CGIAR Initiative on Mixed Farming Systems

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/117908

Part of the CGIAR Action Area on Resilient Agrifood Systems

Primary CGIAR impact area: Nutrition, health and food security

https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/19-sustainable-intensification-of-mixed-farming-systems/

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From Struggle to Sustainability: How Latur Farmers Transformed Agriculture and Their Livelihoods in Maharashtra
(Case Study, 2024-12-30) Garg, Kaushal K.; Majeed, Israr; Anantha, Kanugod H.; Venkataradha, A.; Pramanik, Soumitra; Khuswaha, Dharmendra; Shinde, Amit; Singh, Ramesh; Kumar, Shalander; Jat, Mangi L.
Latur district in Maharashtra has long faced critical agricultural challenges, including erratic rainfall, groundwater depletion, acute water shortage and soil degradation. With fragmented landholdings averaging 1–2 hectares, smallholder farmers struggled to sustain agricultural productivity and profitability. Recognizing these challenges, the Groundwater Survey and Development Agency (GSDA), in collaboration with ICRISAT, launched a transformative initiative under the Atal Bhujal Yojana (2023–2025) supported by CGIAR Initiative on Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming Systems. About 440 farm households were involved in this initiative. To design effective interventions, a comprehensive multidimensional analysis was conducted, evaluating the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of farming systems using ICRISAT’s MSAT framework. Additionally, a Land Resource Inventory (LRI) assessment was undertaken to assess soil characteristics and land use potential, while a hydrological assessment helped identify water availability, recharge potential, and vulnerabilities. These assessments provided a strong foundation for planning targeted resource conservation and use while designing holistic solutions from farm to landscape scale for sustainable agricultural improvements. Based on these assessments and a participatory community-led approach, key entry points were identified at both the landscape scale and farming systems scale, along with market linkages to enhance sustainability.
Optimizing Mixed Farming Systems for Enhanced Productivity, Nutrition, Income, Environmental Sustainability, and Social Inclusion: A Field Day Report
(Report, 2024-11-30) Tessema, Fikadu; Gebreyes, Million; Mekonnen, Kindu
In Ethiopia, mixed farming systems involve both crop cultivation and livestock raising. This approach is critical for many Ethiopian farmers' livelihoods, especially in the highlands, where agricultural practices are significantly influenced by environmental factors like climatic, edaphic, anthropogenic, socio-economic, institutional, and environmental conditions. As a result of these challenges, it is apparent to see huge food-feed gaps in these mixed farming systems. Land degradation, population pressure, land size, poor infrastructure, shortages of demand and niche compatible technologies, inadequate job opportunities for youth and weak input-output market are also some of the challenges that affect the productivity of the mixed farming systems. Mixed Farming Systems (MFS) initiative, and AICCRA and TAAT projects have been jointly working with Regional (Central Ethiopia Agricultural Research Institute (CEARI), Workable Agricultural Research Center, Hadiya Zone Department of Agriculture, Lemo Woreda Office of Agriculture) and international organizations (ILRI, CIAT, Alliance Bioversity and ICARDA) and providing practical solution on climate smart feed-food innovations approach in Lemo and Misha Woredas of Hadiya Zone, Central Regional State Ethiopia. To disseminate research interventions and findings; field day is an instrument in sharing food and forage technologies in Lemo woreda and the surrounding areas. It provides a platform for knowledge exchange, practical demonstrations, and peer learning, empower farmers to embrace model agricultural practices, ultimately leading to improved productivity, nutrition, and income.
