Ambühl, H.J. and Casagrande, J.C. and Jayasena, W.G. and et al, . (1985) Smallholder farming systems in the South East Mulanje Area of Mulanje Rural Development Project Malawi. Other. International Course for development oriented Research in Agriculture (ICRA), The Netherlands.
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Abstract
This study was completed in three months in South East Mulanje, Malawi by an interdisciplinary team of five agricultural scientists from ICRA. The purpose of the study was to analyse the constraints to improvement of t& principal farming systems and to identify and evaluate areas of research and development interest. Continuous cropping of maize and cassava have resulted in soil degradation, particularly in the northern part of the area where slopes are steep. Farmers have reacted by substituting either more cassava or cash crops (tea or pineapples) for their maize and seeking off-farm employment, mainly on tea estates. Population pressure and the consequent small size of holdings preclude the keeping of all except a few livestock. Recommendations focus primarily on improving and conserving soil quality. Hence, the promotion of perennial and semi-perennial crops such as coffee, banana, pineapple and other fruits is recommended in areas susceptible to erosion. It is proposed that research concentrate on the development of intercropping systems, crop rotations and improved maize and cassava varieties that are suited to the farmers' situation
| Item Type: | Monograph (Other) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Farming systems, Research and development, Farm survey, Smallholder, Agriculture, RP4068 |
| Author Affiliation: | Agronomy (Switzerland) |
| Subjects: | Plant Production Crop Improvement |
| Divisions: | Maize Other Crops |
| Depositing User: | Ms Ishrath Durafsha |
| Date Deposited: | 05 Jan 2015 07:37 |
| Last Modified: | 05 Jan 2015 07:37 |
| URI: | http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/13554 |
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