Integrating legumes while increasing maize yields – five seasons of co-learning in western Kenya

Wytze Marinus, K.K.E. Descheemaeker, G.W.J. van de Ven, Bernard Vanlauwe, K.E. Giller

Research output: Contribution to conferenceConference paperAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Sustainable intensification of smallholder agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a key pathway to provide food for the growing population (e.g. SDSN 2013; Vanlauwe et al. 2014). Grain legumes are seen as a central option for sustainable intensification as they fix nitrogen (N) from the air (reducing the need for mineral N fertiliser), are nutritious food and can be more profitable than staple crops such as maize (Giller et al. 2013). Yet adoption of options for sustainable intensification is often limited by knowledge and resource constraints, due to the poverty trap within which smallholder farmers operate (Tittonell and Giller 2013). The objective of this study was to assess the outcomes of a trajectory of five seasons of co-learning, when resource constraints are partly alleviated. This paper focuses on the adoption process oflegumes as part of the intensified maize-legume cropping system, which together comprise the main crop component of the farming systems.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2019
Event6th Farming Systems Design Conference : Agricultural systems designs sustained by nature - Montevideo, Uruguay
Duration: 18 Aug 201921 Aug 2019
http://www.farming-systems-design.org.uy/en/

Conference/symposium

Conference/symposium6th Farming Systems Design Conference
Abbreviated titleFSD
Country/TerritoryUruguay
CityMontevideo
Period18/08/1921/08/19
Internet address

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