Reviving the Land for a Brighter Future in the Dazi Community!

We are excited to share a project in the Dazi community that exemplifies how collaboration and sustainable practices can revitalise precious ecosystems.

Two years ago, the Dazi community faced a critical environmental threat of excessive river siltation which was endangering an iconic river system, a vital natural resource for the community. Investigations by Cicada's Small Scale Farming program revealed that poor agronomic practices, particularly growing potatoes on ridges up and down slopes, had resulted in extensive topsoil erosion in to the river.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, we partnered with the Dazi community to launch a Conservation Farming program. This pilot program, initially involving 30 farmers, focused on educating them on sustainable practices. At the heart of the program was a focus on education and empowerment. The program went beyond simply teaching techniques. We emphasized the importance of:

• Mulching: Protecting the soil surface and retaining moisture.
• Timely and Precise Practices: Minimising wasted resources and maximising efficiency.
• Sustainable Stewardship: Fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for the land.

Empowering farmers through knowledge and encouraging them to view themselves as stewards of the land were crucial aspects of the program's success. Additionally, practical skills like contour mapping and planting along contours were taught, while the use of living hedges with indigenous Lovegrass was encouraged.

We are proud to say that the adoption rate of these practices has been phenomenal, and the positive impact on the land is undeniable. We owe this success to the commitment and dedication of the Dazi community.

Encouraged by the results of this pilot program, Cicada will be expanding the program to reach 200 farmers in the 2024/25 agricultural season. This expansion will further solidify the positive environmental and economic changes taking place in the Dazi community.

Cicada's Conservation Farming program in Dazi serves as a powerful example of how reviving lands can create a brighter future. By combining education, collaboration, and empowering practices, we can ensure the sustainability of our agricultural ecosystems for generations to come.

#RevivingLands #GrowingBetter #ConservationFarming #EmpoweringFarmers #SustainableAgriculture #CicadaAfrica