Conservation Agriculture Practices and Adoption by Smallholder Farmers in Zimbabwe

摘要: This study is based on a panel survey interviewing 416 farmers practising conservation agriculture for at least five cropping seasons. Farmers obtained higher yields plots than nonconservation ones. The mean maize yield was 1546 kg/ha compared to 970 non-conventional draft tillage across all 15 districts. However, the contribution of total household food security requirements limited due small plot sizes. Labor and land still remains major challenge that limits expansion area. Winter weeding challenge, with 63% practicing it. Application residues (56% it). Fertilizer application largely dependent access free fertilizer. results show 78 % respondent were initially selected by NGOs provided inputs such as seed other 22% in sample spontaneous adopters, who did not receive any NGO support implement practices. Eleven percent interviewed had stopped practices 2008/09 season withdrawal input NGOs. Research should continue explore different recommendations areas face dynamic agro-ecological soil environments. Conservation be introduced blanket technology areas, but flexible adaptable local conditions.