Mobilizing and supporting a community of practice for scaling sustainable water use in rice production in Ghana
(Report, 2024-12-30) Amankwaa-Yeboah, P.; Oke, Adebayo; Yeboah, S.; Zemadim, Birhanu; Okyere, H.; Akwasi, K.; Fati, A. A.; Cofie, Olufunke
Rice production is a significant user of global water resources, accounting for approximately 30% of the world's freshwater withdrawals. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, increasing pressure is being placed on the agricultural sector to reduce its water footprint. This report explores the potential of mobilizing and supporting a community of practice (CoP) to scale efficient water use practices in rice production, promoting sustainable agriculture water use and ensuring food security. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining workshops, focus group discussions, and field visits to mobilize farmers and introduce them to water-efficient irrigation technologies such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and tailwater harvesting. Several meetings were conducted at the community level to build a gradual reintegration process and cooperation among farmers interested in watersaving agriculture. Through the workshops, focus group discussions, and field visits, a total of 150 farmers were mobilized and introduced to water-efficient irrigation technologies in the Kumbungu, Ahafo Ano South East and Ahafo Ano South West Districts of Ghana, resulting in increased awareness for subsequent adoption of AWD and tailwater harvesting practices. The community-level meetings facilitated the reintegration and cooperation of farmers and other relevant stakeholders which is supposed to lead to the formation of a functional CoP with a shared vision for agricultural water management. The CoP is intended to become a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation among farmers, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders, promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in Ghana.
Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming Systems Initiative, Ethiopia Baseline Data
(Dataset, 2024-03-01) Kotu, Bekele; Manda, Julius; Tufa, Adane; Gebreyesus, Million
Mixed farming systems initiative enhances productivity and resilience in Nepal’s hill agriculture
(Video, 2025-01-30) International Water Management Institute
In Nepal’s middle hills, small landholdings and challenges like limited irrigation, transportation, and market access have long hindered commercial farming and mono-cropping. However, mixed farming remains a resilient and sustainable solution for these communities. Through the CGIAR Initiative on Mixed Farming Systems (MFS), IWMI, in collaboration with International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and research and implementation partners, has been working to intensify sustainable agriculture in pilot areas. As a result, farmers are now diversifying risks, optimizing labour, and increasing productivity—all while preserving the environment. The initiative has also introduced socio-technical innovations tailored for women and elderly farmers, strengthened entrepreneurship skills among female and smallholder farmers, and fostered stronger networks among diverse farming groups. These interventions have made farming in Nepal’s hills more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive, and with promising results, have demonstrated potential to scale.
Pathways to resilient dryland food systems in Africa: Strategic and tactical choices for accelerated impacts
(Report, 2024) Marenya, Paswel P.; Narmandakh, Davaatseren; Kirui, Leonard; Odhong, Jonathan A.; Sanni Abdulrahman; Aboudoulaye, Soule B.; Adam, Mamadou; Alex, Gerald; Belko, Marème N.; Bett, Charles; Dembele, Bandiougou; Derik, Sakatali P.; De Pee, Eric; Diatta, Cyril; Faye, Ndeye F.; Gichuru, Lilian; Kone, Bouréma; Kazombo, Samson F.M.; Kisilu, Rachael; Mchau, Devotha; Martey, Edward; Mbulwe, Lloyd; Ndubi, Jerika M.; Templer, Noel A.; Ouédraogo, Nofou; Opie, Hellen; Puozaa, Doris K.; Reoungel, Djinodji; Salegua, Venancio; Sawadogo-Compaoré, Eveline; Sime, Mekonnen; Zemedu, Lemma
Africa’s drylands form vital food systems, supporting a significant portion of its population and agricultural activity. However, they face persistent challenges with low productivity, limited market integration, and acute vulnerability to climate shocks. These issues contribute to structural poverty and high rates of undernourishment, highlighting the need for investments to improve rural incomes, enhance resilience, and foster economic growth.
