AFSA Annual Report 2021-2022

Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA)

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Abstract: A survey was carried out to determine adoption and practice of conservation agriculture (CA) in Laikipia. A convenience sampling of 5 wards and a proportionate stratified random sampling of 60 households practising both CA and conventional farming (CF) was done. Among the farmers, 83% had engaged in farming activities for over 15 years, 32.5% carried out all the 3 principles of CA and 34% were aged between 35-50 years. In terms of perception, 23% of farmers practising CA felt that adopting the technology was less labour intensive, 27% thought that adoption of CA leads to reduced soil degradation and improved yields. Among the households practicing conventional farming, 18% perceived that, adoption of the technology leads to improved yields and reduces competition for use of crop residues; 25% felt that adopting CF leads to loosened soils, reduction of soil compaction and ease of seeding. Evaluation of adoption and practice of CA among farmers offers a new paradigm for research, policy development and utilization of farmers’ experiences in up-scaling climate smart farming practices in agricultural systems.