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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Evaluation and application of the CROPGRO – Cowpea model for simulating appropriate sowing window and planting density of cowpea varieties across contrasting environments
(Journal Article, 2025-08-01) Kamara, A.; Solomon, R.; Tofa, A.; Garba, I.I.; Eseigbe, O.B.; Jibrin, J.M.; Omoigui, L.; Aliyu, K.T.; Adeleke, M.A.; Bebeley, J.F.; Peter-Jerome, H.
Context Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is an important legume crop in sub-Saharan Africa where its grain and fodder are valued for food and feed. Grain yields are, however, low due to several biotic and abiotic constraints. Several improved stress-tolerant varieties and complementary agronomic management technologies have been developed to enhance its productivity and sustainability. Cropping simulation models are useful tools for evaluating the deployment of crop varieties and management options for target locations. While the CSM-CROPGRO model in DSSAT has been used to simulate the performance of several legume crops, only a few studies have evaluated and used the relatively new CSM-CROPGRO-cowpea model for use in West Africa. Objectives The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the performance of the CSM-CROPGRO-Cowpea model in simulating the cowpea growth and yields in contrasting environments (ii) use the model to assess the optimal sowing window and planting density of cowpea varieties across contrasting environments in the savannas of Nigeria. Methods Here, we used comprehensive savanna-wide datasets to calibrate and validate the CSM-CROPGRO-cowpea model for savannah environments. The evaluated model was then applied to assess the yield performance of cowpea varieties with varying plant densities and six sowing windows across four sites considering 36 growing seasons. Results The model accurately simulated cowpea phenology (RMSE 0.58–0.67 day; nRMSE 1.36–1.46 %; d-index > 0.90 for days to flowering, RMSE 0.82–1.73 days; nRMSE 1.09–2.29 %; d-index 0.88–0.99 for days to physiological maturity), grain yield (RMSE 86–121 kg ha−1; nRMSE 3.66–6.14 %; d-index > 0.90) and total dry matter (RMSE 260–295 kg ha−1; nRMSE 4.79–10.73 %; d-index = 0.87–0.95). The long-term simulation results indicate that SAMPEA 9 showed no response to sowing density beyond 13.3 plants m–2 across all locations, likely due to interplant competition at higher densities. In contrast, the simulated yield of SAMPEA 14 and FUAMPEA 1 increased as plant density increases from 13.3 to 40 plants m⁻². In northern Guinea savanna, sowing could be delayed until July 14 at Demsa and July 29 at Zaria for all tested varieties. In the Sudan savanna AEZ (SS), sowing should be done between July 1 and 14 for all varieties, beyond which there will be a significant reduction in yield. Conclusion Except for SAMPEA 9, the simulated optimum planting density for all the varieties is 40 plants m–2 in all AEZ, while the sowing window was dependent on location and AEZ. The variety SAMPEA 9 was the most yield-stable variety across the tested environments and did not require planting density above the current industry recommendations of 13.3 plants m−2. This study could fill the knowledge gap in understanding optimal cowpea management opportunities needed to maximize productivity and strengthen cropping resilience.
Boosting livestock productivity and sustainability in East Africa: The role of forage seed systems
(Blog Post, 2025-02-13) Burkart, Stefan; Mwendia, Solomon Waweru
Livestock farming plays a critical role in the economies of East African countries, with millions of people depending on cattle, goats and sheep for food, income and employment. However, despite the region's vast agricultural potential, livestock production faces a significant feed deficit - nearly 40% of the total ruminant feed demand is unmet annually. This challenge, compounded by climate change, is limiting the region's ability to maximize livestock productivity. Addressing this feed shortage is essential for improving food security, rural livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
Women’s participation in the forage and dual-purpose maize seed market in Laos
(Brief, 2025-05) Pazos Cardenas, Mateo; Bravo, Aura Maria; Triana Ángel, Natalia; Burkart, Stefan; Snyder, Katherine; Atieno, Mary Otieno; Philp, Joshua
In rural Laos, women have historically played crucial roles in agricultural activities, including rice cultivation, forest harvesting, and more recently, livestock and maize production. However, ongoing modernization and commercialization processes are reshaping their roles, leading to diversification into new crops and agricultural practices. This adaptation is driven by the necessity to respond to evolving economic and technological conditions. Yet, women continue to encounter significant challenges in agricultural markets, particularly in trade, underscoring the critical need for gender-sensitive approaches to support their agricultural roles (Ireson, 1996; Millar & Connell, 2010; Moglia et al., 2020). The analysis adopted Porter’s Five Forces Framework for Industry Analysis (Ghemawat & Collis, 2010), adapted to accommodate various actor types within the seed system. These forces include competition, the threat of new entrants, supplier bargaining power, customer bargaining power, and the availability of substitutes for sector products. Given the diverse nature and multilocation of the forage seed landscape, involving various industries such as logistics and distribution, our study focused on companies assuming roles in seed selection, innovation, harvesting, and production. This approach assumes a high degree of vertical integration within the forage supply chain. Furthermore, we explored how other actors in the system integrate into the value network and contribute to the functioning of the forage seed value chain.
