TIPOLOGI RUMAH TANGGA TANI SEBAGAI TITIK MASUK PERTANIAN KONSERVASI: STUDI KASUS DI SEMI-RINGKAI TANZANIA
Abstract: Crop production in
the semi-arid is limited by water shortage and less fertile soil. Conservation
agriculture which is based on the principle of minimum tillage, permanent soil
cover, and crop diversification has been introduced to Tanzanian local farmers
for combating soil degradation and elevating food production. This study sought
to explore the feasible entry point for integrating conservation agriculture
into the local farms. This goal was achieved by recognizing the local farming
system, identifying farm typology, and analyzing the circumstance and needs of
different farm types. This study showed that conservation agriculture actually
had potentials to reach different farm types. Nonetheless, the practical
activities must satisfy the characteristics of each farm. While some farmers
perceived hand-hoeing as the most feasible act others were fond of the use of
animal-based minimum tillage equipment. Farmers rearing livestock found it
difficult to leave crops residue to cover the soil while others were barely
constrained. All farmers encountered one similar issue in practicing
conservation agriculture: low biomass production to meet the demand of soil
cover. Dealing and working with these circumstance and needs of different farm
types are then essential in designing the locally appropriate conservation agriculture
practices.
Penulis: Dina Banjarnahor
Kode Jurnal: jppertaniandd160059