Intensification of maize-legume based systems in the
semi-arid areas of Tanzania (Kongwa and Kiteto Districts)
to increase farm productivity and improve farming natural
resource base
Africa RISING-ESA Project Proposal 2015/16
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
(ICRISAT)
December 2014
Organization: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
Mailing Address:
ICRISAT, Patancheru 502 324,
Andhra Pradesh, India
Contact Person:
Joanna Kane-Potaka
Director, Strategic Marketing & Communication
ICRISAT
Patancheru 502 324
Tel: +91 40 3071 3227
Fax: +91 40 3071 3074
Email: J.Kane-Potaka@cgiar.org
Country
Tanzania – Kongwa and Kiteto Districts
Principal Investigator
Patrick Okori, Principal Scientist (Plant Breeding), ICRISAT-Malawi
Research Team composition
Name
Gender Institution
Disciplinary expertise
Highest
qualification
PhD
Project role
PhD
Co-PI
PhD
Co-PI
Co-PI
Elirehema
Swai
Anthony
Kimaro
Dan Makumbi
GangaRao,
NVPR
Anitha Seetha
Monica Lyimo
Yasinta
Muzanilla
Omari
Mponda
Chrispinus
Rubanza
Rashid Msangi
M
ARI- Hombolo
M
ICRAF
M
M
CIMMYT
ICRISAT
Soil Scientist/
Agronomy
Forestry & Soil
Fertility
Plant Breeder
Plant Breeder
F
F
F
ICRISAT
SUA
SUA
Molecular Diagnosis
Nutrition expert
Nutrition expert
PhD
PhD
PhD/Prof
Scientist
Scientist
Scientist
M
ARI Nalendele
Plant Breeder
PhD
Scientist
M
Forage Scientist
PhD
Scientist
Forage Scientist
PhD
Scientist
Martha
Swamila
Mathew
Mpanda
Bekele Hundie
Kotu
F
University of
Dodoma
Pasture
Research
ICRAF
Agriculture Economist
M.Sc.
M
ICRAF
M.Sc.
M
IITA
Forestry/Nursery
techniques
Agricultural
Economist
Scientific
Assistant
Associate
Researcher
Researcher
M
PhD
Co-PI
Research Proposal
2
Table of Contents
1
PROJECT SUMMARY ......................................................................................................... 4
2
RESEARCH PROBLEM AND JUSTIFICATION......................................................................... 4
2.1
STATE OF THE ART AND PROGRESS ALONG THE RESEARCH TO IMPACT TRAJECTORY............................. 4
2.2
PROGRESS ALONG THE RESEARCH TO IMPACT TRAJECTORY ............................................................ 5
3
REQUIREMENTS TO MATURE TECHNOLOGIES ................................................................... 6
3.1
2014-2015 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES........................................................................................... 6
4
METHODOLOGY FOR MATURATION OF TECHNOLOGIES .................................................... 8
4.1
THEMATIC AREA 1: TECHNOLOGY PACKAGES FOR GENETIC INTENSIFICATION .................................... 8
4.2
THEMATIC AREA 2: INTEGRATED CROP, SOIL HEALTH AND LIVESTOCK TECHNOLOGIES FOR ECOLOGICAL
INTENSIFICATION ............................................................................................................................. 13
4.3
THEMATIC AREA 3. AFLATOXIN MITIGATION TO IMPROVE NUTRITION, SAFETY AND MARKET
COMPETITIVENESS ........................................................................................................................... 22
4.4
THEMATIC AREA 4: SOCIO-ECONOMIC INTENSIFICATION THROUGH INNOVATION PLATFORMS ........... 25
5
LESSON LEARNING AND MANAGEMENT ......................................................................... 30
6
EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS ............................................................................. 31
6.1
DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS ....................................................................................................... 31
6.1.1 Development impacts ................................................................................................. 31
6.1.2 Intermediate development outcomes (IDOs) .............................................................. 31
6.2
RESEARCH OUTPUTS AND OUTCOMES ...................................................................................... 32
6.2.1 Main research outputs ................................................................................................ 32
6.2.2 Research outcomes ..................................................................................................... 32
7
COMMUNICATION AND DISSEMINATION STRATEGIES .................................................... 32
7.1
DISSEMINATION STRATEGY..................................................................................................... 32
7.2
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY ................................................................................................. 33
8
MONITORING AND EVALUATIONS .................................................................................. 33
9
PROJECT BUDGET ........................................................................................................... 34
10 APPENDICES ................................................................................................................. 35
10.1 APPENDIX 1. PROJECT THEORY OF CHANGE .............................................................................. 35
10.2 APPENDIX 2. LOGICAL FRAME WORK ....................................................................................... 36
10.3 APPENDIX 2. FEED THE FUTURE INDICATOR PROJECTION MATRIX FOR 2014-2015 ......................... 45
10.4 APPENDIX 4. DETAILED BUDGET BROKEN DOWN BY THEMATIC AREAS AND ACTIVITIES ...................... 46
Research Proposal
3
1 Project Summary
The aim of this project, now in the third year of implementation, is to provide a scientific basis for
sustainably intensifying agricultural production in semi-arid areas of central Tanzania. The project will
implement activities packaged under 4 thematic areas that address three critical elements of
sustainable intensification, i.e. genetic, ecological and socio-economic intensification technologies. The
scope of activities being implemented include: Final packaging of new legume and cereal varieties with
over 120% yield advantage, packaging and validation of integrated productivity enhancing technologies
for cereals, legumes, legume trees and soil health technologies, food safety primarily to reduce aflatoxin
contamination and integration of livestock into the cropping systems. In the 2013-2014 season, we
reached out to about 1217 farmers Kongwa and Kiteto. This year we plan to reach out to about 1500
new farmers. Innovation Platforms established this year (2014), will remain essential for informing R4D
priority, processes and impact pathways in 2015. The project team remains the same with ICRISAT
leading implementation. The total budget for this year is 485,000 USD.
2 Research Problem and Justification
2.1 State of the art and progress along the research to impact trajectory
The research was launched in the 2012-2013 cropping season to improve resilience and productivity of
maize-legume based farming systems in Kongwa and Kiteto. The rationale for these investments is still
valid i.e.
1. Low productivity of crop and livestock systems and fragile production to market systems1.
2. High vulnerability of communities to weather, natural disasters and nutritional deficiency (IFAD2,
2001).
3. High levels of food poverty line at 35.5% and up to 51.4% based on expenditures3.
In 2013-2014 cropping season, the project registered a number of achievements (Box 1).
Box 1: Main achievements from the 2013-2014cropping season
1. Improving productivity and closing the yield gap. Maize, sorghum and pearl millet are the staple cereals with a yield gap
of over 50%. In 2014, we identified new
a. Quality protein maize lines with fivefold higher yield potential (i.e. 2.03 tons/ha for T283-34 compared to
KILIMAQH06 with 0.41 tons/ha).
b. Sorghum and pearl millet lines that produce up to 53% more grain under stressful conditions.
c. Groundnut and pigeonpea with yield advantage of up to 122% were validated. Bambara nut had a 126% yield
advantage over local land races.
2. Relevance and adaptability of technologies. Participatory variety selection involving 1,217 farmer (40% being female)
identified crop varieties that meet their home and market needs; i.e. groundnuts ICGV -SM 05650 and ICGV-SM 02724,
ICGV-SM 03519 were confirmed; Pigeonpea- ICEAP 00557, ICEAP 00554and ICEAP 00040; Maize- CML141/ and
CML141/CML395,LISHE_H2; pearl millet- ICMV-91450 and ICMV-221;, sorghum- Gadam, ICSMV 111 IN and Kari Mtama.
3. Integrated soil fertility management. The 2013 results that show that farmers could increase productivity at lower rates
of for maize at 15 kg P ha-1. Different crop arrangements were also tested to inform the intensification strategy.
4. Improving soil moisture. In situ water harvesting technologies such as the ox-ripper and ox-ridger tillage increased grain
yield by 25% % and 30 % respectively were validated. Control of erosion a major challenge in this area revealed the dual
benefit of insitu water harvesting technologies.
5. Nutrition, food safety and security. We have mapped the hot spots for aflatoxin contamination in both districts as well
as studied the contamination profile for grain (legume and cereals) form field to storage and markets.
6. Crop-livestock interaction. Locally adapted browse species rich in crude protein content (>120g/kg DM), above the
threshold level for high quality feed have been identified. The silviculture and integration of these species is the focus of
our 2014-15 studies livestock quality.
1
Rural Livelihoods Development Company (RLDC), 2011-2012 Annual Report.
2001. Rural Poverty in Tanzania. International Fund for Agricultural Development.
3
Mkenda, A.F., Luvanda, E.G., Rutasitara, L. and Naho, A. 2004. Poverty in Tanzania: Comparisons across administrative regions. Interim
report.
2IFAD,
Research Proposal
4
In the 2012-2014 cropping season, this research for development (R4D) team undertook activities tooth
validate promising technologies as well as generate new approaches for sustainably intensifying
agricultural productivity of agro-pastoral communities in Kongwa and Kiteto. The main success points of
the work such as, (i) identification of new high yielding maize, other cereals and legumes as part of
genetic intensification; (ii) validation of low resource use efficient technologies for soil fertility and water
management; (iii) characterization of new locally adapted legume browse species for integration into
the agro pastoral rangeland and erosion management; (iv) testing of appropriate crop combinations as
part of the ecological intensification; (v) characterisation of crop to market chains for aflatoxin
contamination points; (vi) establishment of an innovation platform to inform the R4D process as well as
provide scaffold for scaling up and out of innovation. Thus in 2014-2015 season, the aim will be to focus
investments on a selected technology combinations to form “intensification research streams” for
testing, validation and promotion at appropriate scale (Figure 1). These issues will be investigated in
year three and four in an integrated and incremental manner.
Innova on Pla orm
4. Up-scaling
model
tes ng with
communi es
2.
Facilita on
capacity
developed
1.
Forma on,
& Value
chain entry
point
discussions
Sustainable intensifica on Cycle
3.
Technology
integra on
and tes ng
3. R4D
priori za on
& ac on
points
1. Research
problem
a
clarific on
2.
Individual
technology
tes ng
Figure 1. Conceptual diagram illustrating the implementation framework being used to ensure, focus
and relevance, integration of appropriate technologies, lesson learning and effective adoption strategies
for sustainable intensification in line with Hypothesis 4 of the Programme framework.
2.2 Progress along the research to impact trajectory
This project has been designed along the Africa RISING principles of; (i) targeting investments and
activities at the farm household scale in line with farm typology differences, (ii) Applying innovations
that sustainably increase output from the same land area, while reducing negative environmental
impacts, increasing contributions to natural capital and the flow of environmental services; and (iii)
evaluating different options of innovations to generate options for intensification in semi-arid zones; (iv)
location and design of interventions to identify and test key elements of development domains for the
target districts; and (v) engaging R&D partners in innovation to improve relevance and adoption. Using
these principles, our project is designed to experiment/evaluate diverse options for sustainable
intensification of crop and livestock productivity in Kongwa and Kiteto. The project is using a threepronged strategy that deploys the three key elements of sustainable intensification i.e. genetic
ecological and socio-economic approaches (Montpellier Panel, 2013)4. The new varieties supply genetic
improvement inputs i.e., crop and livestock management to assure ecological relevance and fitting,
whilst the innovation platform and socioeconomic studies address questions relevant for adoption and
scaling out of technologies.
4Montpellier
Panel, 2013. Sustainable Intensification: A new paradigm for African Agriculture, London.
Research Proposal
5
These three essentials of agroecological intensification are being implemented using an integrated
approach involving diverse R&D specialties to generate suites of technologies relevant for the target
districts and other semi-arid agroecologies. After two years of experimentation, the suites of technology
packages to support intensification being refined include (i) New cereal and legume varieties with yield
advantage of 60 to 100% and their deployment options; (ii) Soil health and management (including
water management) for effective crop management; (iii) mycotoxin management to unlock market and
nutrition opportunities. The Innovation Platform will be used to inform, support learning and forge new
partnerships (Figure 2). The work is being done in partnership with NARS and development agencies
such as Tuboreshe Chakula and NAFAKA. This way, our R4D approach will evaluate the Africa RISING
approach and provide key lessons for semi-arid savannahs of Tanzania.
Africa RISING Years 3-5
1. “R4D” Pla orms
2. Transfer research outputs
3. Research refinement & expansion
4. Technical support
Figure 2. Africa RISING impact pathway on a time scale. This research being conducted in Kongwa and
Kiteto, now in its third year, is focusing on testing of integrated technology options and their scaling out
approaches in agro pastoral communities of Manyara (Kongwa and Kiteto).
3 Requirements to mature technologies
3.1 2014-2015 research objectives
The ultimate goal of this project is to provide suites of technologies that will increase productivity of
maize, associated cereals and legumes in the agro-pastoral communities of Kongwa and Kiteto. These
technologies will increase output per unit input of deployed by farmers, increasing net benefits to
farmers of the two environments. The technology packages will be validated for increasing production
with more efficient use of all inputs on a durable basis, while reducing environmental damage and
building resilience, natural capital and the flow of environmental services.5Models for scaling out will
equally be tested to inform the next phase of the project i.e. the up and out scaling of proven
technologies. The entire project is testing Africa RISING’s R&D hypothesis 4. However, project objectives
1-3 are also testing programme hypothesis 2 on integration, while objective 5 is testing Programme
hypothesis 1 with an RO2 focus. A brief description of each project objective this year (2014-2015) is
provided below.
5FAO,
2012. Food and Agriculture Organization. Coping with water scarcity: an action framework of agriculture and food
security. FAO Water Reports 38. Rome, Italy.
Research Proposal
6
1. Testing and validation of technology packages for genetic intensification. A central research
entry point for this team is the testing and deployment of new higher yielding and resilient crop
varieties in these semi-arid zones. Genetic intensification in this case embodies technologies
that will increase crop productivity, improve nutritive value, enable nitrogen uptake and fixation
and enhance resilience to pests and diseases. The success of genetic intensification requires that
we get clarity on the traditional genotype (variety differences) by environment (agroecological
information) interaction information. But, given the variation in typology of farmers and farming
practices, the role of management actually influences performance and stability. Thus clarity on
genotype x environment by management will inform (i) stability of material in the relatively
drier cropping systems of Kongwa compared to millet with over 53% yield advantage (Box 1 for
major results). These materials will be tested for both mono and multiple cropping systems as is
common in the target areas. The role of genotype x environment x management interactions on
productivity of the target varieties in the mono and multiple cropping systems will be studied.
This will be done to identify and or validate the most promising technology packages for the
relatively stressed environments of Kongwa compared to Kiteto. This objective will elucidate the
effects of management options on crop productivity ultimately, but specifically to plant
resilience to water and heat stress and competition for nutrients. The effects of sequential
planting, effects multiple cropping on pest and disease as well as productivity and resilience to
weather will be tested. This output will contribute to outcome 1 of our intervention (increased
crop productivity) and objective 1 of the Africa RISING Programme. In the ESA log frame this
activity will contribute to output five on “Innovations that increase resilience and productivity of
farming systems deployed.”
