ICT4Agroecology part I: outcomes for cassava production system

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study discusses the results of a 5-year Agroecology Research and Advocacy project at three Tanzanian field sites in different agroecological zones. We investigated four common agroecological practices: compost application, mulching, intercropping, and biological pest control either alone or in combination. Two custom-built ICT tools – AgroEco Research (AER) and AgroEco Analysis (AEA) application – supported the field research. AER and AEA integration allowed secure data storage and real-time automated visualization and statistical analyses without programming. At no field station did legume intercropping or biological pest control increase cassava yields. The Chambezi field station had the highest yields even under untreated control conditions and only here, soil fertility amendments further increased root weights. Intercropping with cowpea legumes, alone or in combination with other practices, had no significant effect on cassava plant size or survival at the Mumbaka and Vianzi field sites and even negatively affected one or both parameters. Organic pest control had no effect on any target variable, except for plant size at Chambezi. Therefore, labor-intensive and expensive pest control practices may not be worth the investment at least when virus-resistant cassava varieties like Kiroba are used.