Conservation agriculture

Abstract

This guide identifies two key components for establishing effective conservation agriculture systems: developing multidisciplinary scientific and technical capacity; and collaborating closely with farming communities – not just with farmers – to build on their existing knowledge. It provides a suite of technical tools for Farmer Field Schools and extension service facilitators working with conservation agriculture, including crop mixes, soil cover, and good agronomic management practices. Its capacity development guidance supports the identification, testing, adoption and dissemination of effective conservation agriculture systems. Agriculture in Eastern Europe and Central Asia is diverse, and has great potential to revitalize the economy of the countries in the region via improved productivity and higher yields for food, fodder and fibre crops. Conservation agriculture can help meet the challenge of making the sustainable intensification of production systems a reality.