2. Testing and validation of crop, soils technology packages for ecological intensification. In 2014
we tested a number of promising crop management options to support sustainable
intensification in terms of providing farmers with technology packages that will improve
nutrient use efficiency, soil moister capture and use as well as land management particularly
erosion (Box 1 for highlights for major results). This objective will include activities that clarify
and validate technology packages for up and out-scaling in terms mixed cropping to maximise
yield potential and nutrient and water use; agroforestry for natural resource use (especially
erosion), as well as soil and water management for increased productivity in these semi-arid
zones.
3. Integration of crops, livestock and poultry for enhanced productivity and resilience. In 20132014 studies we identified locally adapted browse species rich in crude protein content (Box 1)
and in year 2 characterised the grazing systems. In 2014-2015, the focus will be to start
implementing design of Sylvo- pasture systems to support the agro-pastoral communities by
supplying browse and soil nutrients and erosion control in the target communities. Under this
activity limited work on poultry production especially feeds and management will also be
implemented to improve household nutrition and incomes. This objective will contribute to
objective 2 and 3 of the programme and to output 5 of the ESA log frame.
4. Improving nutrition, safety and market competitiveness through aflatoxin mitigation. Over the
past two years of experimentation we have been able to map infection hotspots from the field
to the store and markets. We have also mapped diversity of the pathogen Aspergillus flavus). A
diagnostic lab is also being established at Sokoine University of Agriculture. ICRISAT has trained
the staff on analytics but will continue to backstop SUA during the life of the project In 20142015, the focus shall be to test the functionality of a more comprehensive mitigation process
that build on results from the past two years of research. Validation of mitigation efforts that
prevent infection on the field, reduce initial inoculum under storage and for processing and
marketing will be used. In the case of groundnut initial efforts to find alternative uses of
contaminated nuts as an incentive to attract sorting and other preventive measures will be
done. This objective will contribute to improving household food and nutrition security among
households especially women and children. This objective will contribute to objective 2 of Africa
RISING and ESA log frame output 7.
Research Proposal
7
5. Supporting socioeconomic intensification through Innovation Platforms. In 2014 we
established Innovation Platforms to inform our R4D and support catalysis of adoption. In 20142015, we will use this objective to explore opportunities for deepening our understanding of
output 2 of Africa RISING as well as community level institution strengthening for adoption.
Through this objective that will also interphase with other objectives, we will also test scaling up
and out models building on the mother baby trial approach, community seed production and
other farmer based knowledge management approaches. The Innovation Platforms will
elucidate socioeconomic contexts of innovation process, challenges to value functionality and
technology adoption issues in target communities. These Innovation Platforms will inform
output 4 of the ESA log frame. Cost effectiveness of technologies will also be undertaken to
inform scaling up and out. This activity will contribute to objective 2 and 3 of Africa RISING
programme. In the ESA log frame this activity will contribute to output five on “Crop-nutrition
and water efficient innovations introduced, evaluated and adapted.”
4 Methodology for maturation of technologies
This year all activities have been designed to validate and or underpin integration and scaling up and
out. We will still address the three key elements of sustainable intensification i.e. ecological, genetic and
sociological intensification6. In line with the agreed proposal framework, research activities have been
presented in four thematic areas that are mutually interacting and collectively contribute to sustainable
intensification i.e.

Theme 1: Appropriate technology packaging for genetic intensification

Theme 2: Integrated crop, soil health and livestock technologies for ecological intensification

Theme 3: Aflatoxin mitigation to improve nutrition, safety and market competitiveness

Theme 4. Socio-economic intensification through innovation platforms
Theme 1 aims at assuring genetic intensification through provision of highly resilient and productive
crop varieties; Theme 2addresses ecological intensification by harnessing intercropping and crop-tree
livestock and water management systems to conserve water and soils, increase mutual benefits
between crops livestock and the other components of the ecosystem. Theme 3 focuses on management
of aflatoxin to realize the benefits of increased grain productivity from household to markets. Theme 4
will provide quality assurance for our research in terms of relevance. All thematic areas are being
implemented to assure mutual benefits to all components of the project.
4.1
Thematic area 1: Technology packages for genetic intensification
Theme number 1
Event period:
Title
Activity Type
Target areas
(Districts- Villages)
Leader
Partners
Technology packages for genetic intensification
Action research, on-farm + on-station research
KongwaKongwa-Laikala
Kongwa- Kongwa-Moleti
Chitego
Mlali
ICRISAT
ARINAFAKA
CIMMYT
ARI-Naliendele
Hombolo
93,600
Budget
October 2014 to September
2015
Kiteto-Njoro
ARI-Selian
6The
Montpellier Panel, 2013. Sustainable Intensification: A New Paradigm for African Agriculture. London: Agriculture for
Impact.
Research Proposal
8
Relevant Africa RISING Research Output (RO2): Integrated systems improvement
Key intervention areas: In 2012-2013 season we showed that the yield gap for selected crops was about
50%. To date we have found material with up to 122% yield advantage. These varieties of groundnuts
(ICGV -SM 05650 and ICGV-SM 02724, ICGV-SM 03519), pigeonpea, (ICEAP 00557, ICEAP 00 554 and
ICEAP 00040), maize (CML141/ and CML141/CML395), sorghum (Gadam, ICSMV 111 IN and Kari Mtama)
and pearl millet (ICMV-91450 and ICMV-221) are thus the core of our genetic intensification strategy.
During the 2014/2015cropping season, we will seek to define the contextual placement of the new high
yielding varieties in the appropriate ecological and management options. The cropping system effects
including (genotype) x environment x management interactions will help to clarify the most promising
technology packages suited for particular domains (varied household contexts and endowments of
resources- land and gender) in the relatively stressed environments of Kongwa compared to
agriculturally richer Kiteto farmlands. The impacts on environment (water and heat stress and nutrient)
and management options on productivity as is common practice will provide opportunities to inform
scaling up efforts. A farmer research network approach that uses farmers (baby trials) to capture the
complexity versus controlled on station/ site managed trials will be used. Other management efforts
such as the effects of sequential planting, effects of multiple cropping on pest and disease, productivity
and resilience to will be tested. In the second set of experiments, we will complete the process to place
the new lines into the release process so that these materials provide a new suite of technologies in
subsequent years. As appropriate, a participatory variety selection (PVS) for (Bambara nuts, sorghum
and pearl millet) will be conducted to inform wider adoption, variety release and or promotion,
requirement for variety release. Overall these new materials are being harnessed as a key driver for
intensification because crop genetic potential invariably influences yield and productivity.
Description of work
Research questions/hypotheses
1. Performance of the selected cereal and legume new crop varieties are influenced by genotype
by environment and management interactions
2. What are the most effective and efficient multiple legume-cereal cropping systems designs
suitable for semi-arid zones of central Tanzania?
3. Farmers in the semi-arid zones of central Tanzania have an understanding of agro-ecological
needs of their region and can therefore select the best crop varieties suitable cropping and
farming systems.
Task 1. Genotype x environment x management studies
The performance of a crop (P) (yield and quality) is determined by the crop type and variety (genotype
G) that is grown, the environment (E) in which the crop is grown, and by the crop management (M)7.
Productivity among smallholder farmers is generally lower than expected and is highly varied. To
improve targeting of genotype deployment, there is need to gain deeper understanding of the impacts
of the generally stratified farming/cropping systems and management options on performance of the
target crops. In this study we will seek to clarify especially the most suitable environment and
management options for monoculture, mixed cropping and sequential planting by farmers in the two
districts. A farmer research network an experimentation approach that is underpinned by several on
farm testing of performance under farmer management options will be used to gain deeper
understanding on the performance (P= GxExM) of crop varieties. It is basically a modification of the
mother-baby trial approach in which additional data on management attributes are used to inform crop
performance.
7Windhausen,
V.S., S. Wagener, C. Magorokosho, D. Makumbi, B. Vivek, H.-P. Piepho, A.E. Melchinger, and G.N. Atlin. 2012.
Strategies to Subdivide a Target Population of Environments: Results from the CIMMYT-Led Maize Hybrid Testing Programs in
Africa. Crop Sci. 52: 2143–2152.
Research Proposal
9
Subtask 1.1. Mono culture experiments
In the 2012-2013 cropping season we reported that that farmers in these districts generally produce
maize, groundnuts, sorghum and pearl millet as a monocrop and in some cases as a dual crop8. Farmers
in both districts vary in endowments with those in Kiteto having relatively larger land holding than those
in Kongwa. Kongwa is also relatively dryer receiving an average of 400-600 mm of precipitation
compared to Kongwa that may receive higher amounts. The soils fertility gradient is also variable
(Kimaro 2014 unpublished results9). Two control experiments (legumes and cereals) will be set up at ARI
Hombolo containing the three best varieties from the 2013-2014 experiments. These experiments will
be provided the best treatments i.e. timely planting and crop management and data taken on crop
performance and plant performance (Yield and its various components, pest and disease incidence and
severity, stay green measured using a chlorophyll meter – for drought, root structure, days to flowering
etc. Onfarm, farmers will be selected to represent at least three typologies; i) Poor farmers with limited
access to resources –land, fertilizers labour etc.); ii) Medium endowed smallholder farmers and iii) wellendowed farmers. Within each group at least 5-10 farmers will be identified depending on seed
availability. Farmers will be provided with seed and allowed to manage the crop using their standard
practice. The three farmer typologies and two districts will reflect different environments as supported
by weather data that will be collected. Each district will have one complete set of this experiment
comprising 45- 90 farmers. The data will be used to predict crop yield as a function of (environmental
data such as (weather), soil conditions, crop management scenarios and genetic coefficients. These
experiments will be performed using maize, groundnut and sorghum and or pearl millet (depending on
seed availability).
Subtask 1.2. Mixed cropping experiments
Farmers will be provided with at least two crops a legume and cereal. Two approaches will be tested i.e.
intercrop and sequential cropping (planting one crop after another has already been planted not
necessarily in the same field). The same set up used to establish the mono crop experiments will be
used. Similar data sets will be collected but in addition, data will be used to compute the Land
Equivalent Ratio (LER) and the Income Equivalent Ratio (IER) - The ratio of the area needed under sole
cropping to produce the same gross income as is obtained from 1 ha of intercropping at the same
management level. The double up legume approach for crops will be tested building on lessons learnt
from Malawi. For both subtasks, additional socio-economic data will be compiled for each of the test
farm sites to inform especially the IER computations
Task 2. Validation of new cereal experiments
The first task is selection of experimental sites that will be arranged using the mother baby trial
approach. Farmers (at least 60% women) willing to provide land for PVS trials, large scale
demonstrations and community based seed production will be selected with help of village extension
officers, village leadership, NAFAKA, DAICOs and ARI Hombolo. Care will be taken to capture the most
common farm typologies (size in ha), production orientation (subsistence or market and gender land
ownership) and income sources (on and/or off farm10). Gender dimensions affecting adoption of new
varieties and use of new varieties will be elucidated. The focus on QDS is to ultimately support sufficient
supply of grain to improve incomes of communities.
8Okori
et al. 2013. Africa RISING Quarter 2 report. Submitted to IITA Africa RISING Project.
is part of the project outputs from year 2 that is being compiled. The information will be used to inform placement of
experiments in Kongwa and Kiteto.
10
Carl Timler, Mirja Michalscheck, Charlotte Klapwijk, Nester Mashingaidze, Mary Ollenburger, Gatien Falconnier, Katja
Kuivanen, Katrien Descheemaeker, Jeroen Groot 2014. Characterization of farming systems in Africa RISING intervention sites
in Malawi, Tanzania, Ghana and Mali. Report submitted to Africa RISING Secretariat.
9This
Research Proposal 10
Subtask 2.1. Maize. Promising lines tolerant to MLN
The outbreak and rapid spread of Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) disease in some parts of Tanzania has
emerged as a new challenge to maize production and food security. MLN is caused by double infection
by Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV11, in combination with any of the cereal viruses in the family
Potyviridae, such as Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) or Wheat streak
mosaic virus (WSMV) (Brandes 192012; Pemberton and Charpentier 196913). In the 2013-2014 season,
candidate maize hybrids tolerant to MLN were identified in Babati under natural infestation. Babati is
one of the high disease hot spots. Considering that the disease is spreading rapidly in Tanzania and
across east Africa in general, there is need to deploy MLN resistant varieties in Kongwa and Kiteto, in
order to secure maize harvests. The purpose of this activity is test adaptability of these candidate
hybrids in Kongwa and Kiteto to inform variety release and deployment.
Subtask 2.2. Drought tolerant maize. Ten stress tolerant experimental hybrids (Table 1identified in onstation trials will be tested in demonstration trials designed as mother baby trials, in eight villages in
Kongwa and Kiteto using Alpha lattice experimental design under improved agronomic, soil & water
management practices as a sole crop and intercropping with a legume crop (beans and pigeon peas).
The varieties for legumes will be determined later in consultation with the institutions dealing with
legumes as necessary. ARI Selian and Ari Ilonga will be engaged to support the pigeonpea research, ARI
Selian is already part of the Africa RISING community. Similarly the agronomic, soil & water
management practices will be implemented as proposed in thematic area 1 and 2. The baby trials will
follow a model where a subset of entries (1 or 2 hybrids) is picked and grown by a farmer under their
own management practices. Data to be collected will include yield tha-1 (for both mother and baby
trials), grain moisture, plant stand, plant and ear aspect and lodging (for the mother trial only). Other
partners involved in agronomic, soil and water management practices work will collect other data on
improved agronomics and legume crops. Farmer field days will be organized at around grain feeling
stage for the farmers to appreciate potential the new hybrids.
Table 1. Candidate stress tolerant experimental hybrids under evaluation for deployment in
Kongwa, Kiteto and Babati.
((P43SRC9FS100-1-1-8#1/TZEESRW1-B1/EECOMP./Katumani/KATUMANI45-4-1/ECA-EEPOP1)-B-B-6/CML445)-B-8-1-1-1-4-2//CML539/CML442
((P43SRC9FS100-1-1-8#1/TZEESRW1-B1/EECOMP./Katumani/KATUMANI45-4-1/ECA-EEPOP1)-B-B-6/CML445)-B-8-1-1-3-1-4//CML505/CML509
((P43SRC9FS100-1-1-8#1/TZEESRW1-B1/EECOMP./Katumani/KATUMANI45-4-1/ECA-EEPOP1)-B-B-6/CML445)-B-8-1-1-2-1-2//CML505/CML509
((P43SRC9FS100-1-1-8#1/TZEESRW1-B1/EECOMP./Katumani/KATUMANI45-4-1/ECA-EEPOP1)-B-B-6/CML445)-B-8-1-1-3-1-2//CML505/CML509
((P43SRC9FS100-1-1-8#1/TZEESRW1-B1/EECOMP./Katumani/KATUMANI45-4-1/ECA-EEPOP1)-B-B-6/CML445)-B-8-1-1-2-1-1//CML505/CML509
((P43SRC9FS100-1-1-8#1/TZEESRW1-B1/EECOMP./Katumani/KATUMANI45-4-1/ECA-EEPOP1)-B-B-6/CML445)-B-8-1-1-3-1-1//CML505/CML509
((P43SRC9FS100-1-1-8#1/TZEESRW1-B1/EECOMP./Katumani/KATUMANI45-4-1/ECA-EEPOP1)-B-B-6/CML445)-B-8-1-1-1-1-4//CML505/CML509
((8721SR-34G-3-3sb-#1/TZEESRW1-B1/EECOMP./Katumani/KATUMANI38-11-1/ECA-EEPOP1)-B-B-4/CML445)-B-4-2-1-5-1-4//CML505/CML509
11
Nault, L. R., W. E. Styer, M. E. Coffey, D. T. Gordon, L. S. Negi, and C. L. Niblett. 1978.Transmission of maize chlorotic
mottle virus by Chrysomelid beetles. Phytopathology 68: 1071–1074.
