Conservation agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa

Published in December 2016 by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), this three-part toolkit explores the challenges of promoting and adopting conservation agriculture in Africa, highlights where there have been successes, and analyses the factors underpinning adoption and “dis-adoption”. 

It also examines how controversy and opposing positions have complicated the debate about how best to go forward. While it acknowledges the potential of “full-package” CA, it argues for a systems approach and shows how even “partial” CA can lead to productivity and environmental benefits. 

Most importantly, the toolkit balances the evidence from the field and sets out practical steps to introduce and sustain CA in IFAD investment projects within sub-Saharan Africa. The toolkit consists of: 

1. a so-called teaser (8 pages) that introduces and defines CA in the context of sub-Saharan Africa; 
2. a How to do note (24 pages) framed around a step-by-step progression from planning to field implementation; and 
3. Lessons learned (28 pages) which explores what has been experienced in Africa, taking specific countries where CA has been tried and tested.