TY - GEN
T1 - Solutions to Improve the Productivity of Maize Growers in Zambia
AU - Ejimakor, Godfrey C
AU - Etyang, Tiberious B
AU - Sonnenschein, Leonard
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - This project set as its goal to improve the food security status of Zambia by improving the productivity of maize farmers in the country. The research team worked to create awareness of Salvation Farming Solution’s (SFS) methods as a means of increasing the productivity of maize farmers in Chipata, Kafue, and Kabwe regions of Zambia. Secondly, the researchers sought to demonstrate the effectiveness of SFS’ production techniques in maize production. Lastly, the project trained extension agents, key informants, and stakeholders on how to use SFS techniques in the production of maize in the target regions and throughout Zambia. Methodology Research began with a meeting of a gender-inclusive group of key stakeholders and informants to share information on the project and obtain input on how best to implement the activities of the project. Temporary workers learned to use SFS farming methods, which involve treating the maize seed prior to planting, and/or treating the soil prior to planting. These two treatments were combined with different levels of fertilizer application at zero percent, 20%, and 100% rates. Experimental plots were established at stations owned by the Zambian Agricultural Research Institute. Yields per acre were compared for the different treatments. Key Findings The comparisons indicate that using SFS methods could increase the productivity of maize farmers by increasing yields per hectare by up to 300%. Also, SFS methods require less fertilizer. The combination of improved yields and reduced expenditures holds great potential for increasing farm incomes, improving food availability, and reducing the level of food insecurity in Zambia. Recommendations More studies on the farm-level effects of using SFS methods are necessary. The studies will help to assess the performance of SFS in real field situations and on actual farms. Additional studies are also 5 necessary to determine how the use of SFS methods affect the productivity of other crops, especially grains.
AB - This project set as its goal to improve the food security status of Zambia by improving the productivity of maize farmers in the country. The research team worked to create awareness of Salvation Farming Solution’s (SFS) methods as a means of increasing the productivity of maize farmers in Chipata, Kafue, and Kabwe regions of Zambia. Secondly, the researchers sought to demonstrate the effectiveness of SFS’ production techniques in maize production. Lastly, the project trained extension agents, key informants, and stakeholders on how to use SFS techniques in the production of maize in the target regions and throughout Zambia. Methodology Research began with a meeting of a gender-inclusive group of key stakeholders and informants to share information on the project and obtain input on how best to implement the activities of the project. Temporary workers learned to use SFS farming methods, which involve treating the maize seed prior to planting, and/or treating the soil prior to planting. These two treatments were combined with different levels of fertilizer application at zero percent, 20%, and 100% rates. Experimental plots were established at stations owned by the Zambian Agricultural Research Institute. Yields per acre were compared for the different treatments. Key Findings The comparisons indicate that using SFS methods could increase the productivity of maize farmers by increasing yields per hectare by up to 300%. Also, SFS methods require less fertilizer. The combination of improved yields and reduced expenditures holds great potential for increasing farm incomes, improving food availability, and reducing the level of food insecurity in Zambia. Recommendations More studies on the farm-level effects of using SFS methods are necessary. The studies will help to assess the performance of SFS in real field situations and on actual farms. Additional studies are also 5 necessary to determine how the use of SFS methods affect the productivity of other crops, especially grains.
M3 - Other contribution
VL - November
ER -
