The following technology provides an overview and details features of hand seeders and planters including jab planters to plant in rows. The advantages (labour saving, livelihood resilience strengthening, equipment, skills and cost) and disadvantages (labour and cost) are also highlighted.  Description Details of planting in rows for closely and widely spaced crops...

In the coffee-based land use systems of the East African highlands, farming systems are extremely complex and intensive. Indigenous trees are commonly preserved on or near farms for a variety of purposes. For fodder, the farm usually plants Napier or similar grasses for feeding for dairy cattle and small ruminants,...

We cannot talk about food sovereignty without mentioning the role of mass markets on which the majority of people depend on their income and food. These markets have demonstrated their relevance during the COVID-19 era by strengthening rural-urban linkages. Mass markets have been the main avenue through which rural people...

Participatory research methodology development in parallel with technology development that responded to the needs of the farming community was done in Embu, a semi-arid area of Kenya. The work involved problem diagnosis, research design, trial implementation and evaluation, as well as demonstration and dissemination of options and recommendations for producing...

This study highlights the links between agroecology and climate change, by providing evidence on the technical (i.e. ecological and socio-economic) and policy potential of agroecology to build resilient food systems. The report aims to answer the following question: How can agroecology foster climate change adaptation, mitigation, and resilience through practices and...

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are a concern to both smallholders and commercial producers involved in intensive vegetable production. Although not all smallholders will recognize nematodes as a production constraint. The following describes the development, through public-private sector partnership with a commercial horticulture producer, techniques for the production of bio control agents...

This technology describes the various processes of propagating the seeds of Allanblackia. Allanblackia seeds do not germinate easily. The use of growth promoters to break dormancy has been explored, but does not promote seed germination. The storage of fruit for six weeks before seed extraction and/or removal of the whole testa do however...

This technology describes the various stages of propagating Allanblackia species by grafting. Grafting is a technique widely used in horticulture and forestry for the mass production of selected plants. It is one of the most successful methods for propagating Allanblackia. The technique involves the formation of a union between scions taken from desirable...

Dairy goat rearing is very beneficial for farming families, apart from the milk which is very nutritious, goat meat is also a delicacy for many households. Goats can also be used to provide manure for the farm and also earn the farmer more income. With limited capital, a farmer can...

Natural fallow is land resting from cultivation, usually used for grazing or left to natural vegetation for a long period to restore soil fertility lost from growing crops. Improved fallow is also land resting from cultivation but the vegetation comprises planted and managed species of leguminous trees, shrubs and herbaceous...

Les moutons qui broutent dans les pâturages peuvent être infestés par plusieurs types de parasites. Le niveau d’infestation parasitaire doit faire l’objet d’un contrôle. Dans le cas contraire, l’infestation peut entraîner des saignements, l’amaigrissement et même la mort de l’animal. En cas d’hydatidose (maladie due à l’infestation par un ténia),...

La technique d’élevage de chèvres laitières se montre en tant qu’option alternative, abordable et avantageuse. Cet élevage est bénéfique car ces chèvres sont des races améliorées pour la production de lait, se reproduisent rapidement, leur viande peut servir de source de revenues supplémentaire et elles exigent moins de surface de...

Les feuilles et les fruits de manioc, de patate douce, de papaye et de citrouille sont largement consommées en Afrique, étant données qu’ils sont riches en nutritifs et sont bon marché. Les avantages de les conserver contiennent une tenue longue durée, une préservation de qualité, une amélioration de stockage et...

Local foods (such as leafy vegetables, berries, small animals, or any other traditional food source from local biodiversity) have long been an important part of people's diets - nutritious, affordable and adapted to local growing conditions and cultural traditions. They are cheap, readily affordable and rich in different micro-nutrients and...

La patate douce est très renommée en Afrique orientale car c’est une culture très résistante et robuste qui est riche en nutritifs et peut être consommée de différentes manières. Néanmoins elle est vendue à des prix sacrifiés et subis des pertes post-récolte. Il existe une technologie permettant à sécher la...

The use of quality seeds along with other inputs and appropriate cultural management practices is recognized as the most cost-effective way of increasing crop production and productivity. In considering interventions that are likely to reverse the trend of recurring food shortages, seed security has been recognized as having the potential...

Africa is leading the world in cell phone finance. In Kenya in 2007, Vodaphone started M-Pesa for the mobile network operator, Safaricom. M-Pesa, (from “M” for mobile, and “pesa,” the Kiswahili word for money) offers simple financial services on the phone. Customers go to a small shop to exchange cash...

Farm inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, and herbicides are conventionally packaged in large bag sizes that are beyond the financial means of small farmers. The technology demonstrates ways of mobilizing the private sector to make small quantities of appropriate inputs available in mini-packs. It also demonstrates novel ways of...

Malnourished children are as such because in most cases, their families are not able to feed them properly. Poor families lack the financial means to buy adequate foods in proper quantity, quality and diversity. They consequently adopt diets that lack protein, vitamins and other micro-nutrients in particular. The most affected...

The problems related to the lack of land and financial capacity to buy agricultural inputs, especially in slums can be solved by using sack gardens. Earth-filled sacks are placed on doorsteps and used to grow vegetables in. Sack gardens do not require much agricultural land nor much water. They are...