Farmer-led research for sustainable agroecological Transformation for Sunflower and Leguminous Value Chain

Abstract

This research explores farmer-led initiatives aimed at transforming the agroecological practices within the sunflower and leguminous crop value chains in the Arusha region of Tanzania. The main objective was to enhance the livelihoods of sunflower and leguminous crop farmers, particularly women and youth, through innovative agroecological practices for sustainable food systems. Specifically, to, (1) develop effective agro ecological techniques to enhance soil fertility and control diseases and pests in sunflower and leguminous crops; (2) promote gender equality within these value chains; (3) improve post-harvest handling practices; and (4) identify productive and oil-rich sunflower varieties and the best leguminous crops to improve soil fertility and crop production. Farmers-led researchers used experimental trials to research the effectiveness and efficacy of sunflower and legume intercropping, the use of organic fertilizers (farm yard manure), the efficacy of integrating sunflower, organic fertilizers, and legumes, the use of natural herbs and local practices to control pests, diseases, and post-harvest losses and the use of Indigenous practices/ knowledge and also tested the Indigenous varieties/practices and improved varieties/practices. Each farmer-led researcher had a set of 8 treatments which were replicated to different farmers to ease farmers' experimentation and evaluation. The farmers' researchers further, used qualitative research tools such as agricultural innovation platforms, policy forums and advocacy, and gender-transforming approaches. Famers found that local sunflower varieties had poor germination rates compared to improved ones, some exhibited higher oil content and early maturity. Improved varieties yielded more but were more susceptible to bird infestation and favored by children for chewing. Farmyard manure treatments showed rapid positive effects on yield and plant vigor, and processing local varieties was relatively easier. Further, the farmers-led researchers through innovation platforms were able to identify the problems along the value chain and identify innovative solutions through the engagement of different actors along the value chain. Again, through the policy forums, they were able to convince the policy to make changes and include in the research on the local landraces and community seed bank that TARI was instructed to research. Furthermore, through gender transformative approaches some norms were changed such as the participation of Maasai women in agricultural activities. Women were observed to be more proactive than men as it was observed that the plot that were managed by women farmer led researchers had higher yields compared to those that were managed by men farmer led researchers This study underscores the potential of farmer-led research in driving sustainable agricultural transformations and highlights the importance of integrating gender equality in agroecological practices. Therefore, to enhance a quick change in the production system and improve the faster adoption of agroecological practices, the farmers' experimentation will foster the processes.