Analysis of potential sources of feed improvement for livestock in the Kasungu and Mangochi districts of Malawi: Analysis of livestock feed options in Kasungu and Mangochi
(Report, 2024-05) Chikwanha, Obert; Chiduwa, Mazvita S.; Malunga, Innocent; Chimonyo, Vimbayi G.P.; Mhlanga, Blessing; Nyagumbo, Isaiah; Thierfelder, Christian
Delineating a typology for co-designing whole farm prototypes under smallholder mixed farming systems in Malawi: Exploring options for sustainable intensification through legume integration in different farm types at Mtunthama Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Malawi
(Report, 2024-12) Kamwana, Florence; Chiduwa, Mazvita S.; Groot, Jeroen C.J.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe
Smallholder farming in Malawi is characterized by mixed crop-livestock farming, with immense pressure on a degraded natural resource base and limited capacity for smallholders to provide external inputs. These systems can benefit from redesign to achieve sustainable intensification to better meet farmers production, environmental and human objectives. The complexity of smallholder farms, shown by diversity in spatial distribution, resource endowment, production and consumption decisions often hinder the design, targeting, implementation and scaling of agricultural development projects. Understanding farm heterogeneity is crucial for targeting interventions that can potentially improve crop productivity, food security and livelihood sustainability. Famers in Mtunthama EPA primarily cultivate tobacco as their main cash crop, while maize remains the key staple food for household consumption. Additionally, some farmers grow legumes, under limited production, often relying on locally sourced or recycled seed from previous years or passed on from others in the community. A wide range of farm sizes are found in this EPA with a considerable number of farmers having more than 5 acres of land. With respect to agroecological conditions, Central Region has high crop production potential, providing significant opportunities for intensive and diversified farming practices. The larger farm sizes in Mtunthama enable farmers to implement more sustainable and intensive mixed farming systems (MFS), incorporating both crop and livestock production. This study was conducted in Mtunthama Extension Planning Area (EPA), in Kasungu District, Central Region, Malawi, selected as one of the Malawi action sites for the One CGIAR Initiative on Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming Systems (SI-MFS). The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods by enhancing sustainability using several socio-technical innovation bundles (STIBs). These include the introduction of climate-smart practices, improved soil fertility management, and the use of high-yielding crop varieties, all aimed at enhancing food security and resilience to climate change. The effects of these STIBs on farmers’ livelihoods must be reliably monitored and evaluated using robust indicators. The current study consisted of two steps, first summarizing the heterogeneity of farms in Mtunthama EPA by systematically allocating them to homogenous groups with respect to selected structural and functional indicators using statistical methods. A second step consisted of redesigning model farms per farm type, based on evaluation of farm performance and optimizing for production, environmental and profitability using the SI-MFS STIBs, and employing the FarmDESIGN model. Data was collected from focus group discussions (FGDs), and 44 household interviews carried out with smallholder farmers hosting mother trials in the initiative. Principal component analysis (PCA), multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and cluster analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data variables and aggregate farms into farm types according to production means, socio-economics and demographics. Four farm types were identified, viz (i) Farm Type I - High resource-endowed (ii)Farm Type II - Medium-high resource-endowed (iii) Farm Type III - Medium-low resource-endowed legume growers, and (iv) Farm Type IV - Low resource-endowed maize growers with no livestock income (resource constrained). Type I farms are characterized by larger land size and higher household income compared to the other farm types. Labor was identified as a major challenge, with high labour cost relevant for type I farms, while household size has more bearing for type II, III and IV farms. The farms types exhibited variable livelihood strategies, and all participated in markets to varying extents. Strengthening market links is therefore imperative for the community. The use of multivariate methods allowed for the identification of the most discriminating variables for farm type delineation and subsequent clustering of farms. This forms the basis for further exploring variability across farm types for the targeting of management interventions for livelihood sustainability. Recommendations include crops rotation, strip cropping, conservation agriculture, access to micro loans facilities, agroforestry and other context-specific practices that address the unique conditions of each farm type to foster more sustainable and productive farming systems. By integrating various MFS activities in central Malawi, the Mtunthama EPA serves as a critical site for demonstrating the potential of sustainable intensification practices. This integration aims to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability within the region.
