Conservation Tillage Systems and Water Productivity - Implications for Smallholder Farmers in Semi-Arid Ethiopia

This doctoral work describes the unique problems faced by smallholder farmers in semi arid regions of Ethiopia. It is the result of years of on-farm research that involved farmers and incorporated their indigenous knowledge to develop appropriate tillage systems and implements. It describes tillage implements that were developed as modifications of or attachments to the traditional tillage implement, which is simple, light and inexpensive. The book shows how simple and low cost technologies can conserve soil and water leading to tremendous increase in crop yields. Recommendations for larger scale popularization of proven technologies and future areas of research are given.