RFCO Smart Farming Practices
RFCO Smart Farming Practices
Smart farming practices enhance resilience in arid regions.
We integrate innovative techniques for sustainable agriculture.
Program Details
Addressing climate challenges through diverse, innovative farming practices.
- Promote drought-tolerant and early-maturing crops (sorghum, millet, green grams, pigeon peas, cowpeas, cassava, sweet potatoes).
- Implement rainwater harvesting (water pans, sand dams, roof catchment systems) and efficient irrigation.
- Use organic soil fertility management, agroforestry, and minimal tillage.
- Promote drought-tolerant livestock breeds and sustainable feed practices.
These practices ensure productivity and resilience in ASALs.
Climate-Smart Crop Production
Promote drought-tolerant and early-maturing crops (sorghum, millet, green grams, pigeon peas, cowpeas, cassava, sweet potatoes). Introduce improved seed varieties adapted to ASALs. Use crop rotation and intercropping (e.g., cereals with legumes) to improve soil fertility and reduce pests.
Water-Smart Farming
Rainwater harvesting (water pans, sand dams, roof catchment systems). Efficient irrigation systems – drip irrigation, solar pumps, bucket irrigation. Soil moisture conservation – mulching, zai pits, tied ridges, contour farming. Greywater recycling for small-scale kitchen gardens.
Soil-Smart Practices
Organic soil fertility management – composting, farmyard manure, green manure. Agroforestry – integrating drought-tolerant trees (Moringa, Melia Neem, mangoes) with crops. Minimal tillage & conservation agriculture to reduce soil erosion. Biochar application to improve soil water retention.
Livestock-Smart Management
Promote drought-tolerant livestock breeds (Galla goats, Red Maasai sheep, indigenous chicken). Zero-grazing and controlled grazing to avoid land degradation. Use of crop residues and by-products as livestock feed.
Energy-Smart Farming
Use of biogas from livestock waste for cooking and energy. Fuel-efficient stoves to reduce deforestation.
Market-Smart Farming
Link farmers to digital platforms for selling produce. Establish farmer cooperatives for better bargaining power. Train farmers on value addition (honey processing, sorghum flour, dairy products). Promote contract farming with buyers to guarantee markets.
Knowledge-Smart Farming
Farmer Field Schools (FFS) for peer-to-peer learning. Use of mobile apps, SMS alerts, and radio programs for extension services. Training on climate-smart practices and record keeping. Encourage youth to adopt ICT in agriculture (precision farming, drones, weather forecasting apps).
Resilience and Risk Management
Community grain reserves and food banks to cushion against drought. Promote index-based weather insurance for crops and livestock. Train farmers on early warning systems for climate risks. Encourage diversification into beekeeping, poultry, aloe vera, gum arabic, and handicrafts.