12Brandes, E.W. 1920. Artificial and insect transmission of sugarcane mosaic. Journal of Agricultural Research 19: 131-138.
13
Pemberton, C.E., L.J. Charpentier. 1969. Insect vectors of sugarcane virus diseases. In: Pests of Sugarcane. (Eds. Williams JR,
Metcalfe JR, Mungomery RW, Mathers R), pp. 411-425.
Research Proposal 11
((P43SRC9FS100-1-1-8#1/TZEESRW1-B1/EECOMP./Katumani/KATUMANI45-4-1/ECA-EEPOP1)-B-B-6/CML445)-B-8-1-1-3-1-4//CML539/CML442
((8721SR-34G-3-3sb-#1/TZEESRW1-B1/EECOMP./Katumani/KATUMANI38-11-1/ECA-EEPOP1)-B-B-4/CML445)-B-4-2-1-5-1-1//CML505/CML509
Subtask 2.3. QPM. Improving nutrient density using QPM has been used to address dietary concerns of
maize dependent communities14. QPM varieties have been released in Tanzania. However, farmers in
the target area have not been exposed to these varieties. This experiment aims to validate QPM
selected by farmers in season 1. i.e. (CLQRCWQ50/CML312SR, LISHE_H2; CML491/CZL083/Syn01f2/CML511
and CML491/CZL083/CZL083/CZL066/, CML511, T283-34 and T283-31) prioritized in the different villages. Trials
will be superimposed on experiments in 2.1 using same stress tolerant experimental hybrids, same
experimental design and same agronomic, soil and water management practices. Similarly, this
experiment will also be applied to QPM hybrids in objective 4 under QPM validation trials using same
experimental designs and same agronomic, soil and water management practices.
Sub-task 2.4. Sorghum and pearl millet. During the 2013-2014 cropping season, we identified sorghum
(Gadam, ICSMV 111 IN and Kari Mtama) and pearl millet (ICMV-91450 and ICMV-221)with up to 53%
yield advantage compared to the land races. Whereas some are known varieties in the region (outside
of Tanzania), they are not necessarily released in Tanzania. To underpin their availability during scaling
up, this season we will generate the mandatory second season data. The work will be done in
conjunction with ARI- Hombolo responsible for dryer areas. Replicated trials wills be established on farm
and on station in both Kongwa and Kiteto in at least two sites per district This way the project will assure
that farmers have a new suite of technologies for scaling up in the out-scaling phase of the project.
Task 3. Validation of new legumes
Sub-task3.1Pigeonpea. In 2012-2013) using participatory variety selection (PVS) we identified two
pigeonpea genotypes ICEAPs 00554 and 00557 as the highest yielding and most preferred material by
farmers in Kongwa and Kiteto. Subsequently in 2013-2014 we expanded the variety portfolio and found
that additionally ICEAP 00040, ICEAP 00936, ICEAP 00932, ICEAP 00933 had up to 156% higher yield and
performed better than the two candidates. The aim thus is to further conduct stability analysis to
generate data for variety release in Tanzania. This process will provide additional data needed to release
materials in subsequent years. Due to high pest incidences on pigeonpea, a farmer and extension
training on integrated crop management practices such as pest management and quality seed
production will be done to complement research efforts.
Sub-task 1.3.2. Groundnuts. The best performers (ICGV-SM 02724, ICGV-SM 99568, ICGV-SM 03519,
and ICGV-SM 05650) from the first cycle of PVS will be validated to generate data for variety release in
Tanzania. This process will provide additional data needed to release materials in subsequent years
starting in 2015-2016 season. The focus will be on groundnut varieties with over 100% yield advantage.
Both on station and On farm evaluation will be done as required by law. This will complement the
GxExM experiments. The entries will be evaluated using randomized complete block designs and the
data collected and used to inform adoption and promotion strategies for the promising improved
groundnut varieties. Strategic partnerships with NAFAKA farmers will be used in adoption studies.
Sub-task 1.3.3. Bambara nuts. Orphan crops such as Bambara are generally not part of the commercial
seed systems, compounding access; not with the fact that legumes in general, are also not common in
commercial seed production. Thus to gain deeper understanding of farmer perspective as well as
explore scaling up models for this orphan crop, the best performing bambara nut varieties (Nalbam 314
Ouma, J.O., Bett, C. and Githaigah, T. 2010. Market Access, Approaches and Opportunities for QPM based products. Paper
presented during the Joint 3rd African Association of Agricultural Economists and 48th Agricultural Economists Association of
South Africa Conference, Cape Town, South Africa, September 19-23, 2010.
Research Proposal 12
2013, Nalbam 4-2013, Nalbam 2, Nalbam 6-2013)identified in 2013-14 will be included in a typical
mother and baby trial designed experiment.
Deliverables for 2015
There are five deliverables for 2013-2014 i.e. that build on progress in 2012-2013.
1. Variety release data for groundnuts, pigeonpea, maize and pearl millet generated and used to
support release applications as part of the strategy to avail farmers with new improved material
adapted for the semi-arid zones of Tanzania.
2. Data sets to inform deployment of integrated cereal legume technology packages generated.
3. New adapted QPM maize and MLN tolerant maize varieties identified and characterised for
adaptability.
4. Critical factors affecting adoption of improved legumes especially orphan crops in the semi-arid
areas elucidated.
5. Farmers and extension staff trained on IPM in all the selected crops.
4.2
Thematic area 2: Integrated crop, soil health and livestock technologies for ecological
intensification
Theme number 2
Event period:
Activity cluster 1
Activity cluster 2
Activity cluster 3
Activity cluster 4
Activity Type
Target areas
(Districts- Villages)
Leader
Partners
Integrated crop management technologies for semi-arid zones of Tanzania
Integrated rangeland and crop productivity enhancement
Integrated crop and land management technologies
Livestock crop integration
Budget
October 2014 to
September 2015
Action research, R&T participatory and promotional action
KongwaKongwa-Laikala
KongwaKongwa-Moleti KitetoChitego
Mlali
Njoro
ICRAF
ARIUDOM
SUA
DAICOS
CIMMYT
ARIHombolo
Selian
114,000
Relevant Africa RISING Research Output: RO 2 on Integrated Systems Improvement
Key intervention areas: This thematic area will focus on three main issues critical for intensification of
legumes and cereals in semi-arid areas of Tanzania:
1. Development of scenarios for sustainable production of cereals and pigeonpea varieties identified
in the 2012/13/14 growing season.
2. Validate and disseminate best-bet management packages around the most promising new crop
varieties and integrated soil fertility management technologies suited to widely representative
agro-ecologies.
3. Resource conservation. Protect land and water resources and foster agricultural biodiversity
through the introduction and management of physical and biological measures.
Activity cluster1:Integrated crop management technologies for semi-arid zones of Tanzania
Description of work
Research questions
 What are the most effective and efficient strategies for micro-dose applications of fertilizer in
cereal-legume cropping systems of semi-arid zones of Tanzania?
 How best can multiple legume-cereal cropping systems be deployed to assure increased
productivity of crops and land in semi-arid environments of central Tanzania?
 What are the design and deployment options of doubled-up legume-tree and crop production
Research Proposal 13
systems that are suitable for maize based farming systems of semi-arid zones of central
Tanzania?
Task 1. Micro-dosing to enhance fertilizer use efficiency and sustain crop yield
Our work in 2013 and 2014 growing seasons concluded that site specific P and N application rates for
Kongwa and Kiteto districts are 30kg P ha-1 and 60kg N ha-1, respectively (Okori et al. 201415).
Accordingly, the optimum P rate is close to the 20-30kg P ha-1 as recommended in the NAFAKA soil
survey report (Massawe, 201216). This suggests that the developed fertilizer recommendations are
appropriate for a wider range of sites in semiarid central Tanzania. Crops yields associated with the
recommended N and P rates averaged 4.4 mg ha-1. With P, additions of 15kg P ha-1 also gave yield
similar to that obtained by 30kg P/ha, suggesting that farmers may reduce inputs by 50% without little
or no loss of crops yields. These results underscore the need to develop strategies for better use of
fertilisers to increase use efficiency and lower costs so as to make this technology more affordable and
environmentally friendly. Therefore, the focus this year will be to develop strategies for improving crop
use efficiency and reducing production costs by using the fertilizer microdosing technique.
Fertilizer micro dosing involves application of small doses of fertilizer 5-6 kg P ha-1 (2-4g/hill as NPK) at
sowing or shortly after germination instead of spreading fertilizers evenly across the field (Tabo et al.
200517). In dry and semiarid areas crops are sown at a relatively wider spacing as an adjustment to the
limited soil moisture. Hence it takes time for crop roots to grow out widely across the field to capture
added nutrients. Thus localized application of small fertilizer doses can increase crops yields by up to
120% (Ibro et al 201318).
Although micro dose technology has been widely used for sorghum and millet production in the west
Africa Sahel region, little or no work has been done on these crops and other cereals such as maize and
in eastern Africa. We therefore propose to expand this technology in Kongwa and Kiteto districts as a
strategy to refine the developed site-specific agronomic rates to provide more efficient and
economical/affordable guidelines for the semiarid agro-ecologies. The micro dosing experiments will be
integrated with deployment of selected high yielding and drought resistant quality protein maize
varieties (CML141/CML395), pigeonpea ICEAP 0040 and sorghum and pearl millet (Okori et al., 2014).
Micro dosing by its nature is labour intensive especially when applied at large scale as is expected for
these large farms in Kiteto and Kongwa. However equipment with appropriate metering devises for
fertilizer application under micro-dose regimes have been developed and tested in west Africa by NARS
in Burkina Faso (INERA) and Mali (IER). The Africa RISING work in Mali has been testing this equipment.
In our region, (ESA), deployment of such equipment will be in phases. The focus of the micro-dose
technology in this phase is to test the effectiveness of the technology in these semi-arid zones.
Subsequently, we will test appropriateness of micro-dose fertilizer applicators including local
manufacture to address issues of mass production during scaling up and out.
Experimental design, treatments and management: Two experiments integrating Micro-dosing and
improved maize variety (QPM) or other cereals will be established concurrently at Mlali and Njoro sites
using the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with the three replications. Treatments will include
N (0, 30 and 60kgha-1) and P (0, 7.5, 15, and 30kg P ha-1) in a factorial combination and the 12 treatment
combinations will be allocated randomly to block. The test crop will be maize and pigeonpea planted in
monoculture and intercropping arrangements. Maize will be planted at 90cm x 60cm and pigeon pea
15
Okori et al. 2014. Third Quarter Technical Report for Kongwa Kiteto submitted to IITA Africa RISING project, 15th
September, 2014
16Massawe et al., 2012. Soil survey report for NAFAKA sites in Dodoma and Manyara Regions.
17
Tabo R, Bationo A, Diallo Maimouna K, Hassane O and Koala S. 2005. Fertilizer micro-dosing for the prosperity of smallscale farmers in the Sahel: Final report. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Niamey, Niger. 28pp.
18Ibro M. A., Baco, M.N., Badiori, O., Sogodogo, D., Mahaman S., Akponipè I.B. P, Derek, P., Kimaro A. and Koala S. 2014.
Fertilizer micro-dosing: a profitable innovation for Sahelian women Micro-dose outcome story. CIFSRF-IDRC.
http://www.idrc.ca/EN/Documents/Fertilizer-micro-dosing-a-profitable-innovation-for-Sahelian-women.pdf
Research Proposal 14
intercropped in alternate arrangements with also spacing of 90 cm x 60cm.
Data collection: Data to be collected include biomass yield and nutrient up take at the active growth
period of maize and pigeonpea, grain yields of maize and pigeonpea at physiological maturity, diameter
and height of pigeonpea at grain harvesting to estimate wood yields. The analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
will be carried out on data collected using SAS at 5% level of significance after checking for normality
and homoscedasticity of residues. Following ANOVA, significant treatment means will be separated
using Turkey’s studentized range test.
Task 2 Spatial integration of pigeonpea in maize-based systems
In the 2014 cropping seasons we established the trials to evaluate various options for integrating
pigeonpea in farming systems in Kongwa and Kiteto districts as this crop is relatively new to these sites
and there is little information on its local adaptability and agronomics under both monoculture and
intercropping planting arrangements to guide sustainable intensification initiatives. Specific objectives
were to evaluate the effects of maize and pigeonpea intercropping under different spatial cropping
arrangements on grain yields and wood supply; and to identify the spatial cropping arrangement for
optimizing farm (grain and wood yields) productivity under semiarid conditions. The ultimate goal is test
and validate suitability of pigeonpea as an integral component of farming systems in these agroecologies to diversify production options (food and fuel) and ecosystems services such as soil fertility
replenishments. Preliminary results suggests relative yields of individual component, such as maize, may
be reduced in mixture by up to 40% but potential exists to offset this apparent loss when farm level
productivity of both components are considered. This trial will be repeated this year for validation and
to account for seasonal variations so as to provide farmers with reliable information for intercropping
maize and pigeonpea in their areas.
Experimental design, treatments and management: Trials will be established at Mlali and Chitego
villages during the 2014 growing season as one of the integration activities following a RCBD with three
replications. Treatments will include: spatial integration of pigeonpea and maize under various
intercropping arrangements: Pure stand, alternate rows of maize and Pigeonpea (1:1), one row of maize
and two rows of pigeonpea (1:2), two rows of maize and one row of pigeonpea (2:1). Maize will be
planted at 60cm by 90cm for intra-and inter-row spacing respectively. Spacing of pigeonpea will be at
30cm x 120cm (in pure stands) and 30 cm intra-row spacing for intercropped plots. The inter-row
spacing of pigeonpea under intercropping depended on the row arrangements. The pigeonpea variety
to be used, ICEAP 0040, was selected by farmers based on the superior growth and grain yield in the
2013-14 crop growing season. This variety will be used again with high yielding drought resistant QPM
selected by farmers.
Task 3 Double-legume for forage crop integration
The long-term (over a decade) trials of intercropping Gliricidia sepium, pigeonpea and maize in Makoka,
Malawi show that this double-up legume system can sustain crops production and provide ecosystem
services like carbon sequestration, soil fertility replenishment and reducing nutrient leaching to the subsoil (Makumba et al. 200619). Thus we established this kind of the system at Chitego in the 2014 growing
season to provide farmers with options for crop diversification while providing ecosystem services and
products like food, fodder and fuel from maize, pigeonpea and G. sepium. Preliminary results on maize
grain yield from this double-up system indicated no difference in grain yield for various tree-pigeonpeamaize combinations tested, reflecting limited interactions between the components as the tree
seedlings at this establishment season were too young to produce any effects on companion crops. Thus
the trial will continue this year to understand how crop interactions in this system will vary in time and
space.
19Makumba,
W., Jassen, B., Oenema, O., Akinnifesi, F.K., Mweta, D., Kwesiga, F., 2006. The long-term effects of a gliricidiamaize intercropping system in Southern Malawi, on gliricidia and maize yields, and soil properties. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 116:
85–92
Research Proposal 15
Experimental design treatments and management: The experiment will be laid out following in a RCBD
with three replications and the following treatments: Pure stand of maize and pigeonpea, maize
intercropped with pigeonpea or G. sepium, and intercropping of maize, pigeonpea and G. sepium. Plot
size will be 9 m x 9 m and separated with the 2-m unplanted buffer strips. G. sepium will be planted at a
spacing of 3 x 3 m and maize intercropped at a spacing of 60 cm x 75 cm (intra and inter row spacing).
