Dissemination of Conservation Agriculture
A national research-development initiative
Between 2003 and 2009, a national research-development initiative has been active in the two study regions: the National Agro-Ecology Programme (PRONAE). This programme was involved into:
Prototyping and experimenting DMC systems on controlled plots
Establishing networks of DMC demonstration plots
Promoting and supporting the establishment of Conservation Agriculture farmer groups
Providing technical support to farmers and extension agencies
Contrasted efforts towards dissemination
Dissemination efforts have been particularly important in Sayaboury Province where PRONAE was complemented by a 4-year initiative on agricultural extension and rural infrastructure development. In 2008, this initiative had led to the establishment of 44 Conservation Agriculture farmer groups and 28 hectares of demonstration in Sayaboury, whereas only 11 farmer groups were set up in Xieng Khouang Province.
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