Field days and participatory evaluation in Mtunthama, Kasungu district, Malawi
(Report, 2024-12) Kaula, Norah; Chiduwa, Mazvita S.; Kamwana, Florence; Malunga, Innocent
Working paper- Literature review on Potential options for livestock feed improvement in Malawi
(Working Paper, 2024-08) Chikwanha, Obert; Chiduwa, Mazvita S.; Malunga, Innocent; Chimonyo, Vimbayi G.P.; Mhlanga, Blessing; Nyagumbo, Isaiah; Thierfelder, Christian
Smallholder farmers in Malawi are confronted with many challenges, encompassing both biophysical and socioeconomic aspects, which negatively impact their livelihoods. Unfortunately, these challenges are often addressed in fragmented approaches, lacking a holistic perspective, that prioritises isolated components and dimensions of their livelihoods. Instead of prioritising the improvement of nutrient content in forages and grains, crucial for both quantity and quality of protein, interventions tend to overlook this aspect. Consequently, food security remains compromised, exacerbating issues related to hidden hunger. This study was designed to explore opportunities in the contrasting communities within the Mangochi district, characterised by aridity, with the higher potential (semi-arid) sites of Kasungu where CIMMYT implements activities under Mixed Farming Systems initiatives. The study assessed various forage options within the framework of sustainable intensification aimed at enhancing livelihoods across diverse landscapes in Malawi, highlighting opportunities for maximising synergistic benefits and minimising potential trade-offs. The first activity was a comprehensive literature review, delineating the array of feed/ forage resources available for smallholder farmers. The review further evaluated the challenges and opportunities inherent in their pursuit of optimal animal productivity. In Malawi, smallholder farmers benefit from a rich assortment of feed resources for their livestock, primarily relying on local sources such as natural rangeland pastures, which serve as the primary source of their feed inventory. The main challenge of rangeland pastures is the decline in biomass and quality, particularly in the dry season. Although a minority, predominantly dairy farmers, leverage improved forages like Napier and Rhodes grass through the cut-and-carry system, the prevalence of such practices remains limited. Following harvest, cereal and legume crop residues emerge as crucial supplementary feeds during this period. The dominant crop residues are maize stover and bran, and groundnut haulms. Regrettably, there’s a notable oversight regarding alternative sources of energy- and protein-rich feeds, such as small cereal grains, cassava, legumes (including fodder trees/ shrubs and herbaceous forages), insect-based meals, and hydroponic fodder. Notably, fodder derived from ligneous trees and shrubs presents a promising solution to address feed shortages during the dry season, boasting high protein content, a critical nutrient deficit during this period. Commercial feeds and supplements are prevalent among large-scale livestock farmers, as the adoption among smallholders is constrained primarily by prohibitive costs. The second activity was to identify the potential sources of feed improvement for livestock aligned to the different agroecological regions. Key informant interviews (KII) were carried out in Kasungu (n = 26) and Mangochi (n = 11), complemened by six focused group discussions (FGDs), with three conducted in each district. Additionally, chemical profiles of forages were analysed in both districts, with 11 samples from each. The KII showed that maize-based farming is the dominant agricultural practice in the surveyed districts, followed by crop-livestock mixed farming. Livestock breed preferences varied between districts; however, local breeds were prevalent in both districts. Across the two districts, 57% of the respondents in Kasungu reported that farmers use supplements, whilst in Mangochi, it was 43%. Maize bran (100%) and stover (92%) were reported as the main energy supplements, with groundnut the dominant protein supplement in both districts, reported by close to two-thirds of the KIIs. During the FGDs, farmers highlighted numerous obstacles, including challenges with agricultural inputs (i.e., seeds and fertiliser), worsened by climate change impacts such as delayed rainfall onset and increased pest and disease prevlence. In addition to diseases and pest prevalence, feed shortages during the dry season were a major factor influencing the reduction in animal production. Despite feed and diseases being primary limitations to animal production among smallholder farmers, it was the financial constraints that wield the greatest influence as farmers could not afford supplementary feed or the cost of purchasing veterinary medicines. Despite these challenges, there’s optimism about adopting Sustainable Intensification