From theory to practice: key lessons in the adoption of Conservation Agriculture in South Africa

Publication date: 07/02/2022
Extent: 34 pages

Contributions by: H. J. Smith, ASSET Research, South Africa; G. Trytsman, Independent Researcher, South Africa; A. A. Nel, Independent Agronomist, South Africa; J. A. Strauss, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, South Africa; E. Kruger, Mahlathini Development Foundation, South Africa; R. K. Mampholo, National LandCare Program Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, South Africa; J. N. Van Coller, Conservation Agriculture Farmer - Libanon Farm, South Africa; H. Otto, Conservation Agriculture Farmer - Korannafontein Farm, South Africa; J. G. Steyn, Conservation Agriculture Farmer - Humanskraal Farm, South Africa; I. D. Dreyer, Conservation Agriculture Farmer - Skulpspruit Farm, South Africa; D. Slabbert, Conservation Agriculture Farmer - Van Rooyenswoning Farm, South Africa; R. Findlay, No-Till Club of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; E. Zunckel, Conservation Agriculture Farmer - Zunckels Farm, South Africa; and L. Visser, Agriculture Research Council – Small Grains, South Africa

Chapter synopsis: In 2013 a specialised Conservation Agriculture (CA) programme was launched with the task to formalise and coordinate CA research with grain farmers in South Africa, including smallholders. The key question and challenge this new initiative faced was how to work with these farmers and build on what they were doing. This chapter explores this question by sketching the particular context in South Africa, then by exploring a number of theories relevant to this situation and how they were implemented locally (in South Africa) and globally. From there a number of conclusions and recommendations are shared for CA research and development projects in the future.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2021.0088.09