Skip to main content

Micro-dosing as a pathway to Africa’s Green Revolution: evidence from broad-scale on-farm trials

Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems volume 88, pages 3–15 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Next to drought, poor soil fertility is the single biggest cause of hunger in Africa. ICRISAT-Zimbabwe has been working for the past 10 years to encourage small-scale farmers to increase inorganic fertiliser use as the first step towards Africa’s own Green Revolution. The program of work is founded on promoting small quantities of inorganic nitrogen (N) fertiliser (micro-dosing) in drought-prone cropping regions. Results from initial on-farm trials showed that smallholder farmers could increase their yields by 30–100% through application of micro doses, as little as 10 kg Nitrogen ha−1. The question remained whether these results could be replicated across much larger numbers of farmers. Wide scale testing of the micro-dosing (17 kg Nitrogen ha−1) concept was initiated in 2003/2004, across multiple locations in southern Zimbabwe through relief and recovery programs. Each year more than 160,000 low resourced households received at least 25 kg of nitrogen fertiliser and a simple flyer in the vernacular explaining how to apply the fertiliser to a cereal crop. This distribution was accompanied by a series of simple paired plot demonstration with or without fertiliser, hosted by farmers selected by the community, where trainings were carried out and detailed labour and crop records were kept. Over a 3 year period more than 2,000 paired-plot trials were established and quality data collected from more than 1,200. In addition, experimentation to derive N response curves of maize (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) in these environments under farmer management was conducted. The results consistently showed that micro-dosing (17 kg Nitrogen ha−1) with nitrogen fertiliser can increase grain yields by 30–50% across a broad spectrum of soil, farmer management and seasonal climate conditions. In order for a household to make a profit, farmers needed to obtain between 4 and 7 kg of grain for every kg of N applied depending on season. In fact farmers commonly obtained 15–45 kg of grain per kg of N input. The result provides strong evidence that lack of N, rather than lack of rainfall, is the primary constraint to cereal crop yields and that micro-dosing has the potential for broad-scale impact on improving food security in these drought prone regions.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

References

  • Ahmed MM, Rohrbach DD, Gono LT, Mazhangara EP, Mugwira L, Masendeke DD et al (1997) Soil fertility management in communal areas of Zimbabwe: current practices, constraints and opportunities for change. ICRISAT Southern and Eastern Africa Region Working Paper No. 6.ICRISAT. Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

  • Benson T (1998) Developing flexible fertiliser recommendations for smallholder maize production in Malawi. In: Waddington SR, Murwira HK, Kumwenda J, Hikwa D, Tagwira F (eds) Soil fertility research for maize-based farming systems in Malawi and Zimbabwe…. The Soil Fertility Network for Maize Based Cropping Systems in Malawi and Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe, pp 237–244

    Google Scholar 

  • Carberry P, Gladwin C, Twomlow S (2004) Linking simulation modeling to participatory research in smallholder farming systems. In: Delve R, Probert M (eds) Modeling nutrient management in tropical cropping systems. ACIAR Proceedings no. 114. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, pp 32–46

  • Delve R, Probert M (eds) (2004) Modeling nutrient management in tropical cropping systems. ACIAR Proceedings No. 114. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

  • Dimes J, Twomlow S, Carberry P (2003) Application of APSIM in small holder farming systems in the semi-arid tropics. In: Bontkes T, Wopereis M (eds) Decision support tools for smallholder agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa: a practical guide. IFDC and CTA, pp 85–99

  • Giller KE, Rowe EC, de Ridder N, van Keulen H (2006) Resource use dynamics and interactions in the tropics: scaling up in space and time. Agric Syst 88:8–17. doi:10.1016/j.agsy.2005.06.016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heinrich G (ed) (2004) A foundation for the future: the Sorghum and Millet Improvement Program (SMIP) in Southern Africa. Proceedings of the SMIP Final Review and Reporting Workshop, 25–26 Nov 2003, ICRISAT, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

  • Hikwa D, Nyathi P, Mugwira LM, Mudhara M, Mushambi CF (eds) (2001) Integrated soil fertility development for resource-poor farmers in Zimbabwe: the research and development strategy beyond 2001. DRSS, Harare, 48 pp

  • Hilderbrand GL (1996) The status of technologies used to achieve high groundnut yields in Zimbabwe. In: Gowda GLL, Nigam SN, Johansen C, Renard C (eds) Achieving high groundnut yields: proceedings of an international workshop), 25–29 Aug 1995, Laixi City, Shandong, China. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics. Patancheru, India. 300 pp (ISBN 92-9066-350-2)

  • Hilhorst T, Muchena F (2000) Nutrients on the move: soil fertility dynamics in African farming systems. International Institute for Environment and Development, London, UK, 146 pp

