Farmer-to-farmer diffusion

Wider diffusion of sustainable soil management technologies through a demand responsive farmer-to-farmer diffusion approach

The Sustainable Soil Management Programme (SSMP) is spreading knowledge about sustainable soil management technologies through farmer organisations and government and non-government partners. These collaborating institutions are working closely with lead farmers in training and technology testing. These farmers in turn work in close collaboration with their local groups. Although this approach is successfully diffusing new technologies from lead to group farmers, and on to nearby farmers, it remains a big challenge to diffuse the technologies further to the wider community.

Problem

The Nepal government’s agricultural extension system was widely dysfunctional during the recent conflict (1996-2006).

Many agricultural service centres were disbanded and were therefore unable to provide essential services to local farmers.

Many farmers, especially in the remoter areas, had nowhere to turn for technical help with their agronomic problems, often resulting in lower yields and less income.

Objectives

• Provide agricultural extension services with a particular focus on sustainable soil management
• Builds up an extension system that is functional outside of central government structures
• Sustainable learning from local farmer to local farmer
• Cost effective service delivery

dark green: previous working districts;
light green: districts in 2007

WOCAT database reference: QA NEP1

Location: Nepal

Land use: Cropland

Climate: Humid subtropical

Related technology: Improved cattle shed for urine collection (QT NEP1); Legume integration (QT NEP3); Organic pest management (QT NEP4); Improved compost preparation (QT NEP7), Better quality farmyard manure through improved decomposition (QT NEP8)’ Improved farmyard manure through sunlight, rain and runoff protection (QT NEP9)’ Cultivation of fodder and grasses (QT NEP23); Urine application through drip irrigation for bitter gourd production (QT NEP24)

Target goups: Land users

Compiled by: SSMP

Date: May 2007

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