Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
study in Zambia showed that labor use was 148, 70, and 63 person-days ha
−1
for
basins, plowing, and ripping (FAO 2011). The gross margin for the four tillage sys-
tems was 2212, 34, −270, and 503 Zambian kwachas ha
−1
for planting basins, hoe
tillage, plowing, and ripping, respectively (Umar et al. 2012). The gross margin was
highest in the basin systems because of the higher yield. This more than compensated
for the higher labor demand of the basin system. The negative gross margin found
for the plowing system illustrated that this system cannot pay a regular salary for the
work that goes into this tillage method. Studies in Zimbabwe have shown that the
gross margin in planting basins and ripping is higher than in plowing (Figure 10.3)
(Mazvimavi 2011).
In Malawi, it has been found that a CA system consisting of using a wooden
stick (Figure 10.4) and herbicide application has a labor demand of 47 days ha
−1
as
FIGURE 10.3
Ripping with oxen in Zambia.
FIGURE 10.4
Using the dipple stick to make planting holes in a mulched plot in Malawi.
