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Learning about no-till methods through farmer-to-farmer dissemination

Type: Approaches

Creation: 2015-08-20 00:00   Updated: 2017-07-09 18:00

Compilers: Shreedip Sigdel

Reviewers: Fabian Ottiger

Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied
  • Country: Nepal
  • Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Gadariya VDC, Kailali District

Description of the SLM Approach

Short description of the Approach

Farmer to farmer dissemination of information on no-till methods for garlic cultivation technology

Detailed description of the Approach

Aims / objectives: Farmers can learn about alternative or newer methods by sharing their experiences with one another. In this approach, farmers shared information and knowledge on no-till garlic cultivation technology.

Methods: Since no-till methods are not widely known in the area, the approach aimed to increase awareness of the many features of the technique and its benefits. Through farmer-to-farmer dissemination, communities can learn about the various aspects of no-till for crop residue management, resource use, and how it can reduce labour costs. These discussions highlight the environmental and social benefits of no-till methods especially with respect to moisture retention, soil and water conservation, and climate change adaptation.
In 2009, Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research, and Development (LI-BIRD), piloted and validated no-till farming in Nepal as a measure for soil and water conservation through the Western Terai Landscape Complex Project (WTLCP) and the Promoting Local Innovation (PROLINNOVA) programme. The dissemination was multi-faceted and the farmers remained engaged throughout the discussions, which included both talks and group participation. Farmers’ groups, community-based organizations, biodiversity conservation groups, and development committees at the village level were given training and technical inputs. This community-level interaction encouraged farmers to discuss with one another as well as to head out to the field for demonstrations and observations. After no-till garlic cultivation was successfully piloted, it was widely adopted by farming communities and especially the indigenous Tharu communities of western Nepal.

Photos of the Approach

Image Villagers gather for a focus group discussion on no-till garlic cultivation; it is not unusual that a majority of the participants are women
Villagers gather for a focus group discussion on no-till garlic cultivation; it is not unusual that a majority of the participants are women
  • 📷 Krishna Lamsal
Image Villagers often continue their discussions in smaller groups throughout the day.
Villagers often continue their discussions in smaller groups throughout the day.
  • 📷 Krishna Lamsal
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