Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : A triply green revolution for rain fed agriculture - exploring potentials and synergies of water harvesting, conservation tillage and productive sanitation in water scarce tropical regions

Pays/Région : Semi-arid tropical areas

Date : 1 January 2012–31 December 2014

Identifiant : 2011-00761_Formas

Présentation
The world is now facing the challenge of intensifying food production while avoiding ecosystem deterioration that in the long term can threaten agricultural productivity. Semi-arid tropical areas are especially vulnerable with high levels of poverty, population growth and low agricultural production.

The low yields in these regions indicate however a potential for considerable yield improvements if water and nutrient needs can be met in a sustainable way. Several small-scale, agro ecological methods for improved water, soil and nutrient management exist, but are often promoted in a piece meal fashion with variable results.

In this research project we propose to combine what we assess to be the three most promising innovations in tropical agriculture ; water harvesting, conservation tillage and productive sanitation. The combined synergies of these methods have the potential to achieve a triply green revolution by increasing yields (green), using more green water in a sustainable (green) way. A theoretical evaluation to what extent these methods can contribute to food production in semi arid areas will be complemented by on farm field trials in Ethiopia, where agriculture parameters as well as economical, socio-cultural and institutional aspects in relation to the proposed innovations will be evaluated.

Coordination : Stockholm University

Financement : Formas
Budget : 5,441,000 kr

Swecris project database