Improving rural livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa

The research project „Smallholders Farmer Strategy to Cope with Climate Change (SMACC), Ethiopia and Kenya“ was realized in the framework of the Transnational Research Activity ERA ARD II Net“.

The aim was to support smallholder farmers in the way they deal with Climate Change. To fulfil this target, we established in both countries a two line research strategy, as well as a synthesis instrument – systemic innovation value chain plans (analysis and guide for optimization of the farm and household).

On the one hand, we studied different problem areas and solutions in the context of climate change on the farm and in the household. This analytical process was organized through quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews as well as with so called collaborative learning communities (CLC)(farmers, advisors, researchers). In context to farmer field schools the CLC underlines the vice versa learning process between practise and science.

On the other hand, we established field trials aiming at analysing the impact of different organic matter strategies, which not only offered us answers on how to deal with climate change but answers to successfully increase soil fertility and crop yields. In each country the research process was different which we explain with the diverse agro-ecological, cultural and economic conditions, but also the individual working procedures of the researchers.