Pigeonpea was planted at a spacing of 30 cm x 120 cm for pure stands and in alternate rows with maize
for intercropping trials.
Data collection: Data to be collected from the spatial and double-legume trials include biomass yield
and nutrient up take at the active growth period of maize and pigeonpea, grain yields of maize and
pigeonpea at physiological maturity, diameter and height of pigeonpea at grain harvesting to estimate
wood yields. The analysis of Variance (ANOVA) will be carried out on data collected using SAS at 5% level
of significance after checking for normality and homoscedasticity of residues. Following ANOVA,
significant treatment means were separated using Turkey’s studentized range test.
Deliverables for cluster 1: Integrated crop management
1. Site-specific agronomic rates refined to develop the more agronomic efficient and affordable
micro-dose rates for maize production in semiarid conditions.
2. Spatial arrangements of pigeonpea and maize intercropping in the action sites tested to provide
guidelines on appropriate cropping arrangement for optimize crops yields.
3. On-farm fuel wood supply from pigeonpea determined and used to estimate the potential for
offsetting cooking energy scarcity in the study sites.
4. Train two graduate students on micro-dose and pigeonpea spatial integration trials.
5. Cost benefits analysis of each technology is reported under thematic area for purposes of
packaging. These studies will however be conducted on the promising technologies under theme
4.
Activity cluster 2. Integrated rangeland and crop productivity enhancement
Task 1. Shelterbelt, boundary tree and fodder bank planting
Shelterbelt and boundary tree planting were established in the 2014-growing season as landscapebased agroforestry technologies for addressing the problems of soil erosion, fodder, fuel wood and
timber supply in action sites. If widely adopted, these technologies also hold high potential to minimize
the land degradation problem due to windy and water erosion and nutrient mining through crop residue
harvesting for livestock fodder and cooking energy noted in the action sites. The survival rate of G.
sepium and Grevillea robusta at the beginning of the dry season (July 2014) was 84.8% and 55%,
respectively. This year, we shall expand the areas covered by shelterbelts and boundary trees and widen
the species planted to include a high quality fodder and timber species like Melia azedarach. Farmers in
Moleti, where fuel wood scarcity and windy erosion is rampant have shown high interest to plant trees
in shelterbelts and farm boundaries.
Experimental layout and management: Shelterbelts will be established as 200-m long strips of tree
rows to cover the entire field in Moleti village. There are three strips planted at 100-m intervals. Each
strip will consists of two boarder rows of G. sepium and a row of G. robusta in the middle of a strip. G.
sepium trees were planted at 2-m between rows and 1 m within a row while G. robusta will be planted
at intra-row spacing of 3m. G. sepium has multiple stems, it is less palatable when fresh and thus may
withstand browsing pressure and effectively reducing wind erosion in sub-sequent years when
established in the fields. ICRAF’s work in Morogoro and Tabora regions in Tanzania (Kimaro et al.,
200820) and Malawi (Makumba et al. 2006) indicate that this species is compatible with associated crops
even after 5-12 years of continuous growing in the field. Thus minimum belowground effect on
companion crops is expected close to the shelterbelt strips.
20Kimaro,
A.A, Timmer, V.R., Chamshama, S.O.A, Mugasha, A.G and Kimaro, D.A. 2008. Differential response to tree fallows
in rotational woodlot systems: Post-fallow maize yield, nutrient uptake, and soil nutrients. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 125: 73- 83
Research Proposal 16
Data collection: Pruning regimes will be developed in subsequent years to allow production of fodder
and fuel wood and maintenance of the shelterbelts. During the tree establishment phase, root collar
diameter, diameter at breast height (dbh), height, and survival of trees will be measured to allow
estimation of wood and foliage (fodder) biomass yields from shelterbelts and boundary planted trees.
Soil samples will be collected for initial site characterization within 1-2 years after shelterbelt
establishment from micro-plots of 2 m x 2 m at 2 m, 6 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, and 40 m from each
shelterbelt strip. In future, these plots will be reference points for assessing crop yield responses with
distance from the strip. The strips will be maintained for long-term monitoring and data collection since
some beneficial or negative tree-crop interactions are anticipated to be significant after 3 years
Task2 Sustainable tree seeds and seedlings supply system.
Availability and access to tree germplasm has been the most single important factor that determines
success to tree planting in the rural settings. Sustainable supply of tree seeds and seedling supply
systems is thus a key to the success of tree-based interventions in this proposal. In 2013/14 seasons,
ICRAF led the acquisition of tree seeds and production of tree seedlings in central and satellite nurseries
while building local capacity of extension officers and farmers to produce these planting materials
locally. The central nurseries operate at district headquarters to cater for supporting technical and
material backstopping to the satellite nurseries that are located in the implementation sites and run by
farmer groups. In the 2014/15 seasons, ICRAF will focus training on the most successful farmer groups,
which have reliable sources of water and showed better results last year. These will receive training and
support to produce seedlings needed for the proposed study and extension. Along with this training, a
survey will be conducted to determine the pathways of germplasm production and distributions for tree
species (fodder, fruits, shade etc.) in Kongwa and Kiteto to guide plans for developing sustainable
systems to underpin agroforestry-based intervention for sustainable intensification of farming systems
in this area.
Deliverables for cluster 2: Integrated rangeland and crop productivity enhancement
1. Integration options for trees on farm for fodder and wood supply, wind erosion control, and soil
fertility improvement developed.
2. Survival and fodder and wood yields of trees in shelterbelts and farm boundaries determined to
assess the potential to meet household demand for fodder supplements and cooking energy.
3. The potential and associated benefits for the seed and seedlings supply and production
guidelines for tree nurseries for management to meet production, ecological and household
needs in Kongwa and Kiteto developed.
Cluster 3: Integrated crop and land management technologies
Task 1 Fast tracking adoption and integration of soil erosion control measures in cropping and land
management systems in Kongwa District
The land degradation notably soil erosion in Kiteto and Kongwa is mainly caused by poor tillage and crop
management practices, extensive grazing system widely adopted in the area and lack of knowledge on
control of soil erosion among others. During 2013/2014 cropping season, farming communities in
Kongwa district were trained on contour and terrace laying, using approaches such as fanya juu/fanya
chini among others. Additionally, the project and participants created a local vigilante group called
“MIKUO” to develop and promote erosion control structure sin Mlali village. MIKUO can be literally
translated as let us work together for the work task ahead of us in Kaguru language common in the area.
The “MIKUO” group has now become a role model and champion of best bet initiatives for controlling
soil erosion in steep areas of Mlali village using fanya juu/fanya chini mechanical control measures.
In 2014-2015 cropping, trained lead farmers i.e. MIKUO group will become a key resource persons for
testing scalability of such efforts in these districts. The project team in collaborate on with trained
extension staff will do technical backstopping. Specifically, the study during 2013/2014 cropping season
will popularize contour bunds (fanya juu and fanya chini) from mid-November to end of December 2014
through formation of more soil erosion control group and construction of fanya juu/fanya chini terraces.
Research Proposal 17
At the onset of rain season (2014/2015) farming communities will be introduced on establishment of
fodder trees on contours as strategies to minimize soil loss through surface runoff. This activity will be
conducted using an iterative action research approach to test acceptability and efficacy of these control
measures, working with communities to discuss, prioritize and experiment on erosion control measures.
Sub-task 1.1 Application of physical and biological barriers for erosion control in agro-pastoral
communities. In the 2013-2014 cropping season farmers visited experimental sites testing the
effectiveness of mechanical soil erosion control measures (-contour bunds (fanya-juu and fanya-chini,
appropriate ploughing across the slope), and biological soil erosion control measures (-introduction of
fodder tree and fodder bands)in Mlali. Farmers and researchers identified controlled erosion and
trapping of water as important for their ecologies. Due to differences in soil types, slope and
management options available to farmers, this study season (204-2015), we plan to test these
technologies in land types and farm typologies in order to test the efficacy and acceptability of this task
across the landscape.
Sub-task 1.2 Assessing the efficiency of physical barriers for erosion control
The study on the efficiency of physical barriers for controlling soil water erosion in Kongwa district
during 2013/2014 cropping season revealed that the lowest and highest runoff were 18.9 mm for tie
ridging and 102.3 for conventional oxen drawn ploughing tillage system. The ox-ripping tillage technique
generated 85.6 mm of runoff (Okori et al. 2014). On the other hand, the percentages of rainfall lost
through runoff were respectively 36.4%; 30% and 6.7% for conventional ox ploughing, ox ripping and oxridging. Runoff generation in ridged treatments was generally lower than in oxen drawn ploughing
tillage method. This could partly be attributed to the ability of tied-ridging to allow ponding of water, as
opposed to other treatments namely ox-ploughing and ox-ripping tillage technique. The plan this year
(2014-2015) is to validate these results while integrating new crops under multiple cropping systems.
The experiments will be conducted using the runoff collection system established during 2013/2014
cropping season at Mlali village. A field day will be conducted involving farmers from Kiteto and Kongwa
given the focus of the research activity in Kongwa.
Data collection: Runoff measurements data will be recorded and calibrated as follows:
RO = Q/CA;
Where RO = Runoff, in mm; Q = Runoff volume, in l and CA = catchment in m2.
Sub-task 1.1.3 Popularization of In situ water harvesting technologies.
In semi-arid zones of Tanzania crop production is threatened by unpredictable soil water supply, high
temperature, high evaporation and limited growing season length (3-4 months) (Hatibu et al. 199521).
Moreover, whenever it rains, the limited soil cover and poor land management systems enhance
erosion through runoff (Swai et al. 200722). Climate change prediction models estimate that areas with
uni-modal rainfall patterns in Tanzania will experience decreased rainfall of 5% to 15%. Thus over
dependence on agriculture, low and unreliable rainfall, poverty and high livestock numbers, justify the
considerations of Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) in the semi-arid areas of Tanzania (Senkondo et al.
200423). Our results obtained in Kiteto and Kongwa district during 2013/2014 cropping season, showed
21
Hatibu, N; Mahoo, H.F., Kayombo, B; Mbiha, E; Senkondo, E.M; Mwaseba, D and Ussiri, D.A.1995. Soil and Water
Management in semi-arid Tanzania Research Project. Research News, DRPS, SUA. 5 : 13-15.
22Swai,
E.Y and Rwehumbiza, F., and Chambo H. 2007. Effect of residual tie ridging on soil hydrological properties and crop
performance in Central semi-arid Areas of Tanzania. Pp 325 – 336. In: 2nd Scientific Symposium on Opportunity for increasing
Water Use Efficiency in agriculture in semi-Arid and Arid areas of SADC Region. 20 -22 February 2007. The Grand Palm Hotel,
Gaborone, Botswana.
23
Senkondo,E. M. M., Msangi, A. S. K. Xavery, P., Lazaro, E. A. and Hatibu, N.2004.Profitability of Rainwater Harvesting for
Agricultural Production in Selected Semi-Arid Areas of Tanzania. Journal of Applied Irrigation Science 39: 65 – 81.
Research Proposal 18
that use of oxen drawn ripping system and ridging insitu rainwater harvesting technique significantly
increased maize grain yield by 64%, and 107% respectively over conventional animal traction of using
oxen drawn ox-plough (Okori et al., 2014). During 2014/2015 cropping season, we will validate these
results and test the combined benefits of efficient fertilizer use and multiple cropping systems (see
cluster 1 and 2 under this theme).
Experimental design. The experiment will be carried out using mother and baby plot approach. The
mother plots will consist of complete sets of treatments arranged following a randomized complete
block design and replicated three times, with two mother plots per participating village. Each village
shall have at least one mother plot giving a total of five per district, one for each village. Baby plots will
be farmer-selected technologies following their own prioritization done during the sensitization
meetings. Each baby plot will be considered as a replication and will represent preferably different
farmer typologies (resource endowments and land/ farming practice used).
Treatments for investigation will vary from locations (i.e. Kiteto and Kongwa) mainly due to the sources
of farm power used in land preparation. In Kiteto, we will evaluate effects of tractor driven ripper
(ripping tillage) versus traditional tillage method of using disc ploughing. During 2014/2015 cropping
season insitu rainwater harvesting technologies will be integrated with promising improved maize elite
materials. Two types of ripping will be done depending on the source of traction (diesel tractors or
oxen). In Kiteto, land preparation will involve the use of tractor-driven ripper whereas in Kongwa sites,
land will be prepared using oxen drawn ploughing, ripping and ridging and evaluated for impacts on soil
water storage at vegetative, reproductive, grain filling and maturity stages. These technologies were
studied in 2013-2014 and found to support highest productivity.
Data to be collected. Data will be collected across soil erosion control measures and insitu rainwater
harvesting technologies encompasses soil hydrological/physical properties of soil and crop growth as
well as yield components. Data on hydrological properties of soils such as soil moisture, run-off, soil loss.
Physical properties of soil namely bulk density will be determined. Crop growth and yield variables
including germination percentage, plant height measurements, leaf area index, dry matter yields and
kernel weight will be recorded. All data will be subjected to analysis of variation and other appropriate
statistical analysis including non-parametric methods.
Deliverables: Integrated crop and land management technologies
1. Soil water erosion control measures and benefits under both mono and integrated crop
production systems validated for scaling up and out.
2. Best bet soil water conservation technologies identified and packaged for promotion in drought
areas of Kiteto and Kongwa district.
3. Soil water erosion control measures validated in erosion prone areas of Mlali village.
Cluster 4: Livestock - crop integration
Task 1. Improving poultry genetics and feeding for enhanced productivity and nutrition
In the 2014, the following activities under this task were initiated: (i) characterization of phenotypic
genetic diversity of free range chicken to guide selection of superior strains for further studies and (ii)
building the capacity of farmers on appropriate poultry management based on best practices in order to
identify farmers with interest to participate in this study. The focus in 2015 will be to establish feeding
trials to improve nutrition and growth and yield of the selected chicken strains using locally made feeds.
The focus on local feed formulation is to harness the locally available feed ingredients in the
communities to improve poultry productivity. Such a system would reduce waste and support a
renewable use of would be agricultural waste and plant material. Thus locally available feed resources
such as maize bran/ homing meal; supplemented with fishmeal, vegetable wastes and Medicago sativa
leaves will be used to make the formulations for this study. Chicken from selected superior strains of
chicken (‘Kuchi’, ‘Mbuni’, ‘Sasamala’ and necked- neck gene) will be studied under free range and
confined individual pens for each strain and receive treatment diets indicated below throughout the
nine (9) experimental periods.
Research Proposal 19
Experimental design, treatments and management: The experiment will focus on evaluating growth
performance and meat productivity of selected promising local breeds of chicken in response to protein
and energy supplementation. A completely randomised design experiment will be conducted whereby
the four treatment diets will be allocated to each of the 60 chicken – four groups replicated four times.
