Can Conservation Agriculture Save Tropical Forests? The Case of Minimum Tillage in Zambia

DOWNLOAD FILE

September 15, 2019 - Author: Hambulo Ngoma and Arild Angelsen

Hambulo Ngoma and Arild Angelsen, 2019. Can Conservation Agriculture Save Tropical Forests? The Case of Minimum Tillage in Zambia. Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research Paper 150. East Lansing: Michigan State University.

Abstract

Minimum tillage (MT) is a key component in the promotion of conservation agriculture (CA). This paper asks whether MT reduces cropland expansion and thus deforestation. We develop a simple theoretical household model of land expansion, and test hypotheses by estimating a double hurdle model using household survey data from 368 smallholders in rural Zambia. We find that about 19% of the farmers expanded cropland into forests, clearing an average of 0.14 ha over one year. Overall, MT adoption does not significantly reduce deforestation among households in our sample, while labor availability stimulate expansion. Yield augmenting agricultural technologies (such as MT) may not reduce expansion unless combined with other forest conservation measures.

DOWNLOAD FILE

You Might Also Be Interested In

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.

Tag List
  • agrifood system transformation,
  • c1-c2,
  • climate change,
  • cross-cutting-climate change,
  • feed the future,
  • feed the future innovation lab for food security policy,
  • food security group,
  • fsg research paper,
  • fsp research paper,
  • innovation lab for food security policy,
  • input use and market development,
  • land,
  • sustainable agricultural intensification,
  • zambia
  • follow us on linkedin
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).