agroecologyservices.net

Crop rotation, inter-cropping and planting nitrogenous plants either in rotation or as inter-crops is proven to improve the soil and enhance crop performance. These practices are key parts of ecological agriculture initiatives. Smallholder farmers who implement ecological organic agriculture are keen in using these practices   to maintain soil fertility and improve crop yield. When practicing organic farming, farmers use locally made recipe and some chemical formulations which are allowed in organic for plant protection purposes. Using plant extracts and other locally made solutions are widely adopted by smallholder organic farmers in Ethiopia. The stories in this volume of Mizan newsletter tell us about how farmers are successfully implementing ecologically based agronomic and plant protection practices to increase their yield and maximise profits. You can download the PDF here

  Assefa Anasha is a field agent working at PAN-Ethiopia since 2019. He graduated from Welaita Sodo University in plant science. Since he joined PAN-Ethiopia, he has been working very closely with smallholder farmers providing support in their farming routines. He facilitates farmers field school (FFS) training sessions in five villages – in Gamo Zone. The FFS approach is an experiential, and hands on training approach where farmers learn from each other, from the farm on a rotational basis. It is used as an extension system to help farmers learn from which actually is happening on the farm, analyse the agroecosystem – the crop, the pests, weather, natural enemies etc before they make decisions on plant protection and agronomic actions. Mr Assefa (left) supporting a smallholder farmer on insect scouting during FFS session  It was also a platform where farmers interact and learn that there are several plan protection and production management methods which can be used in an integrated m