Treatments will be experimental diets that chicken will be fed. These include:
 Treatment 1: 0% inclusion of Medicago sativa (Lucerne) leaf meal (MLM);
 Treatment 2: 10 % + MLM
 Treatment 3: 20 % + MLM
 Treatment 4: 30 % + MLM
Recommended levels of crashed maize, maize bran/homing meal that constitutes an energy source will
be offered uniformly among all the experimental groups. The maize grains will be crushed through 5 mm
screen. Homing meal will be obtained locally from cereal millers. Fishmeal will be applied at 5% of the
diet so as to diversify protein source. Fishmeal will be compounded from locally sold sardine fish or
‘small fish’ locally known as “dagaa”. Sardine fish are easily available from local markets. The sardines
will be milled to pass through a 5mm mesh size. Farmer will be trained on feed/ ration formulation.
Farmers will also be encouraged to use supplementary feeding on fishmeal. Vitamins, minerals
(especially calcium) and water will be provided as per standard recommendations.
A minimum of 60 hens for each treatment for each of the three (3) most promising local breeds of meat
chicken ecotypes and 60 hens of one local breeds of chicken regarded of low productivity, to be used as
a control, will be evaluated to make a total of 260 chickens (240 hens and 20 cocks per replication). The
experiment will be replicated four times to give a total of 1040 chickens (960 hens plus 80 cocks in a
ratio of 1:12 cock to hens for appropriate chicken breeding purposes).
Appropriate housing for the chicken will be used following clarifications with communities. The chickens
will be housed in-group pens and will be fed throughout the nine (9) month experimental duration. The
experimental chickens will be divided into four groups based on strains attributes/ characteristics. Each
group of 60 chickens will be provided with 5 cocks to make a recommended ration of 1:12 cock to hens.
Data collection: For each farmer, breeds of similar size and age will be chosen and initial weight
recorded prior to the commencement of the experiment so as to account for differences in initial body
weight during the measurements. The experimental breeds of chicken will be assessed for growth
performance in terms of growth rate, body weight, and carcass weight as well as other carcass quality
attributes such as dressing out percentage and meat quality attributes (colour, percentage of fats).
Task 2. Effect of Acacia tortilis dry pods and Melia azedarach leaf meal on growth performance of
Eastern African goats fed on maize stover during the dry season
Ruminant productivity including cattle goats during dry season is limited by low protein or crude protein
of the basal forages. In the tropics bulky feed resources is characterised by poor quality hay (i.e.,
standing hay, straw and stover) that are limited by their lower levels of CP of 30-50g/kg of dry matter
(DM) than the minimum dietary CP requirement of 80 g/kg DM. Standing hay and maize stover
represent available bulky feed resource during dry seasons with farmers in Kongwa district relying solely
on maize stover during dry season. Farmers in Kiteto district have an opportunity to feed their stock on
both standing hay especially in traditional silvopastoral based systems locally known as ‘Alali’, a system
which is highly intensified in drier areas of northern parts of Kiteto district. Preliminary results on
characterisation of ruminant feed resources in the two districts (Rubanza et al. 201324) demonstrated as
low as 50 to 60g CP/kg DM for maize stover as well as 30-50g CP/kg DM for standing hay forages. On the
24
Rubanza et al., 2014; poster on local institutions presented at the WAC 2014 in India and reprinted for the Arusha meeting in
September
Research Proposal 20
other hand, the latter report shows high CP of most browse tree foliage with as high as 120-250g/kg
DM. Evaluation of the test material such as A. tortilis – the dry pods had the following nutrient
composition (CP; 140-160g/kg DM), whilst M. azedarach leaf meal contained about 220g/kg DM
Nutritive potential of both A. tortilis dry pods (and other browse tree foliage) and M. azedarach is
further supported by their high concentration of both macro and micro minerals. Filed observation show
goats and sheep struggling for M. azedarach tree foliage partly suggesting its high palatability. The rich
nutritive value of A. tortilis pods has similarly been demonstrated in semi-arid areas of the neighbouring
Mpwapwa district (Shayo and Udén, 1999).
However, information is lacking on animal performance fed on A. tortilis pods and M. azedrach leaf meal
under farmers’ conditions in the two districts during dry season. During the 2015/16 period, efforts will
be undertaken to determine effect of A. tortilis pods and M. azedarach leaf supplementation on growth
performance in goats. Main focus for 2015/16 will be on-farm testing and validation research based
work through protein supplementation from different sources to goats. Pods from A. tortilis represent
highly abundant bulky protein source in most semi-arid districts including Kongwa and Kiteto districts.
M. azedarach is abundantly found in the study area in the two districts as trees on farms, boundary
trees and in many other agroforestry systems. Tree foliage for the planned work will be obtained from
selected farmer’ plots as well as from NARCO (National Ranching Company) where there is a good stand
of the M. azedarach tree resource. Maize stover will be harvested from farmers’ fields after maize
harvest for the 2015/16 cropping season. Utilisation of stover as feed resource will be carried out in
tandem with biomass assessment from maize stover as part of efforts to determine nutrient removal
from farmlands when stover are either grazed or removed for home stead livestock feeding under the
typical ‘carry and carry’ or zero livestock feeding systems.
Experimental design. A completely randomised design will be adopted. A total of 24 local male goats
aged from two months will be randomly grouped according to age into four treatment groups. The goats
will be randomised using calculator built in random numbers. The animals in the four groups will receive
four dietary treatments, with treatment 1 (T1), a control diet, constituting maize stover without
supplementation; treatment 2 (T2) recommended protein from M. azedarach; treatment 3 (T3) being
recommended protein allowance from A. tortilis pods (ATP); and treatment 4 (T4) representing
combination of recommended levels of two protein sources from A. tortilis and M. azedarach leaf meal
(AMM). The four dietary treatments will be randomised to the animals in the four groups using random
numbers.
Animal management. The goats will be dewormed before commencement of the trial. The animals will
be will be supplemented with similar levels of maize bran (MB) to meet maintenance requirement of
growing goats. The animals will be supplied with minerals as per standard recommended requirements.
Each of the animals will be housed in individual pens and will be fed in individual feed troughs. The
animals will be supplied with water ad libitum in individual water troughs as well. Dietary treatments
will be offered twice a day at 08:00h and 15:00h daily to reflect commonly applied feeding intervals.
Experimental duration. The experiment will be preceded by a two weeks (14 days) preliminary period to
adjust the animals to the experimental premises, dietary and feeding routine. Actual data collection will
be for a total for 12 weeks. The animals will be evaluated for growth. Live weight of each of the animal
in the four groups will be assessed on weekly basis. The animals will be weighed at 0.01 accuracy level
using a sensitive scale. The animals will be weighed early in the morning (from 06:00h) before having
access to neither food nor water. Water and food troughs will be withdrawn from the animal pens at
20:00h preceding a day for weighing.
Data management. Data on growth performance will be analysed into means and standard errors using
analysis of variance (ANOVA) based on SAS statistical package based on statistical model:
Yij= µij + Ti + eij
Where Yij is the general animal response; µij is a common observation common to all experimental
animals; Ti is the ith treatment effect on growth performance; and eij is the random error term.
Research Proposal 21
Deliverables for cluster 4: Livestock crop integration
1. Local institutions, regulations and practices for suitable grazing land management documented
to underpin SI efforts in areas with free grazing systems.
2. Better options for improving nutrition and productivity poultry evaluated
3. Better options for improving nutrition and productivity of goats based on local browse
supplementation.
4. Capacity of farmers in poultry management, nutrient and strain selection strengthened through
training and involvement in feeding trials.
4.3
Thematic area 3.Aflatoxin mitigation to improve nutrition, safety and market
competitiveness
Theme number 3
Event period:
Activity cluster 1
Activity cluster 2
Activity Type
Target areas
(Districts- Villages)
Leader
Partners
Integrated crop management technologies for semi-arid zones of Tanzania
Budget
October 2014 to
September 2015
October, 2013 to September 2014
Sustainable intensification approaches to improve food and nutrition security
KongwaKongwa-Laikala
KongwaKongwa-Moleti KitetoChitego
Mlali
Njoro
ICRISAT
Tuboreshe
NAFAKA
IITA
SUA
ILRISUA
Chakula
A4NH
46,000
Relevant Africa RISING Research Output RO2on Integrated systems improvement
Key intervention areas:

Household nutrition and food safety. Improve household nutrition, food safety and security
among the most vulnerable households and their members, especially women and children.

Gender empowerment. Realize the special opportunities available to women farmers as
technological innovators, resource managers and homemakers.
Description of work
Over the past two years of research we have confirmed that indeed over 50% of rural communities in
Dodoma and central semi-arid zones of Tanzania are food insecure, with limited access to sufficient, safe
and nutritious food needed to maintain healthy and active lives25 (Okori et al., 201426). In such
communities, consumption of dry land cereals, the main source of basal energy and protein, is less than
200kg per year2728 due to large yield gaps of about 50%29 (Okori et al. 2014). Over the past year we have
also noted that grain crops (cereals and legumes) are all contaminated with aflatoxins, the oil crops
being more affected by cereals). In oil crops for example AfB1 levels of up to 4000ppb have been found
in groundnuts compared to 20ppb in cereals at harvest (Okori et al. 2014). We have also mapped the
incidence of toxigenic versus atoxigenic forms of Aspergillus species in both Kongwa and Kiteto paving
way for more informed deployment of management options. Interestingly we found that Chitego in
Kongwa and Njoro in Kiteto had the highest frequencies of toxigenic Aspergillus sp perhaps due to
25
World Bank 2009. Accelerated food security program
of the United Republic of Tanzania
under the global food crisis
response program. Report No: 48549-TZ.
26 Okori et al. 2014. Third Quarter Technical Report for Kongwa Kiteto submitted to IITA Africa RISING project, 15 th
September, 2014.
27 Ouma, J.O., Bett, C. and Githaigah, T. 2010. Market Access, Approaches and Opportunities for QPM based products. Paper
presented during the Joint 3rd African Association of Agricultural Economists and 48th Agricultural Economists Association of
South Africa Conference, Cape Town, South Africa, September 19-23, 2010.
28Jan de Graaff, Aad Kessler and Jan Willem Nibbering, 2011. Agriculture and food security in selected countries
in SubSaharan Africa: diversity in trends and opportunities. Food Security 2011 3:195–213.
29 Kongwa Kiteto team progress report Quarter 3 2013.
Research Proposal 22
relatively higher moisture and more diversified cropping systems. We also found that sunflower has
relatively similar levels of contamination (high at > 20ppb experimental data shows 300 ppb at harvest
and up to 3000ppb after storage) (Okori et al., 2014). Freshly harvested crops in general had less
contamination on average 7-10 fold less than stored samples suggesting that the focus of management
should be on both pre and post harvest control strategies. Contamination of sunflower brings in new
dimensions of exposure to aflatoxins by livestock via feeds since sunflower cake is a common source of
protein and energy in feeds stock in Tanzania and animal feeds (Mlayet al., 200530). The objective of this
theme therefore is to test management and mitigation options for the reduction of aflatoxin
contamination of cereals and oil crops in Kongwa and Kiteto as part of sociological- and ecological
intensification efforts by Africa RISING. This theme will contribute to the completion of three key
elements of sustainable intensification31 (genetic, ecological and sociological), being implemented by
this project
Research questions
1. Sunflower cake available in Kongwa and Kiteto may be contaminated with aflatoxin and this
increases risk of indirect exposure of wider public to the toxin via feed products fed to livestock.
2. Post-harvest losses in cereals can be effectively managed through deployment of improved
storage and handling technologies
3. Deployment of pre-harvest handling procedures and simple mechanical sorting post harvest can
minimize infection by aflatoxigenic fungi, thereby reducing aflatoxin contamination levels to 4
<20 ppb the acceptable levels in stored legumes and cereals.
4. Women play essential roles in reproductive (home management) and community activities that
can be harnessed to improve food safety and nutrition outcomes of families.
Task 1.Assess levels of aflatoxin contamination of sunflower oil press cake and its feeds value chain.
In the 2013-2014 studies, we have shown that indeed sunflower and cereal products including maize are
contaminated variously with aflatoxins. Processing waste from these crops i.e. bran for maize and oil
press cake for sunflower, are major sources of energy and protein in livestock feeds. Consumption of
these contaminated feeds by poultry and livestock provide a secondary pathway for entry of aflatoxins
into food chains of humans. Eggs, milk and to an extent meat may be contaminated, spreading the risk
to unsuspecting consumers. This has been noted as an area of health concern in Africa (PACA, 201332).
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established contamination levels for food
and feeds at 20 and 300ppb respectively (FDA, 200033). The aim of this task will be to assess the extent
of the problem with tracing contamination with a focus on sunflower seedcake within the feeds industry
in the Manyara Region. Samples will be taken to capture contamination levels from factory deliveries
(seed, post processing, storage and use in feeds). A combination of ELISA and HPLC will be used.
Appropriate non-parametric statistics and modelling of contamination points will be done. The
information generated will inform intervention.
Task 2. Improving food safety by mitigating aflatoxin contamination.
In our 2012-2014, studies, we have found that cereals and oil crops all had high levels of aflatoxin. Yet
these crops are the food security crops of these dry lands. In the 2014-2015 season, we will investigate
mitigation strategies to reduce exposure to aflatoxins. We will experiment on a number of activities
jointly implemented with the Babati team, built around three principles: (i) minimize contamination of
grain (pre and post harvest), (ii) reduce contamination using a combination of diagnostic and
management options (iii) awareness creation and deployment of simple mitigation approaches.
30
Mlay, P. S., Pereka, A. E., Balthazary, S.T., Phiri, E. C. J. , Hvelplund, T., Weisbjerg, M.R. and J Madsen, J. 2005.The effect
of maize bran or maize bran mixed with sunflower cake on the performance of smallholder dairycowsin urban and peri-urban
area in Morogoro, Tanzania. Livestock research and Development 17 (1) 2005.
31The Montpellier Panel, 2013. Sustainable Intensification: A New Paradigm for African Agriculture. London: Agriculture for
Impact.
32
PACA. (2013) PACA Strategy 2013–2022. Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa, African Union Commission, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia
33FDA 2000. United States Food and Drug Administration. Guidance for Industry: Action levels for poisonous and or deleterious
substances in human food and animal feeds August 2000.
Research Proposal 23
1. Conduct community action research to learn and promote mitigation efforts in communities.
Key activities will include training women-farmers and traders on simple post-harvest
management practices to reduce contamination, including proper drying, grading and storage.
Using different storage bags, grading and sorting grain, grain moisture management and
storage.
2. The diagnostic platform put in place by the project is at SUA in Morogoro. In 2013-14 we have
trained technicians from ARI Hombolo and SUA to support diagnostic activities in the region. We
will also leverage a field based diagnostic kit developed by Okori’s lab in ICRISAT Malawi (Seetha
et al. 2014 unpublished) to test contamination. The plan is to test the use of a field based and
lab based assays to minimize the entry of contaminated grain into value chains. This will provide
the diagnostics for efficacy of management option being deployed by various partners including
this project.
3. Testing remediation technologies for contaminated food and feeds products to remove
aflatoxins.
4. Use appropriate communication media to disseminate messages on aflatoxin. IITA, ICRISAT and
Government of Tanzania will do this in combination with on-going efforts.
These tasks (4.1 and 4.2) will be done in partnership with the Tanzania Food and Drug Authority and
other relevant other associate partners.