practices, as farmers acknowledge its potential to enhance productivity and optimise resource utilisation even after the project phases out, reflecting hope for increased yields and household incomes. Leucaena leucocephala had the greatest crude protein content (35.3%) across the two districts. Snot apple tree (Azanza garckeana) leaves and Bambusa balcooa were second and third in terms of CP content in Kasungu after L. leucocephala at 23.2% and 22.2%, respectively. In Mangochi, the greatestCP content was in the order of Moringa oleifera (25%), Khaya nyasica (22.1%) and cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaves (21.4%). Based on the relative feed value, snot apple leaves and giant milkweed (Calotropis procera) ranked the highest in Kasungu and Mangochi at 112 and 108, respectively. The third objective was to propose options for impact pathways for crop-livestockbased poverty escape for the Kasungu and Mangochi districts. Despite the myriad of challenges in achieving the goals of SI-MFS, adopting the practices can yield benefits such as increased productivity, enhanced resilience, and improved livelihoods for rural farmers. In land-limited areas like Mangochi, introducing non-conventional crops can boost productivity and address food insecurity, while integrating small stock rearing with crop production could potentially optimise land use and reduce reliance on external inputs. Smallholder farmers in both districts can sustainably manage their livestock feed resources through innovative strategies like utilising tree/ shrub and herbaceous legume foliage for both nutritious feed and enhanced soil fertility. Supporting smallholder farmers to use local resources for feed, coupled with training in livestock management, particularly, feed formulation (e.g., Pearson square method) could enhance the feed quality and improve animal nutrition and production. Preservation of feed resources (e.g. haymaking) and proper preparation techniques (i.e., chopping or grinding crop residues) to improve feed intake, digestibility and animal productivity is recommended. To improve the adoption of some of these technologies, capacity building for achieving change needs to occur throughout the continuum from youth through inservice learning for professionals in research, extension, and other private and public sectors, as well as institutional capacity building. Successful implementation of these technologies will require a revitalised and efficient extension service, including commnity-based agents and farmer-to-farmer programs, which are crucial in disseminating knowledge and facilitating the adoption of sustainable practices. In addition, integrated marketing and value-addition initiative programs can also enhance market access and farmer incomes, contributing to a holistic approach to addressing the complex challenges faced by smallholder farmers in these communities.
Assessment of Forage Early Generation Seed Production and Supply in Ethiopia
(Report, 2025-01) Dejene, Mesfin; Gebreyes, Million; Mekonnen, Kindu; Derseh, Melkamu
Guidelines for developing a multi-stakeholder agriculture knowledge-hub for strengthening mixed farming systems in Nepal’s mid-hills
(Report, 2024-12-30) Koirala, Sanju; Khadka, Manohara; Neupane, Nilhari; K. C., Jibesh
A farm typology development cycle: From empirical development through validation, to large-scale organisational deployment
(Journal Article, 2025-03) Manners, Rhys; Hammond, James; Umugabe, David Renaud; Sibomana, Milindi; Schut, Marc
CONTEXT: The publication of farm (or farmer) typologies has increased over recent years. The purpose of these studies is usually to differentiate groups of farmers so that they are “targeted” with specific agricultural innovations, or best-bet interventions can be “prioritised”. The degree to which such typologies actually influence development practice is however unclear, and little has been published on that topic. OBJECTIVE: The paper aims to move narratives and practices around farm typologies from theoretical to applied and present a novel methodology for typology validation. We worked with a large-scale development organisation to develop a typology for their use, and report here on the process of enabling the organisation to make use of the typology. The lessons from this process are intended to inform the use of farm typologies in agricultural development work. METHODS: A typology of farming households was derived from a household survey in Rwanda (previously published), in partnership with a large-scale agricultural development organisation. Responding to the organisation's requests, the researchers created a decision tree tool to rapidly assign households to types; conducted validation exercises to establish confidence in the typology and the decision tree (making adaptations as needed). Validation was with farmers and extensionists and included developing key word and pictorial representations of farm types which were compared against the empirical typology. The decision tree was tested and questions adapted to maximise accuracy. The organisation then used the tools for a period of two years. Finally, the researchers interviewed representatives of the organisation to find out how the tools had been used. