The Role of Draft Animal Power in Soil and Water Conservation

Abstract

Draft animal power (DAP) is fundamental to many small-holder farming systems in developing countries. Participatory research projects in Bolivia and Zimbabwe are investigating the use of this power source to develop soil and water conservation technologies for marginal farmers in semi-arid conditions. Work in Bolivia combines contour barriers of forage species with the use of single work animals on the forming terraces. High-lift harnesses and lightweight implements diversify the use of equids. Other conservation innovations in the area include winged chisel plows, tied ridgers and direct seeders. Work in Zimbabwe has also developed light-weight implements and contributed to the promotion of donkey power. Conservation tillage practices (no-till, ripping, mulching) have been evaluated with respect to their requirements and benefits and have been found suitable for adoption by smallholders provided they have adequate DAP. More on-farm trials in different conditions are needed to demonstrate the benefits more widely.