Task 3 Improving nutrition. We will complete the study initiated in 2013 to improve dietary availability,
consumption and food safety. Prof Muzanila, a nutrition expert from SUA, will lead this activity. The
methodology described below will still be used:
1. Increasing consumption of legumes as protein sources. The activity aims at improving
consumption of these legumes as complementary sources of protein. Our studies show that in
Kongwa and Kiteto legumes are the major source of dietary proteins, with Bambara nuts playing
a critical role in ensuring year round availability. These legumes however show high levels of
contamination (70% of groundnut samples had up to 4000 ppb; whilst 43% of Bambara nuts had
up to 411ppb) and may thus contribute to poor health of communities. Aflatoxins among others
also compound bioavailability nutrients. In this activity, three legumes will be used i.e.
groundnuts, pigeon peas and Bambara nuts. We will study nutritional benefits of combined use
of cereals and legumes being investigated to underpin up-and out-scaling.
2. Improving child growth through safe food consumption. Children (below five years) will be fed
complementary food based on groundnuts, Bambara nuts and pigeonpea developed by the
project. We will work in the Tuboreshe Chakula targeted areas to complement their activities
and access families they are working with as well as their expertise. Prior to feeding the
children, aflatoxin levels in grain will be analysed. The project team with the assistance of the
Ward/Village medical personnel will establish baselines on height and weight of the study
cohort children. Mothers will be taught how to prepare complementary legume and cereal
based foods and requested to feed the children with the prepared food in their homes. Three
different cohorts will be used for each of the legume being investigated. Measurements of
height and weight will be recorded in prepared cards and continue taken on a monthly basis for
a year by ward/village medical personnel. Collected data will be used to calculate Weight for
Age Z-Score (WAZ), Height for Age Z-Score (HAZ) and Weight for Height (WHZ) which are
determinants of the nutritional status of children. This activity will be done in partnership with
Tuboreshe Chakula. The aim is to ramp-up demand by increasing consumption of aflatoxin free
legumes.
Research Proposal 24
Deliverables
1. A new cohort of key farmer leaders per village trained on post-harvest management of grains to
minimize aflatoxin contamination.
2. Preliminary results for approaches to mitigate food losses, and aflatoxin contamination.
3. Capacity of diagnosis deployed to support mitigation efforts in Manyara Dodoma and Morogoro
regions that includes Kongwa and Kiteto districts.
4. Aflatoxin contamination points in the feeds value chains mapped for targeted intervention.
5. A network of partners to support aflatoxin mitigation in the two regions strengthened.
6. Effect of weather changes on Aspergillus population and aflatoxin contamination in various crop
documented at least for 2 seasons (2013-2014 and 2014-2015).
4.4
Thematic area 4: Socio-economic intensification through innovation platforms
Theme number 4
Event period:
Title
Activity Type
Target areas
(Districts- Villages)
Leader
Partners
R4Ddeployed to inform targets and processes
Action research, capacity building for farmers and extension staff
Kongwa-Chitego Kongwa-Laikala
Kongwa-Mlali Kongwa-Moleti
Budget
41,000
ICRISAT and ICRAF
ARI-Hombolo UD
October
2014
September 2015
CIMMYT
ICRAF
ARINaliendele
to
KitetoNjoro
PRIKongwa
Relevant Africa Rising Objective 2: Integrated systems improvement
Key intervention areas. The Africa RISING Research Framework proposes that R4D/Innovation Platforms
be used to identify critical value chains and engage actors to refine and support technology
development and dissemination. In February 2014, we created the Kongwa-Kiteto Innovation Platform
to achieve the above purposes. One of the achievements of the Innovation Platform was the
prioritization of research agenda for Kongwa and Kiteto. The Innovation Platform will meet at the end of
October 2014 to map out action points for the prioritized intervention areas as guided by the guiding
principles set out in the Africa RISING Research Framework and IAR4D34 principles. During the course of
the season, we will use the Innovation Platform to further elucidate contexts (R4D entry points, draw
lessons and partnership opportunities) of innovation and adoption processes. Equally important under
this theme is the need to gain clarity on the cost-benefit of proposed technologies. This particular
activity will be coordinated by ICRAF and supported by ICRISAT.
Description of work
Research hypothesis
1. Farmers and allied stakeholders in the semi-arid zones of central Tanzania have an
understanding of agro-ecological and value chain needs of their region that could be targeted
through R4D for productivity and value chain functionality enhancement.
2. Nutrition outcomes require targeted interventions that enhance social (participatory processes
and gender concerns) and human capital assets of communities.
3. The technologies under development vary in their benefits and this can affect adoption and
scaling up and out activities.
Task 1 Harnessing Innovation Platforms.
This activity will be a continuation of the 2013-2014 activity. It’s underpinned by the fact that within the
34Adekunle,
A.A. and Fatunbi, A.O. 2012. Approaches for Setting-up Multi-Stakeholder Platforms for Agricultural Research
and Development. World Applied Sciences Journal 16: 981-988
Research Proposal 25
Africa RISING context, agricultural innovations include combinations of technological innovations, social
and or institutional innovations that increase productivity along value chains. The generation of these
innovations ultimately requires multi-stakeholder participatory processes that involve communities35. It
will inform the scaling up of technologies36 generated by improving understanding of community socioeconomic contexts of agricultural innovation during and after the research process (Montpellier Panel,
2013)37. The schema below is still valid and will guide framing of research questions and conversation
with Innovation platform members in Kongwa and Kiteto (Figure 3).
Indirect inputs
Direct inputs
1. Gene c intensifica on
• Resilient and highly
produc ve varie es
2. Ecological intensifica on
• Crop, agroforestry and
pasture integra on
• Soil fer lity and water
management
(i) Land tenure system
3. Socio-economic intensifica on
• Finance
• Markets(input and output)
• Knowledge and technology
dissemina on
• Social capital
(ii) Gender & power rela ons
Deployment of ecological,
gene c and socioeconomic op ons
Farm communi es
(iii) Resources -(livelihood
op ons)
(iv) Innova on availability
Outcomes & outputs
Increased
1. Produc vity & products
2. Household Income
3. Food nutri on security
Figure 3. Sustainable intensification requires deployment of superior genotypes (varieties) (number 1
under direct inputs), whose potential can only be realised when appropriate management options are
used (-ecological intensification2). Adoption and benefits of these technologies can only be realised
when the cost effective direct inputs are deployed in a manner that assures easy access, adoption and
ultimately competitiveness of interventions (socioeconomic intensification considerations). The
outcomes of direct and indirect inputs are by and large affected by society level concerns such as land
tenure, gender and power relationships, resource endowments and rural innovation ability. The figure is
modified from Montpellier Panel (2013).
During 2014 the under listed areas were prioritised for intervention:
1. Testing and deployment of resilient varieties for
35
Africa Rising Programme Document. IITA, Ibadan.
Per Hillbur, 2013. Research on institutional innovation and scaling issues in Africa RISING. Consultancy report submitted to
Africa RISING Secretariat
37Montpellier Panel, 2013. Sustainable Intensification: A new paradigm for African Agriculture, London.
36
Research Proposal 26
2.
3.
4.
5.
a) Better adaptability to changing rainfall pattern;
b) Increased productivity and adaptability to pests and diseases;
c) Improve resource use efficiency reducing costs but increasing productivity.
Testing and deployment of resource efficient agronomy technologies.
Improving access to agricultural inputs especially improved seed at community level.
Unlocking the potential for markets, food, nutrition and safety of key crop products.
Improving pasture quantity and quality.
A brief write-up of the design of interventions using the Innovation Platform is provided below.
Subtask 1.1. Strengthening productivity of selected value chains via Innovation Platforms. This
Innovation Platform will seek to clarify issues needed to improve productivity of maize, groundnut and
pigeonpea value chains, and how they are linked to agro-pastoral production systems of Kongwa and
Kiteto. The focus will be on priorities 1, 2 3 and 5 above. The Platform will inform on-farm research by
clarifying priorities and opportunities for implementation. During this year the Platform will be used to
engage communities in the two districts in action research around prioritized areas. During the October
2014-2015 cropping season planning, we will clarify on the how to engage with communities from test
site to landscape levels. Key outcomes of each learning cycle will be agreed upon and the level of
investments by all actors. The meeting will also identify platform facilitators from both districts. Capacity
building of facilitators will be done with the help of a Consultant (Per Hillibur)and or a Facilitating
Consultancy firm with track record.
Subtask 1.2. Establishment of the nutrition and food safety Innovation Platforms. This will focus on
priority 4 issues. We will use the Innovation Platform approach to understudy how best to improve
household nutrition and food safety (socio-economic) intensification efforts, particularly, child and
maternal nutrition38. The food safety work shall focus on how to reduce aflatoxin contamination in food
products at all levels including households. The nutrition work will focus on use of complementary
feeding based on aflatoxin free cereals and legumes. We shall establish one platform for both districts
but with R4D activities in both districts at pilot villages that are also Tuboreshe Chakula and NAFAKA
sites. R4D and capacity strengthening activities will be undertaken but informed by outcomes from the
Innovation Platforms. In order improve potential for R4D impact and lesson learning. This platform will
be managed by ICRISAT in partnership with Sokoine University of Agriculture and Tuboreshe Chakula.
Key activities to be implemented under this task will include but are not limited to the following:
1. Elaboration of critical dietary entry points for R4D interventions via learning meetings. At least
two meetings will be held involving critical stakeholders annually. This particular activity will
build on efforts by Tuboreshe Chakula that is working in both districts. Initial membership will
include partners already engaged by Tuboreshe Chakula.
2. Together with NAFAKA elaborate on key intervention for management of Aflatoxin especially in
grain value chains of cereals legumes and selected complementary farming systems crops such
as sunflower.
3. Building capacity of facilitators who will manage the Innovation Platform at district level.
4. As an additional support, the project will also train community level leaders who will lead
activities within their communities in terms of training, and supporting R4D work on nutrition
and food safety.
Task 2. Appraising the maturing technology (i.e., conducting socio-economic evaluation).
Technologies are promoted because they have advantages over the existing ones. The advantages of
technologies can be seen from biophysical point of view and socio-economic point of view. While these
approaches have their own distinct features and analytical tools, they help to generate pieces of
38
Berti, P.R. Julia Krasevec, J. and FitzGerald, S.
2004. A review of the effectiveness of agriculture interventions in improving
nutrition outcomes. Public Health Nutrition: 7: 599–609.
Research Proposal 27
information, which are complementary in nature regarding the performance of improved agricultural
technologies. Several trials have been conducted within the Africa RISING program in East and Southern
Africa with the aim of identifying technologies with higher bio-physical advantages than existing
farmers’ practices. The trials include crop variety trials, agronomic trials, varieties & agronomic trials
combined, crop-livestock integrated trials, soil and water management trials, post-harvest crop
management trials, and food safety and nutrition. However, the socio-economic information about the
technologies is missing as no socio-economic studies have been conducted. Therefore, the purpose of
this study is to fill this gap.
Objective: The overall objective is to evaluate the selected technologies from the socio-economic point
of view. Specifically, the study will
• Evaluate and compare profitability of technologies,
• Analyse how the proposed technologies fit into household’s current conditions (labour requirements,
timing of labour requirements, social acceptability of technologies, gender, cash requirements etc.).
• Monitor how the technologies are being taken up by the farmers
Method: These objectives will be addressed in two steps. The first objective will be addressed in the
coming year (2015) for all relevant ongoing trials, whereas the other two objectives will be addressed in
the following year. The study will partly depend on the data generated during the previous trials.
Additional data will be collected as a part of the respective trials discussed in this document. The data to
be collected from the bio-physical trials will constitute, among others, uses of commercial inputs
(fertilizer, chemicals, seeds), labour input, draft-power input (oxen or tractor), land characteristics,
outputs (grain and non-grain) and physical materials used. These data will be collected for all treatments
to be included in the protocol including the control. Moreover, secondary sources will be explored to
collect data on product prices, input prices, wage rates, land use of the area, features of farm lands,
demographic characteristics, and maps of different types and scales. During the second phase of this
research process, FGDs and interviews will be arranged with farmers to collect opinions about the
technologies, understand local resource conditions, and understand how those who have applied them
so far are taking up the technologies.
Analysis: Cost benefit analysis (i.e. cost benefit ratio, CBA) will be conducted separately for each
technology under consideration. This analysis aims at assessing the economic rationale for farmers to
invest in these technologies. Literature recommends cost benefit analysis as the key decision-support
tool (Keating and Handmer 201139). This analysis will employ the production function framework
according to Keating et al (201240). Keating breaks optimum outputs into three points. These are Risk
adjusted optimum, Economic optimum and biological optimum points. The best bet technologies are
those that attain the economic optimum point. At this point, the maximum yields are obtained with the
lowest possible cost combination of inputs.
Along with cost benefit analysis, monte carlo simulation model will be employed to assess risks
associated with the technologies. In a similar vein, this assessment guides the decision making process
(decision on the type(s) of technology to recommend to farmers i.e. identification of the best bets
technologies and upscale). This will involve the identification of potential risks and assign the
probabilities of their occurrence in future by studying the past trend. These risks might be market risks
including change in consumer taste and preference, inflation, pest and diseases outbreaks,
environmental and climate related risks such as occurrence of dry spell periods and natural hazards.
Task 3 Predicting and monitoring adoption as well as gender dynamics
The adoption study will be conducted to gather relevant information which will help to: (1) predict
adoption peak level of technologies and likely time for reaching that peak adoption rate and (2) asses
39
Keating A, Handmer J (2011) Options for assessing the cost of climate change for adaptation policy in Victoria. Working
Paper 2, Centre for Risk and Community Safety and VCCCAR, Victoria.
40
Keaing B., Carberry, P., Thomas, S., and Clark J., 2012. Eco-Efficient Agriculture and Climate Change: Conceptual
Foundations and Frameworks. http://ciat.cgiar.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/chapter_2_eco_efficiency.pdf.
Research Proposal 28
factors driving adoption of technologies. The well-established adoption theory and literature explain the
importance of studying and predicting adoption in the early stage of the project in fostering a more
complete understanding of the attributes of technologies and how they influence adoption and
diffusion. This helps to allow the attributes of the technologies or the extension strategy to be modified
so that levels of adoption and diffusion can be improved (Pannel, 200641; Marshall et al. 2006).Some of
the information that will be collected based on farmers’ perception of technologies will include
complexibility, observability, Trainability, learnability, easiness and convenience and risk minimization
potential. Factors affecting adoption will be studied within four main categories i.e.(1) characteristics of
technologies, (2) characteristics of the population, (3) actual advantage of using the technologies, and
(4) learning of the actual advantage of the technologies.
Along with the adoption study data will be collected on continuous basis to monitor adoption of
technologies over time and to study the diffusion process. This is important in informing revision of
implementation strategies (example extension approach) in order to address any deviation from the
plan/project goals. The adoption study will employ the conceptual framework developed by Marshall et
al. (2006)42 to predict the adoption peak level and asses factors underlying adoption (Figure 4). This
study will be conducted starting in 2013-204 but with extension into 2015-16. The framework has four
quadrants, which correspond to various factors for technology adoption. The top left quadrant is about
considering the population-specific influences on the ability to learn about the technology. Adoption
involves a learning process where farmers gather information, reassess their beliefs about the
technology under consideration and review their decision whether to adopt or not. This quadrant is
about learning of the benefits or the relative advantage provided by the technology. The bottom left
quadrant is on learning characteristics of technology. This quadrant explains about the technologyspecific influences on the ability to learn about the technology. The top right quadrant on relative
advantage of the technology for population is about establishing whether the advantage potentially
gained from adopting the technology is a sufficient motivation to shift the population towards adoption
of the technology. The bottom right quadrant on relative advantage of technology. It is the part of
relative advantage that is derived from the technology’s characteristics and not related to the
population’s perception of the technology’s characteristics.
