Precision farming for increased land and labour productivity in semi-arid West Africa. A review

摘要: Farmers in the semi-arid regions of West Africa face challenges related to poor crop establishment, variable rainfall, low soil fertility and a shortage labour at times peak demand. are generally on resources. Given these conditions, it is important develop farming practices that make efficient use available resources reduce risks. Here, we review agricultural intensification using principles precision assess possibilities they offer. The basic idea create favourable micro-environment planting pocket ensure timely sowing weeding. In context Africa, this means (1) large seeds selected, primed treated with mix pesticides/fungicides. Seed priming increases yields order 20 30%, while seed treatment by 15%. (2) Mineral fertilizers applied; doses as 0.3 g fertilizer per pocket, have been found increase half or more. (3) Seeds distributed accurately combined planter-weeder, which can be motorized. (4) Mechanized weeding enable farm operations workload. (5) Water loss prevented zai stone bunds soils high run-off rates. (6) Care taken targeted way. This imply adjusting micro-doses manure crops (sorghum needs less than millet) types, sequenced according their vulnerability delayed applying organic input soils. paper first within farming. It shows how low-cost package for developed, help land productivity, works all major field region.