  • Keating BA, Carberry PS, Hammer GL, Probert ME, Robertson MJ, Holzworth D et al (2003) An overview of APSIM, a model designed for farming systems simulation. Eur J Agron 18:267–288. doi:10.1016/S1161-0301(02)00108-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mafongoya PL, Bationo A, Kihara J, Waswa BS (2006) Appropriate technologies to replenish soil fertility in southern Africa. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 76:137–151. doi:10.1007/s10705-006-9049-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mapfumo P, Giller KE (2001) Soil fertility management strategies and practices by smallholder farmers in semi arid areas of Zimbabwe. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and Rome, Italy, 60 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazvimavi K, Twomlow S (2007) Conservation Farming for Agricultural Relief and Development in Zimbabwe. In: Goddard, T, Zoebisch MA, Gan YT, Ellis W, Watson A, Sombatpanit S (eds) 2008. No-Till Farming Systems, Special Publication No. 3, World Association of Soil and Water Conservation, Bangkok. ISBN: 978-974-8391-60-1. 169–178

  • Morris M, Kelly VA, Kipicki RJ, Byerlee D (2007) Fertiliser use in African agriculture: lessons learned and good practice guidelines. The World Bank, Washington DC, 144 pp

  • Moyo M (2001) Representative soil profiles of ICRISAT research sites. Chemistry and Soil Research Institute, Soils Report No. A666. AREX, Harare, Zimbabwe, 97 pp

  • Mushayi P, Waddington SR, Chiduza C (1999) Low efficiency of nitrogen use by maize on smallholder farms in sub-humid Zimbabwe. In: Maize production technology for future: challenges and opportunities. Proceedings of the sixth Eastern and Southern African maize conference, 21–25 September 1998. CIMMYT and EARO, Addis Ababa, pp 278–281

  • Ncube B, Dimes JP, Twomlow SJ, Mupangwa W, Giller KE (2007) Participatory on-farm trials to test response of maize to small doses of manure and nitrogen in smallholder farming systems in semi-arid Zimbabwe. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 77:53–67. doi:10.1007/s10705-006-9045-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ncube B, Twomlow SJ, Dimes JP, van Wijk MT, Giller KE (2008) Farm characteristics and soil fertility management strategies in smallholder farming systems under semi-arid environments in Zimbabwe. Soil Use Manage (in press)

  • Nhamo N, Mupangwa W, Siziba S, Gatsi T, Chikazunga D (2003) The role of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and other grain legumes in the management of soil fertility in the smallholder farming sector of Zimbabwe. In: Waddington SR (ed) Grain legumes and green manures for soil fertility in southern Africa: taking stock of progress. Proceedings of a conference held 8–11 October 2002 at the Leopard Rock Hotel, Vumba, Zimbabwe. Soil Fert Net and CIMMYT-Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe, 246 pp

  • Pender J, Place F, Ehui S (eds) (2006) Strategies for sustainable land management in the East African highlands. International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC. doi:10.2499/0896297578

    Google Scholar 

  • Robertson MJ, Sakala W, Benson T, Shamudzarira Z (2005) Simulating response of maize to previous velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) crop and nitrogen fertiliser in Malawi. Field Crops Res 91:91–105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rohrbach DD (1999) Linking crop simulation modeling and farmers participatory research to improve soil productivity in drought-prone environments. In: Risk management for maize farmers in drought-prone areas of Southern Africa. Proceedings of a Workshop, 1–3 October 1997. Kadoma Ranch, Zimbabwe, CIMMYT, Mexico. pp 1–4

  • Rohrbach D, Mazvimavi K (2005) Assessment of the 2004/05 Seed and Fertiliser Relief and Recovery Programs of ECHO, DFID and GTZ. ICRISAT and FAO, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. http://www.prpzim.info/download-docs/index.php. Accessed April 2007

  • Rohrbach D, Charters R, Nyagweta J (2004) Guidelines for agricultural relief programs in Zimbabwe. ICRISAT, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. http://www.prpzim.info/download-docs/index.php. Accessed April 2007

  • Rohrbach D, Mashingaidze AB, Mudhara M (2005) Distribution of relief seed and fertiliser in Zimbabwe: lessons from the 2003/04 season. ICRISAT and FAO, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

    Google Scholar 

  • Rusike J, Dimes JP, Twomlow SJ (2003) Risk-return tradeoffs of smallholder investments in improved soil fertility management technologies in the semi-arid areas of Zimbabwe. Paper presented at the 25th conference of the international association of agricultural economists. Durban, South Africa. 16–22 Aug 2003

  • Rusike J, Twomlow SJ, Freeman HA, Heinrich GM (2006) Does farmer participatory research matter for improved soil fertility technology development and dissemination in Southern Africa. Int J Agric Sustain 4(3):176–192

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruthenberg H (1980) Farming systems in the tropics, 3rd edn. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 424 pp

  • Shamudzarira Z, Robertson MJ (2002) Simulating the response of maize to nitrogen fertiliser in semi-arid Zimbabwe. Exp Agric 38:79–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tittonell P, Vanlauwe B, Leffelaar PA, Shepherd KD, Giller KE (2005) Exploring diversity in soil fertility management of smallholder farmers in western Kenya. II. Within farm variability in resource allocation, nutrient flows and soil fertility status. Agric, Ecosys and Environ 110:166–184