Figure 5: Conceptual framework of adoption study
41
Pannell et al. (2006). "Understanding and promoting adoption of conservation technologies by rural landholders." Australian
Journal of Experimental Agriculture 46: 1407—1424.
42Marshall, et al., 2000. The impact of agricultural extension on adoption and diffusion of lupins as a new crop in Western
Australia." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 40 : 571—583.
Research Proposal 29
Deliverables
There are four deliverables for 2013-2014 i.e. that build on progress in 2012-2013.
1. Intervention points R4D and other support interventions for targeted legume, cereal and
livestock value chains identified.
2. Critical areas of intervention such as issues of equity, entry points, scaling up and out)identified
via the Innovation Platforms to inform integration efforts for crops and livestock.
3. Initial lessons learnt on the underpinnings for integration of technologies under SI efforts for
semi-arid tropical environments.
4. Improved practices and technologies potentially increasing farmers’ net income identified and
potential adoption assessed.
5. Lesson learning and management
Event period
Title
Activity Type
Target areas (Districts- Villages
Leader
Partners
Total budget (USD)
October 2014 to September
2015
Lesson learning, networking and coordination
Action research type, participatory and promotional action
Kongwa
Kongwa
Kongwa Kongwa Kiteto Njoro
Chitego
Laikala
Mlali
Moleti
ICRISAT
All Partners
10,000
Relevant Africa Rising Objective: Objective 4 on Monitoring and Evaluation
Key intervention areas: This activity will speak to the management, coordination, as well as lesson capture during
implementation for up and out scaling purposes.
Description of work
Task 1 Communication of project activities to wider stakeholders
The communication dissemination studies conducted in 2014 will be used to inform the design of a
dissemination strategy that will be developed with engagement of the Innovation Platform.
Task 2 Networking and coordination. The project will be coordinated by ICRISAT but respective leaders
will lead all activities. The action is underpinned by the need to share lessons across the partners in
implementing districts and with other Africa RISING programme actors. Through this activity we will
work with the other partners to develop an online repository for information, publications and
documents form the project. The site will establish links with other relevant sites across the Africa
RISING programme. In addition, publications and other outputs from this Action will be made available
through the site. A discussion platform and information interphase will also be established to improve
information.
Task. 3 Lessons learning. A lesson learning workshop involving project partners will be held at the end of
the year to identify lessons, and emerging issues from the project and how to sustain the key findings
and partnerships built during the development and implementation of the project. It is estimated that
about 25 participants will attend the workshop.
Deliverables (brief description and month of delivery)
1. Complete and tested dissemination framework to guide out-scaling activities.
2. Lessons learning workshops held to inform project thrusts for the next year.
Research Proposal 30
3. Diverse communication products developed and used to communicate to various project
stakeholders.
5 Expected outcomes and impacts
5.1
Development impacts
5.1.1 Development impacts
1. Improved resilience and productivity of agricultural systems. The outcomes of our intervention
will in the long run improve overall farm and land productivity (greater returns to investments,
labour productivity and per unit outputs) in target areas of operation leading to more resilient
and robust agro-ecologies.
2. Improved food and nutrition security. Improvement in food and nutrition security in target
areas thus improving prospects for higher quality of life and in general improved livelihoods.
Project outputs will contribute to reduced food contamination by aflatoxin and improve access
to micronutrients and overall protein budget leading to healthier communities.
3. Improved household incomes. By adopting these legumes, farm households will expand their
scope for income generation through sales of farm produce. This will be used to support other
livelihood strategies of farm households.
4. Impacts on gender. In general women produce up to 80 % of basic food for household
consumption and sale in most areas of sub- Saharan Africa. Gender inequalities in access to
agricultural inputs disadvantage women. Additionally, women routinely have less access to
agricultural extension than their male counterparts. We will address these issues and others by
targeting interventions to women and other disadvantaged groups. Our aim is to improve access
to new knowledge and innovations/ technologies by women by at least 45% as a minimum
threshold in target areas. A gender analysis of the status quo will guide project R4D.
5. Environment sustainability. This project aims at reducing the negative consequences of poor
land use in agriculture. The project will address this via innovations that reduce soil erosion,
improve soil fertility management, and improve land use by the agro-pastoral communities
through promotion of local but robust pastures. This way the project will secure in the medium
to long term improved crop and animal productivity while minimizing the negative effects of
poor agricultural practices.
5.1.2 Intermediate development outcomes (IDOs)
These IDOs will be delivered within the medium term (3-5 years) strengthening R4D systems and laying
a foundation for sustainable intensification such as:
1. Research systems strengthened. This project involves a team of scientists drawn from
international and national agencies working with local development agencies to test a number
of sustainable productivity enhancing innovations. Through this approach, the capacity of Semiarid research organisations in Tanzania will be enhanced for undertaking R4D that sustainable
increased productivity of their very vulnerable communities.
2. Sustainable intensification innovations made available. The team will generate a number of
innovation packages tested and ready for up and out scaling to increase productivity of semiarid zones in Tanzania and or similar agro-ecologies.
Research Proposal 31
5.2
Research outputs and outcomes
5.2.1 Main research outputs
1. Capacity development of communities. We have engaged three graduate students but will
include others as the project develops. Farm households have in year one been taught seed
production but more will be trained in subsequent years. Farmers will also be trained on post
harvest management, aflatoxin and agronomy of legumes and cereals. We will also build
capacity of ARI Hombolo and Selian ARI in diagnostics for long-term management of aflatoxin.
2. R4D team engaged. In year 1, we established collaboration with DAICOs, and community
leaderships in Kongwa and Kiteto. We also established partnerships with relevant FtF projects
such as NAFAKA, Tuboreshe Chakula. We also engaged strategic partners such as Sokoine
University and Pasture Research Institute as well as University of Dodoma to support our R&D
efforts. We have also partnered with IITA Aflatoxin team operating in Babati. These partnerships
will continue in 2013-2016.
3. Knowledge generated and shared. This project is entering year 2 of implementation. We
generated data that has informed planning for further experimentation. This year we envisage
the drafting of at least 3 manuscripts at the end of the 2013-2014.
4. R4D capacity strengthened. In 2012-2013 season, we bought rain gauges for monitoring of
precipitation. Other equipment we plan to buy this year (2013-2014) includes ELISA readers,
centrifuges and other equipment for aflatoxin detection to be based at ARI- Hombolo. ARIHombolo as well as DAICO staff where trained in management of participatory variety selection
trials in year 1. In year 2, we will further train these staff and others in new techniques and R&D
approaches.
5.2.2 Research outcomes
i)
Outcome 1. Increased and stable crop productivity. Innovations that can increase crop and
stabilize yields of maize and dry land cereals by at least 50% for cereals and 40% for legumes in
semi-arid zones of Tanzania developed and promoted. This will lead to enhanced opportunities
to address food security, nutrition and poverty challenges. This outcome will contribute to the
programme objective 2 on integrated systems improvement.
ii) Outcome 2. Improved land productivity. This will mainly include greater returns to investments,
labour productivity and per unit outputs in target areas of operation leading to more resilient,
robust agro-ecologies and productive farming and crop systems of communities in semi-arid
zones of Tanzania. This outcome will contribute to the programme objective 2 and 3 on
integrated systems improvement and Scaling and delivery respectively.
6 Communication and Dissemination Strategies
6.1
Dissemination strategy
Using the tested communication study being conducted, we will develop a dissemination strategy
for various promising technologies and community contexts. The strategy will use a multi-pronged
approach including the use of formal interest groups- developmental groups and support groups. A
rural growth network model may be used especially where the beneficiaries could be organized
into certain type of groupings for collective action by the project. The grouping will be organized at
a more strategic level (Innovation platform) and at direct beneficiary level (farmer groups and or
associations.
Research Proposal 32
6.2
Communication strategy
A communication strategy developed, as part of project is being tested for efficacy. It is testing the
use of both traditional extension as well as electronic communication messages via especially radio.
This activity will be done with support of Africa RISING Communication Officer.
7 Monitoring and evaluations
The monitoring and evaluation strategy (M&E) will address issues of compliance, progress
monitoring and learning within the project and with other actors. The project theory of change has
been developed to guide M&E and learning processes (Appendix 1). Additionally the project log
frame will be used for compliance monitoring through the life of the project (Appendix 2).
Specifically, the M&E framework will assure, (i) Continued project relevance to outcomes, (ii)
Project quality by assessing adaptive competencies and resulting outcomes of performance, (iii)
Capacity building for better M&E and learning, (iv) Sustainability by reviewing project continuity
and impact logical flow pathways. The M&E strategy will include: (i) an overall results framework
that describes various levels of project results and processes from inputs to outcome level; (ii) the
M&E procedure for various components of the results framework such as indicators, tools and
approaches, data collection and sequencing (annual, mid-term and end of project reviews),
information management (iii) Data analysis and qualitative assessments; (iv) Team guidance and
mentoring. M&E will be performed by project management team or and IFPRI for evaluations.
Participatory M&E will form part of the knowledge management strategy of the project in which
partners will reflect on project execution and draw lessons for redesign and steering.
Research Proposal 33
8 Project Budget
Table 1. Summary Budget.
For details see detailed budget below in appendix 5.
Budget line
Cost line summaries
Cost USD
1. Research
Thematic 1
Technology packages for genetic intensification
93,600
Thematic area 2
Integrated crop management technologies
Thematic area 3
Aflatoxin mitigation for nutrition, safety & markets
46,000
Thematic area 4
Socio-economic intensification through Innovation Platforms
41,000
Project Management
Lesson learning and coordination
10,000
114,000
Total
304,600
2. Staffing costs
98,848
3. Travels
14,000
4. Overheads
1. ICRISAT
15%+ 5% pass through on ICRAF and ARI-Hombolo
36,967
2. ICRAF
15%
19,125
3. CIMMYT
15%
8,100
4. ARI- Hombolo
7%
3,360
Subtotal
67,552
Grand total
485,000
Table 2. Distribution of funds among partners and by project thrusts
Research,
Human
Institution
Total
coordination, travel
resource
ICRISAT
Overhead
Grand
total
%
Distribution
144,100
43,848
187,948
36,967
224,915
46
ICRAF
99,000
28,500
127,500
19,125
146,625
30
CIMMYT
36,500
17,500
54,000
8,100
62,100
13
ARI
Hombolo
39,000
9,000
48,000
3,360
51,360
11
318,600
98,848
Direct 15% & pass-through(5%) on ICRAF
and ARI-Hombolo.
417,448
67,552
485,000
100
187,948
36,967
224,915
Direct 15%
127,500
19,125
146,625
Direct 7%
48,000
3,360
51,360
Direct 15%
54,000
8,100
62,100
417,448
67,552
485,000
Totals
ICRISAT
ICRAF
ARI
Hombolo
CIMMYT
Research Proposal 34
9 Appendices
Appendix 1. Project Theory of Change
Development Impact
Outputs and ac vi es
Outcomes
Project level outcomes
Outcome 1
Sustainably Increased crop yields in maize-legume farming systems
by up to 50% for cereals and 40% for legumes.
Outcome 2
Improved land produc vity and agro-ecology robustness support
produc ve and sustainable agriculture
Precondi ons amongst in ac on site
Opportuni es for improved
access to innova ons support
intensifica on
Farmer organiza ons are
func onal & suppor ve of
the project
Exis ng land tenure systems
support farm to landscape
level interven ons
Government policy
remain suppor ve of R&D
investments in agriculture
Sphere of influ nce
Sphere of
interest
Smallholder farm households especially women and children move out of poverty, food and nutri onal
insecurity while maintaining and/or improving ecosystem stability and overall agricultural produc vity
Project outputs
Output 1
Produc vity increasing
cereal and legume varie es
tested & promoted.
Output 2
Farm produc vity and
conserva on technologies
evaluated and promoted
Output 3
Pasture and feed
stabiliza on innova ons
tested & promoted
Output 4
Nutri on, food safety and
u liza on innova ons tested
and promoted
Precondi ons among project partners
Novel & mul disciplinary available to
improve agricultural innova on
Strengthened M&E and
learning in place for team
R&D team mo vated to
work for project success
Team opera ons at
op mum levels
Sphere of ac on
Impacts
9.1
Research Proposal 35
9.2
Appendix 2. Logical frame work
Objectives-hierarchy
Provide pathways out of hunger and
poverty for small holder families
through sustainably intensified
farming systems that sufficiently
improve food, nutrition, and income
security, particularly for women and
children, and conserve or enhance the
natural resource base.
Objectively Verifiable Indicators
1. Agriculture value added per person
Means/Source of Verification
Important Assumptions
Programme and project monitoring
reports
Political stability
Programme ex-post evaluation report
Land tenure allows for interventions at
landscape level
5. Prevalence of underweight women.
National Poverty Monitoring Surveys
6. Yield per unit area of crop planted.
7. Incomes generated per household.
Famine Early Warning System monitoring
reports
National household expenditure surveys
The Government of Tanzania continues to
prioritize investments in Agriculture
8. Innovations adopted as packages or singly for increasing
productivity.
National population and health services
survey reports
Project outputs
ESA log frame outputs
OVIs
MOV
Objective 1: Testing and validation of
technology packages for genetic
intensification.
ESA level output 5Innovations that
increase resilience and
productivity of farming
systems deployed

% of farmers growing at least
one new variety or type of crop
in each intervention site by Sept.
2016
Programme M&E reports, project
reports, national reports of performance
of the agriculture sector for central
Tanzania.

Candidate maize hybrids that can
be used in the MLND disease
management identified for
release and deployment in in
target zones of influence in
Tanzania
2. Incomes of rural households disaggregated by sex and income
quintile
3. Prevalence of stunted children
4. Prevalence of wasted children
ESA level Output 8:
Innovations that
address emerging
agricultural production
challenges deployed
Objective 2: Testing and validation of
crop, soils technology packages for
ecological intensification
ESA level Output 6:
Crop-nutrition and
water efficient
innovations introduced,
evaluated and adapted
1.
2.
Adequate country ownership of Africa
RISING
Adoption rates for any innovation
(combinations of technologies and
management practices and knowledge) are
enhanced by targeting on-demand from
stakeholders and capacities of potential
adopters.
Acreage under new
ecologically and economically
sound practices per
intervention site by Sept. 2016
% of farmers using ecologically
and economically sound
livestock husbandry practices
Research Proposal 36
Objective 3. Integration of crops,
livestock and poultry for enhanced
productivity and resilience
ESA level output 5Innovations that
increase resilience and
productivity of farming
systems deployed
Objective 4. Improving nutrition, safety
and market competitiveness through
aflatoxin mitigation
ESA level output 7:
Innovations that
increase availability and
consumption of safe
and nutritious food
products deployed
where, by in target action sites
of Tanzania
3.
Inventory of improved land
and water conservation
practices used by farmers per
action site at the end of the
project phase
Integrated crop livestock innovations
increase production and / or improve
productivity by at least 25% in a
sustainable manner for targeted
households at the Africa RISING
research sites by December 2016.
