Conferences
On-farm Demonstration Extension Model to Mitigate Risk Factors: A Case of Small and Minority Farmers to Adopt Climate-smart Alley Cropping
Lila Karki, Dipendra Gurung, Sahil Ojha, Raksha Khadka, Rumita Sanwa, and Mouhamadou Diack
Summary
Small and minority farmers are greatly affected by climate change as they rely heavily on natural resources in production. They are severely impacted by climate change phenomena, such as crop loss, outbreak of new pests and diseases, water scarcity, soil erosion, market price instability, erratic temperature, etc. However, adopting climate-smart agriculture and forestry (CSAF) practices among them has become a daunting challenge despite their enormous socio-economic and environmental benefits in the long run. The significant barriers include limited access to information, lack of financial incentives, minimal or low risk-bearing capacity to adopt a new practice, insufficient technical support, uncertainty about carbon credit, and lack of awareness about the potential benefits of these practices. The objectives of this project were to create awareness, build their capacity on CSAF, and engage them in adaptation and mitigation practices. University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension established an on-farm demonstration site of climate-smart alley cropping (CSAC) of fruit trees and under-canopy vegetables. With technical guidance backed by material support, the farmer dedicated 2 acres to CSAC. Fruit trees with high carbon sequestering potential were planted to measure the impact of CSAC practice on carbon sequestration. Under-canopy vegetables were planted in the alleys to lower production and financial risks in addition to minimum tillage, degradable fabrics, natural mulch, compost, integrated pest management, and crop diversification. The desired outcomes of such an extension model will enhance experiential learning, education, and outreach of CSAC in the community as ‘seeing is believing.’
Details
| Conference | 2025 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference |
| Presentation Type | 30-minute Concurrent |