Transforming Investments in African Rain fed Agriculture (TIARA) is a five-year program to increase attention and investment in enhanced rain fed agriculture and scale up activities across Africa. This is a pan-African initiative currently focusing on implementation in the Zambezi watercourse in southern Africa. The project is being funded by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)
Goals:
- Improve land and water management.
- Increase food security.
- Enhance livelihoods and create jobs.
Aims of the Collaboration:
- Build a business case for investing in rain-fed agriculture based on FACHIG’s experience.
- Advocate for “Pfumvudza” conservation farming techniques and similar solutions.
Activities:
- Conduct cost-benefit analysis of Pfumvudza compared to conventional practices.
- Set up demonstration plots showcasing Pfumvudza with different approaches (organic, inorganic fertilizers).
- Train farmers on Pfumvudza and livestock feed formulation using soybeans grown in the plots.
Expected Outcomes:
- Strengthen the case for investing in rain-fed agriculture.
- Increase farmer income through soybean production and improved livestock rearing.
Overall, this collaboration aims to promote sustainable farming practices and improve livelihoods in the Zambezi basin.