Agronomic challenges and opportunities for smallholder terrace agriculture in developing countries
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2017-03
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Abstract
The article focuses on the challenges of terrace agriculture: lack of quality land area; erosion and loss of soil fertility; low yield; poor access to agricultural inputs and services; lack of mechanization; labor shortages; poverty and illiteracy. Agronomic strategies that help address these concerns include intensification of terraces using agroecological approaches along with introduction of light-weight, low-cost, and affordable tools and inputs that enhance productivity and reduce female drudgery. This paper references some challenges and successes of the “Nepal Terrace Farmers and Sustainable Agriculture Kits (SAK)” project, providing details of tools (illustrated table) and positive practices transferrable to similar regions.
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This work was carried out with the aid of a grant from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and with financial support from the Government of Canada, provided through Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
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Journal Article (peer-reviewed)
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Keywords
MECHANIZATION, TERRACE FARMING, LEGUMES, AGRONOMY, EROSION, NEPAL, AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION, APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY, EXTENSION SERVICES, ACCESS TO RESOURCES, AGROECOLOGY, WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE, SOUTH ASIA