Low External Input Technologies for Livelihood Improvement in Subsistence Agriculture

Abstract

Publisher Summary Technologies using low levels of external inputs readily available either on-farm or from nearby off-farm sources are seen by some experts as more appropriate and sustainable to address the demand for food in the next 50 years by improving the productivity of subsistence farmers. This approach, often referred to as low external input agriculture (LEIA), emphasizes the use of techniques that integrate natural processes such as nutrient cycling, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), soil regeneration, and natural enemies of pests into food production processes. Efforts are also made to minimize losses from the system, such as by leaching or removal of crop residues. The use of non-renewable inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers that can damage the environment or harm the health of farmers and consumers is also minimized, and more emphasis is placed on the use of such techniques as, for example, intercropping, agroforestry, cover crops, or animal manure. This chapter analyzes the biophysical and socioeconomic characteristics of a number of LEIA techniques that have been evaluated as potential improvements to subsistence agricultural systems. These techniques include intercropping, alley cropping, cover crops and green manures, biomass transfer, compost, use of animal manure, and improved and enriched fallows.