Improved yields in demonstration plots build farmers’ trust in AKILIMO tools

AKILIMO
tools' performance in cassava cultivation has facilitated its widening acceptance and increased farmer adoption of this technology. Thanks to the African Cassava agronomy Initiative (ACAI) project for developing and spreading this technology country-wide, the tools are helping many cassava growers to adhere to good agricultural practices (GAP). Through that, cassava harvests at the Kitumbi Demonstration Plot in the Handeni district have been plentiful.

Despite the insufficient rain during the last planting season, this demonstration plot produced a larger yield of six tons per acre. Farmers attributed this achievement to the efficient use of AKILIMO tools.

AKILIMO offers a suite of tools and materials for cassava growers, extension workers, and organizations that promote improved cassava cultivation practices.

According to Scaling Promoter Augustine Deogratias, the experience from the past shows that farmers in Kitumbi applied poor farming methods. For instance, they were not considering using improved cassava seeds, which led to a poor harvest, often below four tons per acre.

"With this year's drought, if farmers did not recognize the benefits of using AKILIMO, the yield on this plot would not have reached even one ton per acre," Augustine said.

Kitumbi demonstration plot was established by scaling AKILIMO project to demonstrate FR and Weed Management use cases of AKILIMO to help farmers achieve profitable production. The farmers participated practically in the entire cultivating process, including selecting the site, hiring the tractor to plow and put ridges, applying fertilizers, applying pre-emergence herbicide, and harvesting.

The farmers are so happy with the yields they have obtained while also believing that the practical uses of AKILIMO tools will open more opportunities for them to increase production and increase their income. Farmers assure continued use of this technology based on the training they have received promise they will create awareness to their fellow farmers on the benefits of this technology in enhancing cassava yields.

ACAI is a 5-year project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in five African countries-Nigeria, Tanzania, DRC, Ghana, and Kenya. The project aims to increase the availability of appropriate and affordable technologies to sustainably improve short and long-term agricultural productivity in cassava in the target countries.