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Long-term farming systems comparisons in the tropics

Original titleLong-term farming systems comparisons in the tropics
Abstract

The main aim of the ‘long-term farming systems comparison in the tropics (SysCom)’ program is to enhance know-how on the potential and limitations of different agricultural production systems in three tropical countries, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture. To achieve this aim, sound scientific evidence is obtained primarily from the long-term experiments (LTE) that compare different agricultural production systems (mainly organic and conventional) in Kenya, India and Bolivia. Started in 2007/08 together with local partner institutions, the LTEs capture long-term changes and monitor the effects of contextual developments through observation of agronomic, economic and ecological parameters over time. To ensure the direct benefit to local farming communities, LTEs are complemented with a participatory on-farm research (POR) approach, which aims to develop technological innovations and management practices that are adapted to local farmers’ conditions. Along with the research findings, the program makes a substantial contribution to capacity building in the partner countries. Furthermore, the program is expected to influence the regional and international dialogue on global challenges of nutrition security and environmental sustainability.

Detailed Description

SysCom has established itself as an important research programme in the field of sustainability science, particularly in the tropical context. The project sites are well established with the functional infrastructure necessary to carry out research and development activities. In Bolivia, conventional and organic cacao production systems are investigated in monocrop (full sun) and agroforestry (shaded) systems. In Kenya, conventional and organic treatments are compared at two input levels in a crop rotation with maize, beans, vegetables and potatoes at two sites. In India, the LTE compares organic, bio-dynamic, conventional, and conventional with genetically modified Bt cotton farming systems in a crop rotation with cotton, soybean and wheat. The research results obtained so far have been published in over 50 peer-reviewed publications and shared through conferences, dissemination events, lectures and media releases. All the outputs from SysCom are made available on the programme website and most of the scientific publications are open access. Making a contribution to capacity building of young academics, SysCom has trained over 50 students in different project areas. The main local partners in Kenya are the Institute of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) and the Kenyan Agriculture & Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO). In India, bioRe Foundation, bioRe India Association, and Remei India Ltd are the main partners. In Bolivia the main partners are Ecotop Foundation, Institute of Ecology (University San Andres) and the Foundation PIAF-El Ceibo. The main local partners in each country are responsible for implementation of project activities. At the programme level the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), provides scientific guidance for the project team and supervises scientific quality of the project work. Furthermore, each country project has a National Scientific Advisory Board (NSAB). The NSABs are formed by delegates of the main and associated partners, experts in topics relevant to the project as well as FiBL.

Financing/ Donor
  • Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (DEZA)
  • Liechtenstein Development Service (LED)
  • Coop Sustainability Fund
  • Biovision Foundation for ecological development
(Research) Program
  • Coop Sustainability Fund
  • Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
  • Further programmes
Project partners
  • Kenya: Institute of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO)
  • India: bioRe Foundation, bioRe India Association, Remei India Ltd
  • Bolivia: Ecotop, Instituto de Ecología (Universidad Mayor de San Andres), Programa de Implementaciones Agro-ecológicas y Forestales (PIAF)-El Ceibo Foundation
Project Advisory Board
  • Paul Mäder
  • Franco Weibel
  • Andreas Fliessbach
  • Georg Cadisch
  • Rainer Schulin
  • Gerold Gerhard
FiBL project leader/ contact
FiBL project staff
  • Adamtey Noah (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Armengot Martinez Laura (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Bautze David (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Bhullar Gurbir (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Cicek Harun (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Durot Chloé (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Goldmann Eva (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Huber Beate (Vice-chairwoman of the Management Board; Department of International Cooperation)
  • Kampermann Ivonne (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Keller Chigusa (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Kiboi Milka (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Riar Amritbir (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Rüegg Johanna (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Saj Stéphane (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Schneider Monika (Department of International Cooperation)
  • Singh Akanksha (Department of International Cooperation)
(people who are not linked are former FiBL employees)
Role of FiBL

Project coordination

Further information
FiBL project number 65166
Date modified 27.10.2023
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