Conservation Agriculture

Rainfed subsistence agriculture coupled with livestock rearing dominates land use in the CORB, with maize and millet being the major crops produced. Crop productivity seem to increase along the riverine areas, as a result of access to fertile soils and moisture maintained by seasonal flooding. Varying seasonal rainfalls, periodic droughts, poor land tillage practices coupled with poor soil management, low organic matter retention, limited access to improved farming inputs and Extension Services are some of the factors negatively affecting crop productivity.

OKACOM, the Ministry of Agriculture (Angola), Associação de Conservação do Ambiente e Desenvolvimento Integrado Rural Angola (ACADIR) and other partners are implementing the Conservation Agriculture Demonstration project in Ndamundamu and Kafulo communities, in the Calai administration area of Angola. This demonstration project forms part of Community-based climate change adaptation measures that are demonstrated to improve food security and resilience through application of alternative/conservation agricultural practices. Specifically, OKACOM and its national partners are training local farmers in Conservation Agriculture practices and supporting the establishment of climate-smart agriculture infrastructures (small scale irrigation systems) to promote alternative livelihoods for diversified livelihoods. Target farmers are also capacitated on aspects of horticulture linked to harnessing the benefits of supply chains related to existing formal markets.