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The typology validation exercises showed a high level of agreement between farmers and extensionists, and a moderate level of agreement between the empirical typology and the types defined by farmers and extensionists. There was a low level of agreement in the Western province of Rwanda, where the socio-economic situation was radically different to other areas, which had not been accounted for in the empirical typology definition. Establishing the correct questions in the decision tree tool proved important. The organisation reduced the number of farm types, and categorised over 350,000 households, with four use cases developed for the farm typologies: planning for the recruitment of clients (farming households are referred to as clients by the organisation), client needs assessment, intervention adoption rate assessment, and monitoring of farmers along the organisation's conception of their (farmers') journey to prosperity. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides lessons on what is required for the application of farm typologies by development organisations.
Radio-based agricultural extension promotes uptake of entrepreneurship in sheep fattening: Evidence from Central Ethiopia
(Report) Wamatu, Jane; Ekule, Muluken; Abiso, Tesfaye; Belayneh, Tesfa; Rete, Cherinet; Haile, Aynalem
The radio-driven initiative has significantly increased awareness and practical application of improved sheep fattening techniques among smallholder farmers in rural Ethiopia. In collaboration with FM radio stations, 3.6 million farmers across 11 local languages were reached in Central and Southwestern Ethiopia. The result was an enhanced 67% uptake of improved sheep fattening practices, with a significant 343% increase in household incomes.
Multifunctional Grass and Forage Legumes Screening for Mixed Farming Systems in North Shewa
(Report, 2024-12-31) Alene, Temesgen; Alemayehu, Liulseged; Getachew, Tesfa; Mekonnen, Kindu
Assessment of maize-legume intercropping as a way for sustainable intensification in mixed farming systems for smallholder farmers in Jimma, Ethiopia
(Thesis, 2024-11-30) Yatogo, Hinase
Ethiopia is one of the targeted countries in the SI-MFS project to represent highland MFS in East and Southern Africa. The agriculture sector is a source of livelihood for more than 80% of the population and contributes 45% to the GDP in Ethiopia, showing the importance of agriculture in the country (Dendir & Simane, 2019). Similar to other developing countries, MFS, especially animal production, plays an important role in supporting the livelihood of the population as Ethiopia has the largest livestock population (Worqlul et al., 2022). Crop production in Ethiopia is cereal-dominated (Belachew et al., 2022). Most crops are cultivated in the rainy season, from mid-June to mid-September, as almost all grain production by smallholders is rainfed (Belachew et al., 2022; World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, 2021). The main calorie requirements are provided by maize (Zea Mays), teff (Eragrostis tef), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), wheat (Triticumaestivum L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare) among cereals, and enset (Ensete ventricosum) provides the most among roots and tubers in the Ethiopian diet (Abate et al., 2015).
Forage Adaptation in Ethiopian Mixed Farming Systems
(Report, 2024-12-31) Alene, Temesgen; Alemayehu, Liulseged; Mekonnen, Kindu
Feed is one of the major production inputs that affect the production and productivity of Livestock. In many parts of Ethiopia, animals are kept on poorquality natural pasture and crop residues. However, the contribution of natural pasture was declining from time to time as a result of the expansion of crop production, poor management and seasonal availability. One of the possible options to alleviate feed shortage is introducing and utilizing improved forage crops for the given production system. Improved forage crops species are very important because of their high biomass yield and good nutritional value. Adaptation trials of selected grass and legume forage varieties are currently underway at various MFS sites across Ethiopia. This report highlights the progress of the adaptation trials conducted at the MFS site in the North Shewa Zone of the Amhara region. Oat and vetch varieties have been chosen to diversify and intensify the mixed farming systems and provide food, feed and other products and services in the North Shewa frost prone and high-altitude areas.