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Twomlow SJ (2004) Increasing the role of legumes in smallholder farming systems—the future challenge. In: Serraj R (ed) Symbiotic nitrogen fixation: prospects for application in tropical agroecosystems. Science Publishers, NH, USA, pp 29–46

    Google Scholar 

  • Twomlow S (2006) New partnerships boost impact from agricultural relief programmes. Landwards (IAgrE Journal) 61(4):2–5

    Google Scholar 

  • Twomlow SJ, Ncube B, (eds) (2001) Improving soil management options for women farmers in Malawi and Zimbabwe. Proceedings of a collaborators workshop on the DFID-supported project ‘Will Women Farmers Invest in Improving their Soil Fertility Management? Experimentation in a risky environment. 13-15 September 2000, ICRISAT Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. PO Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics. 150 pp

  • Twomlow S, Rohrbach D, Rusike J, Mupangwa W, Dimes J, Ncube B (2007a) Spreading the word on fertiliser in Zimbabwe. In: Mapiki A, Nhira C (eds) Land and water management for sustainable agriculture. Proceedings of the EU/SADC land and water management applied research and training programmes inaugural scientific symposium, Malawi Institute Management. Lilongwe, Malawi, 14–16 February 2006. paper 6.21

  • Twomlow S, Rohrbach D, Hove L, Mupangwa W, Mashingaidze N, Moyo M, Chiroro C (2007b) Conservation farming by basins breathes new life into smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. In: Mapiki A, Nhira C (eds) Land and water management for sustainable agriculture. Proceedings of the EU/SADC land and water management applied research and training programmes inaugural scientific symposium. Lilongwe, Malawi. 14–16 February 2006, Paper 7.2

  • UN Millennium Project (2005) Investing in development: a practical plan to achieve the millennium development goals. Earthscan, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Vincent V, Thomas RG (1960) An agricultural survey of southern Rhodesia, part I: agro-ecological survey. Government Printers, Salisbury

    Google Scholar 

  • Vincent V, Thomas RG (1961) An agricultural survey of southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), part 1: agro-ecological survey. Government Printers, Salisbury (now Harare)

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitbread A, Braun A, Alumira J, Rusike J (2004) Using the agricultural simulation model APSIM with smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe to improve farming practices. In: Whitbread A, Pengelly BC (eds) Tropical legumes for sustainable farming systems in Southern Africa and Australia, ACIAR Proceedings, no. 115. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Canberra, pp 171–80

  • Woolcock R, Mutiro K (2007) Cost benefit analyses of the protracted relief programs agricultural interventions. Report No. 33 June 2007. Technical Learning and Coordination Unit, Harare, Zimbabwe, 63 pp. http://www.prpzim.info/download-docs/index.php. Accessed April 2007

  • Zingore S, Murwira HK, Delve RJ, Giller KE (2007) Influence of nutrient management strategies on variability of soil fertility, crop yields and nutrient balances on smallholder farms in Zimbabwe. Agric Ecosyst Environ 119(1–2):112–126

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We wish to thank the farmers and extension staff of Bikita, Binga, Buhera, Chirumhanzu, Chivi, Gokwe, Hwange, Inziza, Lupane Masvingo, Matobo, Mberengwa, Nkayi, Zaka and Zishavane Districts for their enthusiasm and collaboration, and the field staff of COSV, CARE, OXFAM UK and World Vision for assistance with farmer training, monitoring the trials program and record keeping. We also wish to thank ECHO, DFID and ICRISAT for the funding. The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the authors. We are grateful for the very useful comments made by two reviewers.

Author information

Author notes

  1. David Rohrbach

    Present address: World Bank, Lilongwe, Malawi

  2. Joseph Rusike

    Present address: International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, Chitedze Research Station, Lilongwe, Malawi

  3. Bongani Ncube

    Present address: WATERnet, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe

Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), PO Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

    Steve Twomlow, David Rohrbach, John Dimes, Joseph Rusike, Walter Mupangwa, Bongani Ncube, Lewis Hove, Martin Moyo, Nester Mashingaidze & Putso Mahposa

Authors
  1. Steve Twomlow
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. David Rohrbach
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. John Dimes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Joseph Rusike
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Walter Mupangwa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Bongani Ncube
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Lewis Hove
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Martin Moyo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Nester Mashingaidze
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Putso Mahposa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Steve Twomlow.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Twomlow, S., Rohrbach, D., Dimes, J. et al. Micro-dosing as a pathway to Africa’s Green Revolution: evidence from broad-scale on-farm trials. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 88, 3–15 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-008-9200-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-008-9200-4

Keywords

  • Fertiliser
  • Nitrogen
  • Semi-Arid
  • Smallholder
  • Sorghum
  • Maize
  • Pearl Millet
  • Southern Africa
  • Zimbabwe