Research
Farmer experiences with Deep Bed Farming (2020)
Dr Albert Mvula and Professor Alan Dixon examined the experiences of 111 farmers in northern Malawi who had adopted Deep Bed Farming. The study was conducted in the context of expanding NGO interest in the ability of climate-smart agriculture methods to bolster sustainable agriculture throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Results demonstrated Deep Bed Farming’s significant livelihood benefits to farmers relative to conventional methods: 90% of farmers reported crop yields that were twice as high from DBF compared to conventional ridge farming, which 10% reported yields that were three times as high.
The study also explored motivations and challenges for adopting Deep Bed Farming. The top three responses from farmers surveyed were:
Seventy-two percent of farmers extended their use of Deep Bed Farming by at least doubling their plots in the second year, leading to an estimated increase of 86% for total land area under Deep Bed Farming from year one to year two.
The study also explored motivations and challenges for adopting Deep Bed Farming. The top three responses from farmers surveyed were:
- heightened crop yields: 87%
- low cost: 43%
- water conservation: 36%
Seventy-two percent of farmers extended their use of Deep Bed Farming by at least doubling their plots in the second year, leading to an estimated increase of 86% for total land area under Deep Bed Farming from year one to year two.
As for challenges, all farmers who took part in the survey acknowledged that others may be discouraged from adopting Deep Bed Farming due to the perception that breaking the hardpan in the first year is too much hard work. The 28% of farmers who did not extend their Deep Bed Farming plots all cited this hard work associated with breaking the hardpan as their reason.
Farmers also touted the improved food security and manure-making skills they gained from Tiyeni’s work, rated by 100% and 97% of farmers (respectively) as important benefits.
Read the full article here.
Reference: Mvula, A. and Dixon, A. (2020) ‘Farmer experiences of Tiyeni’s ‘deep-bed farming’ conservation agriculture system in Malawi’, Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 45(2), pp. 175-196.
Farmers also touted the improved food security and manure-making skills they gained from Tiyeni’s work, rated by 100% and 97% of farmers (respectively) as important benefits.
Read the full article here.
Reference: Mvula, A. and Dixon, A. (2020) ‘Farmer experiences of Tiyeni’s ‘deep-bed farming’ conservation agriculture system in Malawi’, Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 45(2), pp. 175-196.