Producing more with less: Transforming mixed farming systems in Malawi through systems science
(Blog Post, 2025-01) Homann-kee Tui, Sabine; Manda, Julius; Chinduwa, Mazvita; Omondi, John O.; Tufa, Adane; Liben, Feyera
Root penetration is associated with root diameter and root growth rate in tropical forage grasses
(Journal Article, 2025-01-16) Huot, Chanthy; Philp, Joshua N. M.; Zhou, Yi; Denton, Matthew D.
Soil compaction impedes root exploration by plants, which limits access to nutrients and water, ultimately compromising survival. The capability of roots to penetrate hard soils is therefore advantageous. While root penetration has been studied in various annual crops, the relationships between root growth and root penetration are poorly understood in tropical perennial grasses. This study aimed to compare root penetration capability in 10 tropical perennial forage grasses and identify relationships between root penetration, root diameter and vertical root growth. Root penetration of each species, namely Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria) brizantha cv. Mekong Briz, U. decumbens cv. Basilisk, U. humidicola cv. Tully, U. hybrid cv. Mulato II, U. mosambicensis cv. Nixon, U. ruziziensis cv Kennedy, Panicum coloratum cv. Makarikariense, Megathyrsus maximus (syn. Panicum maximum) cv. Tanzânia, Paspalum scrobiculatum (syn. Paspalum coloratum) cv. BA96 10 and Setaria sphacelata cv Solendar, was evaluated using wax layers of varying resistances, created from a mixture of 40% (1.39 MPa) and 60% (2.12 MPa) paraffin wax, combined with petroleum jelly. Reference root sizes were determined for the grass species by measuring root diameter and root lengths of seedlings grown in growth pouches. Vertical root growth rate for each species was measured in grasses grown in 120 cm deep rhizotrons. Species with greater root penetration at both resistances had significantly higher shoot growth rates (r = 0.65 at 40% wax and 0.66 at 60% wax) and greater root diameters (r = 0.67 at 40% wax and 0.68 at 60% wax). Root penetration was significantly higher in species with greater vertical root growth rate only in the 60% wax treatment (r = 0.82). Root penetration at higher resistance was correlated with the root diameter and rapid vertical root growth of the species. This may indicate a contribution of these traits to root penetration ability. The combination of greater root diameter and root vertical growth rate, as observed in M. maximus, may assist in the identification of perennial forage grasses suitable for agroecosystems challenged by soil compaction and rapidly drying soil surface.
Sustainable intensification of smallholders’ maize-based mixed farming systems in Malawi
(Brief, 2024-12) Mzumara, Edward; Kachali, Righteous; Homann-kee Tui, Sabine; Chiduwa, Mazvita; Liben, Feyera; Manda, Julius; Omondi, John; Tufa, Adane; Banda, Mcloyd; Botoman, Lester; Kamwana, Florence
Agronomic solutions for improved maize-legume intercropping systems, such as Mbili Mbili and Double Row Strip Cropping, integration of maize-legume rotations, combined with soil health and multi-purpose forages innovations for enhancing crop-livestock integration, have been validated as transformative for sustainable intensification. These systems support farmers—especially women and youth—to diversify and intensify farming activities, sustainably raising production on small plots, enhancing soil health, and ensuring profitability. By promoting legumes, often considered women’s crops, these innovations contribute to more inclusive decision-making and diversified diets. To enable uptake, farmers must have access to cash income to afford the inputs, including legume and forage seeds, organic and inorganic fertilizers, and the capacity to tailor agronomic advisories. Researchers engaging scaling partners through local-level platforms is one way to combine technical with socio-organizational innovations.

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