ZIAP Crop Experts Plan Research Farm

Seeing might be believing, but in the case of agriculture, it’s also key to learning and advancing. ZIAP farming experts, during a November to February mission trip, will develop a research and demonstration farm to improve crop production in Petauke, Zambia. 

In Iowa, farmers take hybrid trip trials and side-by-side comparisons of practices and products for granted, and use them as a basis for many ag production decisions. ”In our tour of Zambian farmers’ fields in March, no such evaluations were normal,” said Dr. Tracy Blackmer, ZIAP agronomist.

Many of the practices being implemented are best described as tribal knowledge. Outside training is often based on data or practices from other countries, and not adapted for local conditions. Broad concepts of crop rotations are promoted without considering actual costs, benefits and negatives of a specific rotation.

On the ZIAP research and demonstration site, farming experts plan to -

1. Demonstrate various practices to growers. Determine how they are implemented and the actual benefits of some practices compared to others.

2. Establish test plots to evaluate optimal practices and rotations for local conditions.

3. Create problem exhibit plots to train local leaders, villagers and schools about how to scout, diagnose and correct observed problems.