Risk management for maize farmers in drought-prone areas of Southern Africa

Abstract

This publication describes presentations, discussions, and outcomes of a stakeholders' meeting to develop objectives, and a work plan for a project on risk management in maize-based farming systems in Southern Africa, considered among the most marginal and precarious in the world. Topics covered include soil fertility research and management options; farmer participatory research and technology testing and dissemination approaches; indigenous risk management strategies; and use of crop models. A final chapter reports outcomes of project discussion groups, which among other things recognize the challenge and reiterate the imperative to combine modeling and participatory research, if relevant options are to be offered for high-risk areas.