by up to 90%, have revolutionized land preparation. This mechanization has made CA more accessible to smallholder farmers, who previously struggled with the high labor requirements of traditional methods. Farmers like Cosmas Chari, who once spent an entire day digging basins, can now complete the task in just one hour with the basin digger. This efficiency has not only reduced labor costs but has also encouraged farmers to adopt CA on a wider scale.
In addition to mechanization, farmers like Mudavanhu are also benefiting financially by becoming service providers. By offering mechanization services to other farmers, Mudavanhu has been able to earn additional income, further demonstrating the profitability of CA. The use of equipment such as two-wheeled tractors, shellers, and planters has helped farmers boost their yields while lowering input costs. Research from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) suggests that farmers practicing CA can earn an additional income of approximately USD 368 per hectare.
The adoption of CA has also been supported by strong partnerships between research institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. In Zambia, CIMMYT has worked with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to incorporate mechanized CA into national agricultural programs. This partnership has led to the development of a mechanization strategy, which includes practices such as intensification with nitrogen-fixing trees and strip cropping. These strategies are now part of Zambia’s national agriculture agenda, which has further accelerated the adoption of CA in the country.
Despite the promising results, the widespread adoption of CA across Southern Africa remains relatively low. Many smallholder farmers still face significant barriers, including limited access to resources, training, and inputs. The initial investment in tools and equipment can be a deterrent for many, and there are also challenges related to weed control and the uncertainty of short-term yields. Nevertheless, education and training are critical to overcoming these obstacles, and efforts are underway to integrate CA principles into national policies and farmer education programs.
With over 250 million hectares of land under CA globally and adoption rates increasing annually, the future of CA looks promising. However, more work is needed to ensure that farmers, especially smallholders, have access to the tools and knowledge necessary to fully embrace the practice. As the impacts of climate change continue to affect farming communities in Southern Africa, CA represents a crucial strategy for boosting productivity, preserving soil health, and ensuring long-term food security in the region.
