Sustainable Intensification of Maize-Legume Systems for the Eastern Province

of Zambia (SIMLEZA-AR)

Jens A. AnderssonCIMMYT

Africa RISING ESA Review and Planning Meeting,Arusha, Tanzania, 9-11 September 2014

Mozambique

Malawi

Chipata

Katete

Lundazi

SIMLEZA-AR project sites On-farm activitiesChipata District 3 campsKatete District: 2 campsLundazi District: 2 camps

On-station activitiesMsekera research station

SIMLEZA Objectives

1. Enhance technology targeting and delivery of i/o-markets (value chains)

2. Facilitate adoption and adaptation of sustainable agronomic practices (CA and improved soya agronomy), and enhance local agricultural innovation systems (AIS) for intensification and income growth

3. Diet diversification through soybean use at household-level

4. Increase number of maize and legume varieties adapted to farm conditions

5. Enhance the capacity of national partners

Productivity

Nutrition

Capacity building

SIMLEZA - Agr. Innovation Systems (AIS) work

1.formation of SIMLEZA Innovation Platforms (province, district, camp)

2.initiating Participatory Research and Extension Approach (learning cycle)

Re-invigorating AIS work (2013)

• CRP MAIZE - KIT collaboration on AIS

• district level focus, institutionalising: linking to existing platforms

• action orientation (in common interest sub-groups), expanding to other districts, , engaging CAC/camp officers, feedback to research / scaling-out

AISactor/stakeholder

focus

technology

From farmers and other stakeholders to research Feedback mechanisms in SIMLEZA-AR:1.Participatory varietal selection (PVS) with

farmers Maize, Cowpea, Soya

2. On-farm trial evaluations (including field days) with farmers

Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices, Soya agronomy

3. Innovation platforms at district level - multi-stakeholder, incl:District Agric. Office, agro-dealers, agric. projects, NGO’s,

farmer orgs., etc.

understanding preferences of different farmers

identification of challenges / action planning needs

research

thank you!