FarmDESIGN: Changing Ethiopian farming practices through sustainable intensification pathways
(Case Study, 2025-05-20) Abera, Wuletawu; Ebrahim, Mohammed; Ayehu, Getachew; Eshetae, Meron Awoke
In 2023 and 2024 more than 132 farmers adopted more sustainable practices, including diversified crops, forages, and poultry, which boosted yields, income, improved household nutrition, and promoted soil health. The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT-led FarmDESIGN optimization and exploration modeling tool was used with communities to explore and implement optimized farming practices. These incremental changes transformed local farming systems, advancing food and nutrition security while increasing the synergy between interventions and fostering environmental sustainability.
Unpacking innovation demands for climate-resilient mixed farming systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: a case of northern Ghana
(Journal Article, 2025-04) Ofosu, Abena; Minh, Thai Thi; Birhanu, Birhanu Zemadim
According to the United Nations (n.d.), climate change is the long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns due to natural changes, such as the sun’s activity and significant volcanic eruptions, or human activities, such as burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. The effects of and challenges caused by climate change on farmers’ ability to manage mixed farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa are well documented in the literature. However, the synergies among mixed farming systems’ components and farmers’ innovation demands and responses to climate change impacts remain fragmented. Using a case of mixed crop-livestock-tree (MCLT) systems in northern Ghana, this paper examined farmers’ responses, their innovation needs, and how these innovations can be catalyzed to enable more farmers to adopt similar climate change adaptations. Our findings show that climate change impacts mixed farming systems in several domains, with these impacts being more visible in some domains. Significant productivity declines are observed in crops, livestock, and the whole mixed farming system. Productivity declines lead to decreased incomes, food availability, and household food security. Female farmers’ access to production factors, resource management, and market participation is reduced. Farmers make technical, managerial, and business changes in response to climate change impacts. Such changes are dominated by technical changes, including using highyielding, disease-resistant, and early-maturing crop varieties, crop and animal pest and disease management, agricultural water and land management, and wind and bush fire control. Interconnections between the MCLT system components include cross-component investments, additional income generation, animal feeding and healthcare improvement, nutrition exchanges, and family nutrition improvement. These interconnections generate income and cash flow and support food and nutrition security, enabling farmers’ adaptation. Climate-resilient innovation bundles to enable farmers’ adaptation include good agricultural practices, circular farming techniques, irrigation packages, information services, and value-chain linkages. Scaling climate-resilient innovations in northern Ghana and other sub-Saharan African contexts require multiple pathways, including innovation platforms, innovation bundling, multi-actor partnerships, inclusive finance, and multistakeholder dialogues to support farmers’ adaptation to climate change.
The impact of agricultural policy measures on protecting agrobiodiversity, promoting sustainable farming, and improving farmers’ incomes: A desk review of experiences from Europe
(Report, 2025-02-03) Vernooy, Ronnie
This report presents the results of a desk review about the impact of agricultural policy measures implemented in Europe for the protection of agrobiodiversity, the promotion of sustainable farming, and the improvement of farmers’ income, with a focus on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union. The review concludes that over many decades, the CAP has been instrumental to support farmers across Europe financially, but this has not or hardly been realized in harmony with the conservation of agrobiodiversity and the protection of the agro-environment. Major shortcomings and some suggestions for improvement are identified.
CGIAR Research Initiative on Mixed Farming Systems: Annual Technical Report 2024
(Report, 2025-04-15) CGIAR Initiative on Mixed Farming Systems
Bundled Feed and forage innovations and scaling vision
(Presentation, 2025-04-04) Mekonnen, Kindu; Gebreyes, Million
Environmental footprints of livestock production systems in Northern Laos: A case study of Nonghet district
(Report, 2025-01) Dao Thu, Hang Thi; Notenbaert, An; Philp, Joshua; Otieno, Mary Atieno
In the frame of the MFS initiative and ASEAN-CGIAR program, this study aims to fill critical knowledge gaps by quantifying the environmental impacts of different livestock production systems, using the CLEANED tool, in Nonghet district, Xiengkhouang Province. By employing a typology-based approach, the research seeks to classify farms into distinct categories, analyze their environmental footprints, and identify high-risk areas for degradation. The study’s ultimate goal is to provide actionable recommendations for mitigating environmental impacts while improving productivity and livelihoods. By focusing on these objectives, this research aligns with national and regional development goals, contributing to the sustainable intensification of agriculture in Laos. The findings will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, and local communities in their efforts to enhance the sustainability of livestock production systems.
