ISFM Adaptation Trials: Farmer-to Farmer Facilitation, Farmer-Led Data Collection, Technology Learning and Uptake

Abstract

Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) aims to increase crop yields while conserving natural resources. Participatory research approaches are designed to address challenges in uptake of these knowledge-intensive technologies. ISFM adaptation trials have been developed to evaluate technologies across a wide range of agroecological and socioeconomic environments, while enabling resource-extensive, large-scale participation through farmer-to-farmer facilitation. A study of 144 ISFM adaptation trials in South Kivu, DR Congo was conducted from June to July 2011 and consisted of questionnaire interviews, field evaluation, farmer-collected data analysis, and in-depth interviews. This study aimed to (a) document the farmer-to-farmer facilitation approach, (b) assess the success of farmer-led data collection, and (c) evaluate farmers’ learning and subsequent technology uptake. The farmer-to-farmer facilitation system ensured a high percentage of trained assistance to farmers: during trial installation, 87 % of farmers were helped either by farmer technical advisors, facilitators, or agronomists, whereas this percentage was 47–58 % during agronomic operations throughout the season. This facilitation system decreased project costs while increasing participant numbers, thus lifting participatory research above a small scale. The farmer-led data collection was successful in terms of uniform trial establishment and yield measurements: 76–90 % of adaptation trials were installed correctly in terms of manure and mineral fertilizer application and crop arrangement. A total of 82–85 % of farmer field books were returned after the growing season, and missing crop yield data was low in 91–93 % of all field books, although this percentage was less favorable for the participatory evaluation section. Farmers’ learning was medium to high among 79–89 % farmers with regard to sowing in line, mineral fertilizer application, improved seeds, and crop arrangement. However, technology uptake was more variable, with 53–85 % of farmers partially or fully taking up improved varieties, crop arrangements, and second legume planting, while only 27 % said they continued with mineral fertilizer application. Future research should develop a data quality assessment method of farmer-collected data, which would improve reliable statistical analysis. Further, the effect of intensity and quality of farmer-to-farmer facilitation on data collection and quality and farmers’ learning and technology uptake is not yet well understood.