Indeed a week after the workshop a CONTIL Proposal was submitted for consideration by the Ministry of Agriculture , Water and Rural Development. The proposal set a time frame and logical framework with an aim to promote and support conservation tillage practices in Namibia.

Additionally the workshop set out collaborative regional activities, of which ATNESA was given the mandate to coordinate. ATNESA and collaborating organizations would also provide the necessary backstopping for the proposed Namibia programme.

The following recommendations summarize the output of the workshop discussion groups. They reflect the priorities identified by the groups and the discussions held with farmers during the field visits.

The objective of this project is to conserve soil and water, reduce farm drudgery and increase farm productivity. The project will also aim at alleviating poverty and creating employment opportunities within the rural areas of Namibia.

Possible activities will include:

• identification and documentation of appropriate conservation tillage techniques, Rain Water Harvesting methods and implements suitable under Namibian conditions.
• Further on-station and more on-farm testing of the promising technologies.
• Training of technicians, farmers and artisans on the use and maintenance of implements and rainwater harvesting techniques.

Other issues, which will need to be addressed include:

• Farmer credit and marketing strategies.
• Incorporating conservation tillage training in schools and colleges .
• Availability of Draft Animal Power and management issues.
• Networking to avoid duplication of work and exchange of experiences.

The main issue here is to improve and sustain soil fertility and crop yields. The ultimate goal is to contribute towards improving agricultural productivity and promote sustainable utilization of agriculture land.

Key issues to be addressed will include:

• The use of organic manure.
• Mulching and techniques.
• Crop rotation.

Possible activities for the project will include:

• On-farm research on crop rotation and mulching techniques.
• On-farm testing of manure distribution
• Farmer and technician training on soil fertility and crop rotation.
• Promotion of mechanical weeding for weed management.
• Crop and livestock production for environmental sustainability and management of crop residues.
• Crop and livestock integration and environmental management

The objective here will be to create awareness on the need to conserve natural resources. Also the project will aim at maximizing agricultural and livestock production through agro-forestry initiatives.

Possible activities and key issues to be addressed will include:

• Identification and documentation of fodder trees which can be planted and used for both crop and livestock production.
• Provide knowledge, skills and supportive services to rural communities on environmental degradation and encourage environmental protection.
• Training of farmers and technicians on environmental issues and the integration of crops and livestock in agricultural production.

The MAWRD will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of those projects, working closely with farming communities, the public and private sector and with the country’s development partners.

ATNESA will provide the necessary backstopping.

It was noted that FAO is currently preparing general international guidelines on conservation tillage. What is required for the region are specific guidelines for Eastern and Southern Africa on Conservation Tillage with Animal Traction.

Among others, key issues to be addressed in the guidelines will include:

• Cover crops.
• Management of crop residues.
• Weed management.
• Suitable implements and their availability.
• Soil fertility management and practice.
• Economics of crop residues as fodder or ground cover and use of conservation tillage implements.
• General information exchange and updates.

FARMESA, a regional program has initiated collecting information on Conservation tillage systems. Participants felt that there is need for ATNESA to collaborate with FARMESA and produce a comprehensive Database and inventory of existing technologies.

Accessibility to the information base was also discussed at length. It was agreed that the use of electronic database in the region should be explored among other means of information access and exchange.

This was a follow up discussion from Harare Workshop organized in June, 1998 by FAO and GTZ. During this workshop, participants expressed the need for a regional conservation tillage network. The main objective of this network will be to enhance the exchange of conservation tillage information. Main activities may include research, publication and promotion of conservation tillage. The network will mainly operate in East and Southern Africa region.

Participants were informed that Dr. Kurt Steiner has submitted a proposal to EU to fund the network secretariat. Discussions led to the nomination of contact persons for South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya.

Discussions to initiate national activities and programs on CT were made both formally and informally. The following activities were in the making and were to be implemented by ATNESA members in their respective countries.

1. Training in CT in Kenya. This will involve the following organizations; RELMA (Regional Land Management Unit), Ministry of Agriculture, KARI (Kenya Agricultural Research Institute) and KENDAT (Kenya Network for Draught Animal technology).
2. National program on CT in Tanzania. The Project will initially concentrate in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania and will be coordinated by Mr. R. Shetto. The proposal has been submitted to Worldbank for consideration and funding.
3. Study on CT in South Africa. A pilot project has been proposed to look into CT for smallholder farmers in Eastern Cape. Dr. Simalenga will coordinate the project and a proposal has been submitted to donors for consideration.