GEBETA Radio Program: Promoting Livestock Feed and Forage Innovations in Ethiopia
(Report, 2024-12-31) Seifu, Haimanot; Mekonnen, Kindu; Gebreyes, Million; Mesfin, Hailemariam
Evaluation of the end-of-initiative and work packages outcomes of the Mixed Farming Systems (MFS) initiative 2022-2024
(Report, 2024-12-15) Webber, H.
Vermicomposting: A gender-inclusive solution for sustainable manure management for homestead and high-value crops
(Case Study, 2024-10) Ahmed, Sharif; Debnath, Manik; Miajy, Abdullah; Haque, Abdul; Bhandari, Humnath
Bangladesh is an agricultural country where agriculture sector plays a vital role in accelerating the economic growth. It is therefore important to have a profitable, sustainable, and environment-friendly agricultural system to ensure long-term food security for people. As the population grows, the amount of food needed also increases. However, food safety and security are not obtained due to the excessive use of chemical pesticides and chemical-based fertilizers. Our agriculture is now characterized by excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, while the application of organic fertilizers remains insufficient. Various natural elements can serve as fertilizers to enhance soil quality, such as vermicompost, green manure, cow dung, and leaf manure, which are all considered natural fertilizers.
Proceeding of the Workshop on Integrating Gender in Mixed Farming Systems Innovations: Developing Scaling Strategy
(Report, 2024-11-30) Gebreyes, Million; Paulos, Tsegayenesh; Tessema, Fikadu; Ayenew, Yetsedaw; Nigir, Bogale; Asfaw, Addisu; Abiy, Rahel; Mekonnen, Brook; Snyder, Katherine
Advancing sustainable and resilient agriculture in Eastern Nepal's middle hills
(Video, 2025-02-10) International Water Management Institute
In Nepal’s middle hills, small landholdings and persistent challenges—such as limited irrigation, transportation, and market access—have long constrained commercial farming and mono-cropping. However, mixed farming systems are proving to be a resilient and sustainable solution for these communities. Through the CGIAR Initiative on Mixed Farming Systems (MFS), IWMI, in collaboration with research and implementation partners, is driving sustainable agricultural intensification in pilot areas. This initiative is helping farmers diversify risks, optimize labour, and enhance productivity—all while safeguarding the environment. Key interventions include promoting efficient water management through micro-irrigation, multiple water use systems, and rainwater harvesting. Additionally, the initiative has strengthened entrepreneurship skills among female and smallholder farmers while fostering stronger networks and collaboration across diverse farming groups. These efforts are making agriculture in Nepal’s hills more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive. With promising results, the initiative holds significant potential for scaling across the region.
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.
Innovative water management in irrigated rice fields: participatory demonstration approach to promoting alternate wetting and drying and tailwater harvesting in Ghana
(Report, 2024-12-30) Amankwaa-Yeboah, P.; Oke, Adebayo; Okyere, H.; Zemadim, Birhanu; Yeboah, S.; Adomako, J.; Ntedwah, A. A.; Offei, M. A.
This report highlights the implementation of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and tailwater harvesting technologies in Ghana, targeting sustainable rice production in the Northern and Ashanti regions. AWD, a water-saving irrigation method, and tailwater recovery systems were demonstrated to optimize water use, reduce environmental impacts, and improve farm productivity. The initiative included demonstration plots, capacity-building workshops for Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs), and farmer engagement activities to promote adoption. AWD has been validated to save up to 30% of irrigation water without compromising rice yields, making it a viable strategy to conserve water resources, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and lower production costs. Tailwater harvesting complemented these efforts by facilitating water reuse, enabling year-round agricultural productivity and the cultivation of high-value crops like okra. This diversified farm output improved dietary diversity and household incomes while enhancing the resilience of rice-based farming systems. To ensure broad adoption, a participatory approach was central to the demonstrations. Farmer Field Days (FFD) were organized as key training and knowledge-sharing events, showcasing the application and benefits of AWD and tailwater recovery systems. These events, held on December 4, 2024, in Botanga (Northern Region) and December 6, 2024, in Potrikrom (Ashanti Region), engaged over 100 stakeholders. Participants included farmers, researchers, extension officers, agri-input suppliers, irrigation managers, and policymakers, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required to advance sustainable rice production. Farmers who attended the FFD events gained practical knowledge on implementing AWD and tailwater harvesting to mitigate water stress during critical crop growth stages and improve yields. The events sparked significant interest, with many farmers expressing readiness to adopt AWD and complementary practices, such as tied ridging, to address challenges like erratic rainfall and water scarcity. Additionally, the events facilitated partnerships between farmers, extension agents, and researchers, fostering a collaborative environment essential for scaling sustainable practices across more rice-growing communities.
Decentralized socio-technical innovation for sustainable intensification of mixed farming systems in Nepal’s mid-hills
(Brief, 2024-12-30) Koirala, Sanju; K.C., Jibesh; Khadka, Manohara
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

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