Farmer experimentation to assess the potential of legumes in maize-based cropping systems in Malawi

Abstract

The AusAID/ACIAR/CIMMYT Risk Management Project develops resource-conserving farming methods in collaboration with smallholder farmers, combining use of crop simulation modeling and farmer participatory research (FPR). On-farm trials involving 32 farmers were conducted to assess the potential of legumes (mucuna, pigeon pea, tephrosia, and groundnuts) in maize-based cropping systems in Chisepo, central Malawi, 1998-2000. Five treatments were tested: mucuna grown in rotation with maize; pigeon pea and groundnuts intercropped in the first season and followed by maize in the second; pigeon pea continuously intercropped with maize; and tephrosia also continuously intercropped with maize. The response of maize to residual nitrogen from the legumes was observed in all treatments The maize-mucuna rotation produced the highest increase (over 100%) in maize yields, but would be difficult to practice where land is short.The mucuna-maize rotation was the most beneficial for improving soil fertility, followed by the groundnut/pigeon pea intercrop. Female farmers preferred pigeon pea systems for the food security they offer. Two years after the study, groundnuts and pigeon pea have been integrated into farming systems by farmers other than the original 22 participants. Seed availability, damage by animals, and labor shortages have constrained total adoption.