% of farmers using new/improved
postharvest technologies to store
produce and reduce pest infestation
and losses in Tanzania by 2016
Inventory of mycotoxins mitigation
technologies used by farmers in
Tanzania by Sept. 2016
% of farmers growing QPM per
intervention site by Sept. 2016
Objective
5:
To
supporting
socioeconomic intensification through
innovation platforms.
ESA level output 4.R4D
and Innovation
platforms influencing
stakeholder practices
established
Wider adoption of innovations
identified and tested by the
programme’s outputs within the
Africa RISING action research sites
enhances livelihoods through
increased agricultural output 30-50%
yield increase), income diversity
(various legumes and cereals
livestock produced and sold),
reduced vulnerability to adverse
environmental and economic
challenges and improved nutrition
and welfare (improved child growth
indices); especially of young children
1.
The adoption of innovations that
lead to SI is affected by the sequence
in which the component
technologies, practices and
knowledge are integrated and
applied.
2.
Effective targeting of innovations
also reduces the negative impacts of
trade-offs between farm productivity
and environmental sustainability and
helps to identify potential “win-win”
options for SI.
Research Proposal 37
and mothers by December 2017.
The development community
initiates programmes, based on the
knowledge tools and innovations
developed and promoted by Africa
RISING, that are directed at
developmental goals that are
consistent with the Africa RISING
programme purpose.
5. A research approach based on targeting
and evaluating SI-related innovations, in
context, increases the relevance of findings
from action research sites and enhances
their scalability to similar strata elsewhere
(i.e. to similar development domains and
households typologies in other locations).
Milestones
Activity 1. Socio-economic and
Biophysical baseline studies
undertaken at Programme and Project
levels to characterise agro-ecologies,
farming systems and production
resources and households of target
ESA level output 2:
Farm households
characterized and
typologies in
intervention sites
determined
1.1 Baselines on the level and
sources of post harvest losses and
food safety contamination along
selected crop market/value chains by
end of by December 2013.
IFPRI programme wide baseline report,
Farming Systems Analysis Report at
Programme level, Kongwa- Kiteto
Project progress reports for the 20122013
Government budget and policy support for
agriculture remains supportive
Research Proposal 38
communities by December 2013.
ESA level output 1:
Intervention sites
identified at an
appropriate level, and
characterized.
1.2 Biophysical characterisation of
action sites to underpin R&D
interventions by December 2013.
Region remains political stable and safe to
conduct research with communities
1.3 Development domains of both
districts appropriately mapped to
guide location of the intervention
and the innovation platform by
December 2013.
1.4 Farming systems characterized to
guide development of intensification
approaches by December 2013.
Communities remain supportive of
development efforts and continue to
engage with development partners
1.5 Community and selected
commodity value chains analysis and
baselines completed by December
2013.
Activity 2. Evaluate and identify cereals
and legume varieties that meet farmer
and market needs through on-farm
and market participatory methods for
genetic intensification by December
2015
2.1 At least 10 varieties crop varieties
for cereals (maize, sorghum) and
legumes (groundnuts, pigeonpea and
Bambara nuts) evaluated on-farm in
both districts annually for first two
years of project life (2012-2015).
Kongwa-Kiteto-Project progress,
Partner annual reports for the 2012-2013
Other complementary development
agencies and partner continue to invest
and operate at appropriate levels that
support agriculture led growth of the
economies of target countries
2.2 At least two best adapted farmerpreferred groundnuts varieties
identified and validated for Kongwa
and Kiteto by December 2014.
Research publications from the project
and project annual and quarterly
progress reports
Communities remain receptive of new
innovations and engage with R&D teams in
innovation processes
2.3 At least two best adapted farmerpreferred pigeonpea varieties
identified and validated for Kongwa
and Kiteto by December 2014.
Agro-ecological and meteorological
conditions remain conducive for
appropriate testing.
2.4 At least two adapted farmerpreferred maize varieties identified
and validated for Kongwa and Kiteto
by December 2015.
National partners continue providing
adequate country ownership and support
for smooth implementation of Africa
RISING interventions.
Research Proposal 39
2.5 At least two adapted farmerpreferred sorghum varieties
identified and validated for Kongwa
and Kiteto by December 2015.
2.6 At least two adapted farmerpreferred Bambara nut varieties
identified and validated for Kongwa
and Kiteto by December 2015.
2.7 Adoption variables for targeted
technologies identified and tested by
Dec 2016
Activity 3. Evaluation of soil fertility
and water management options for
integrated soil erosion, fertility and
water management to support
ecological intensification
3.1 Experiments to test appropriate
application rates of N&P fertilizers
and cattle manure initiated and
validated by December 2015.
3.2 Testing of options for spatial
integration of legumes and cereals to
improve soil fertility and crops yields
initiated by December 2015.
3.3 Soil and water conservation
technologies tested in both districts
by December 2013.
3.4 Nutritional quality of indigenous
forage and pasture species
determined to guide the selection of
appropriate species for integrated
crop and pasture management
systems established by December
2013.
3.5 Validated options for integration
of promising technologies to develop
guidelines for inorganic fertilizer and
cattle manure application by farmers
completed by December 2015 for up
scaling purposes in subsequent years.
Kongwa Kiteto-Project progress,
Partner annual reports for the 2012-2013
Communities remain receptive of new
innovations and engage with R&D teams in
innovation processes.
Research publications from the project
and quarterly and annual progress
reports.
Research Proposal 40
Activity 4. Integrated livestock and
poultry management for productivity
enhancement
3.6 Validated options for spatial
integration of pigeonpea and maize
to improve soil fertility and crops
yields completed by December 2014.
Other legumes to be considered in
subsequent years based on IP
contexts.
3.7 Options for integration of soil and
water conservation technologies
validated for up-and out scaling by
December 2015.
3.8 Capacity of farmers in livestock
and poultry feeds management
strengthened to support farming
system integration and increased
productivity by December 2015.
3.9 Appropriate fodder trees and
shrubs and their crop/pasture
integration options for maize-based
farming systems identified and
validated by December 2015 for upscaling in subsequent years
3.10. Guidelines on appropriate
sources and use of P for maize and
pigeonpea production in targeted
sites evaluated and promoted for
scaling up and out by December
2015.
4.1. Quantity and quality of the
grazing land pasture resources
determined to guide research
targeting for improved management
completed by December 2013.
4.2 Local institutions and their roles
in grazing land management
documented to guide future
interventions for development of
appropriate community based
grazing systems by December 2014.
Agro-ecological and meteorological
conditions remain conducive for
appropriate testing
National partners continue providing
adequate country ownership and support
for smooth implementation of Africa Rising
interventions
Kongwa Kiteto-Project progress,
Partner annual reports for the 2012-2013
Research publications from the project
Agro-ecological and meteorological
conditions remain conducive for
appropriate testing
Communities remain receptive of new
innovations and engage with R&D teams in
innovation processes
Research Proposal 41
Activity 5. Improve food and nutrition
for home and market needs
4.3 A costed framework for up
scaling evaluated technologies
generated and used to guide up-and
out scaling efforts in subsequent
years completed by December 2015.
4.4 Option for improving free-range
poultry production tested and
validated by December 2014 for up
and out scaling in subsequent years.
5.1. Aflatoxin prevalence in selected
cereal and legume value chains
mapped to guide interventions by
October 2014.
5.2 Effect of weather changes on
Aspergillus populations and aflatoxin
contamination in targeted crops
documented for 2 seasons (20132014 and 2014-2015 to guide design
of management options in
subsequent years.
5.3
Farmer organisations and institutions are
functional and committed to the project
action
Kongwa Kiteto-Project progress,
Partner annual reports for the 2012-2013
and subsequent years
Farmer organisations and institutions are
functional and committed to the project
actions
5.5 A gender based analysis of
agricultural enterprise in at least two
villages of each district to inform
gender based implementation
nutrition and food security
conducted.
5.6 Approaches to mitigate food
losses, and aflatoxin contamination
at households tested and validated
for scaling up and out in subsequent
years by December 2014.
Research Proposal 42
5.7 Aflatoxin hot spots area mapped
for targeted intervention by
December 2014.
Research publications from the project
5.8 50-80 new farm families in study
sites engaged annually in nutrition
and food safety drives.
National partners continue providing
adequate country ownership and support
for smooth implementation of Africa Rising
interventions
Communities remain receptive of new
innovations and engage with R&D teams in
innovation processes
5.9 Appropriate legume/cereal
complementary feeding strategies for
child and maternal health tested and
up scaling by December 2014.
6.0 Appropriate legume processing
technologies for household levels
tested and validated for promotion
by December 2014 for up scaling in
subsequent years.
5.9 At least 10 key farmer leaders per
village of target districts trained on
post-harvest management of grain to
minimize aflatoxin contamination.
5.10 A network of partners to
support aflatoxin mitigation efforts in
the two regions engaged by
December 2014.
5.11 Critical partners trained
(NAFAKA, Tuboreshe Chakula and ARI
Hombolo staff) on aflatoxin
management and detection by
December 2014.
5.12 Resident capacity developed in
Tanzania at ARI Hombolo and Selian
Research Institute to detect aflatoxin
in various crops by December 2015.
Activity 6. Innovation Platforms
created in target districts for
Commodity and nutrition
intensification activities by December
6.1 Intervention points for R4D and
other support interventions for
targeted legume, cereal and livestock
value chains identified
Kongwa Kiteto-Project progress,
Partner annual reports for the 2012-2013
Communities remain supportive of
development efforts and continue to
engage with development partners
Research Proposal 43
2014 and used in subsequent years of
the project to support socio-economic
intensification
6.2 Innovative community learning
and action research based systems
initiated for testing and evaluation of
various technologies in Kongwa and
Kiteto by December 2014 and used in
subsequent years.
6.3 Results from year 1 and 2 and
two shared with IP members By
October 2014 and the learning points
at IP level used to redesign year 3 of
research (2015).
Research publications from the project
Government budget and policy support for
agriculture remains supportive
National partners continue providing
adequate country ownership and support
for smooth implementation of Africa Rising
interventions
Research Proposal 44
9.3
Appendix 2. Feed the Future indicator projection matrix for 2014-2015
Level of Indicator
Sub-Intermediate Result 1.1:
Enhanced Human and Institutional
Capacity Development for Increased
Sustainable Agriculture Sector
Productivity
Sub-Intermediate Result 1.2:
Enhanced Technology Development,
Dissemination, Management, and
Innovation
Intermediate results Result 6:
Improved Access to Diverse and
Quality Foods
Indicator name
Number of farmers and others who
have applied improved technologies
or management practices as a result
of USG assistance
FtF indicator number
4.5.2-5
2014-2015 projections
200-300
Number of individuals who have
received USG supported short-term
agricultural sector productivity or
food security training
Number of members of producer
organizations and community based
organizations receiving USG
assistance
Number of hectares under improved
technologies or management
practices as a result of USG
assistance
Number of new technologies or
management practices in one of the
following phases of development:
...in Phase I: under research as a
result of USG assistance
...in Phase II: under field testing as a
result of USG assistance
...in Phase III: made available for
transfer as a result of USG assistance
Women’s Dietary Diversity: Mean
number of food groups consumed by
women of reproductive age
4.5.2-7
100
4.5.2-27
10
4.5.2-2
20-30
4.5.2-39
4
5
3
3.1.9.1-2
3
Research Proposal 45
9.4
Appendix 4. Detailed budget broken down by thematic areas and activities
Budget Research Activities
Thematic area
Summary of activities
Thematic area 1
Technology packages for genetic intensification
Task 1 Genotype x environment x management studies
Task 1.1.1 Mono culture experiments
Task 1.1.2 Mixed cropping trials
Task 2. Validation of new cereal experiments
Task 1.2.1 Maize MLN
Task 1.2.2 Maize DTMA
Task 1.2.3 Maize QPM
Task 1.2.4 Sorghum and pearl millet
Budgeted Cost
(USD)
9,000
9,100
10,000
11,500
13,000
12,000
Task 3 Validation of new legumes
Task 1.3.1 Pigeonpea
9,000
Task 1.3.2 Bambara nuts
8,000
Task 1.3.3 Groundnuts
12,000
Subtotal
Thematic area 2
93,600
Integrated crop management technologies for semi-arid zones
of Tanzania
Task 2.1 Micro-dosing to enhance efficiency and yield
12,000
Task 2.2 Spatial integration of pigeonpea in maize-based systems
12,000
Task 2.3 Double-legume for forage crop integration
8,000
Integrated rangeland and crop productivity enhancement
Task 2.4 Shelterbelt, boundary tree and fodder bank planting
8,000
Task 2.5 Sustainable tree seeds and seedlings supply system.
8,000
Integrated crop and land management technologies
Task 2.6 Fast tracking technology adoption and integration
10,000
Task 2.6.1 Erosion control (Physical barriers)
12,000
Task 2.6.2 Assessing the efficiency of physical barriers
Task 2.6.3 Popularization of In situ water harvesting
7,000
Livestock crop integration
Task 2.7 Improving poultry genetics and feeding
12,000
Task 2.8 Feeding trials (legumes on ruminants)
12,000
Task 2.9 Role of local institutions in grazing land management
Subtotal
Thematic area 3
8,000
5,000
114,000
Aflatoxin mitigation for nutrition, safety & markets
Task 3.1 Aflatoxin contamination in sunflower cake
12,000
Task 3.2 Aflatoxin mitigation studies
12,000
Task 3.3 Improving nutrition
Subtotal
Task 3.3.1 Improving protein consumption
10,000
Task 3.3.3 Improving child growth
12,000
46,000
Research Proposal 46
Thematic area 4
Socio-economic intensification through innovation platforms
Task 4.1 Harnessing innovation platforms
Task 4.1.1 Strengthening productivity of selected value chains
10,000
Task 4.1.2 Strengthening nutrition and food safety
12,000
Task 4.2 Appraising promising technologies
11,000
Task 4.3. Predicting and monitoring adoption
8,000
Subtotal
41,000
Project Coordination
Lesson learning and coordination
Task 5.1 Communication
2,000
Task 5.2 Networking and coordination
4,000
Task 5.3 Lesson learning
4,000
Subtotal
10,000
Grand sub-total
304,600
Total Research
Activities
304,600
2. Personnel Costs
2.1 Senior scientists
Staff-Time
Coordinator
Coordination
18,000
Staff-Time ICRISAT
Research activities
13,500
Staff-Time CIMMYT
Research Activities
13,500
Staff-Time ICRAF
Research Activities
13,500
Staff Time UDOM
Research Activities
9,000
Partner ARIHombolo
Research Activities
9,000
Subtotal (A)
76,500
2.2 Support staff
Field Research
Officer
5,000
Research Assistants
Theme 1 & 3
1
4,000
Theme 2
2
6,000
Theme 4
1
4,000
Driver
1
3,348
Subtotal (B)
22,348
Total Personnel
98,848
Research Proposal 47
3 Travels
3.2 Travel regional
4,000
3.3 Travel
International
3.3.1 ICRISAT
3,000
3.3.2 ICRAF
3,000
3.3.3 CIMMYT
2,000
3.3.4 Ari Hombolo
2,000
Subtotal
14,000
4. Overheads
ICRISAT
15%+5% pass through on ICRAF and ARI-Hombolo
36,967
ICRAF
15%
19,125
CIMMYT
15%
8,100
7%
3,360
ARI- Hombolo
Subtotal
Grand total
67,552
485,000
Research Proposal 48