Crop production and agroforestry
In the long term, Garden Organic aims to see the further adoption of organic land-use systems including the adoption of organic crop production. However, we recognise that in the context of the countries concerned, fully organic farming as defined in standards for certification is not always applicable. To be appropriate in tropical systems we are aware that we need to support, develop and promote agricultural systems that use a wide range of individual techniques such as green manuring, use of composts, manures, rotations, local seed saving and biological pest and disease control to achieve sustainable land use.
Projects:
Organic agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa 1995-1997 (Funded by DFID)
This project studied farmers perceptions, acceptability and use of organic farming methods in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on Kenya and Ghana. The constraints and the reasons for adoption of organic farming techniques were identified.
Further information on organic farming methods in sub-Saharan Africa.
Contribution of organic techniques to the development of the sustainable farming systems of the East India Rainfed Farming Project (1996) (Funded by DFID)
Garden Organic (formerly HDRA) identified the potential contribution of organic farming techniques to the development of sustainable rainfed farming systems. DFID fund two major projects: the Eastern India Rainfed Farming Project and The Western India Rainfed Farming Project, both implemented by Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (Kribhco). These projects are aimed at poor farmers and emphasise the development of low-cost technologies applicable to resource-poor farmers in a variety of socio-economic and ecological circumstances.
Assessment of the needs of Cuban urban horticulture 1996-1997 (Funded by British Partnership Scheme)
A consultancy visit during which training workshops were organised for market-garden holders and government extension officers, and a series of meetings was held with the Havana Urban Agriculture Department. Following this, a Study Tour for Garden Organic members was made to Cuba. Links are maintained through the Cuba Organic Support Group which was formed by participants of this tour and similar group visits to Cuba.
- Optimisation of neem products 1999-2000 (Funded by DFID)
This project brings together current information and research about neem. The project examined the needs for a genetic improvement programme focusing on Ghana and India as well as the benefits that poor farmers derive from the neem tree and the constraints to these benefits being fully optimised.
Further information about optimisation of neem products project
Potential for Jatropha curcas oil as a biofuel for degraded lands in the tropics 1996 (Funded by World Bank)
This review assessed the potential of this South American tree to produce oil for biofuel. Field visits were made to existing Jatropha projects in India, Mali, Nicaragua, Cape Verde and Zimbabwe to review the current state of these projects with emphasis on economic viability and the reasons for successes and failures.
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