Browsing by Author "Kilasara, Method"

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    ICT4Agroecology: a participatory research methodology for agroecological field research in Tanzania
    (Taylor & Francis, 2024) Hilbeck, Angelika; Tisselli, Eugenio; Crameri, Simon; Sibuga, Kallunde P.; Constantine, John; Shitindi, Mawazo J.; Kilasara, Method; Churi, Ayubu; Sanga, Camillius; Kihoma, Luambano; Brush, Gladness; Stambuli, Fadhili; Mjunguli, Rainard; Burnier, Blaise; Maro, Janet; Mbele, Angelina; Hamza, Suleyman; Kissimbo, Mary; Ndee, Ayoub
    Agroecology has become increasingly popular but locally optimized agroecological production methods and informa­tion and communication technology (ICT) support tools are limited. This study was conducted at three different geo­graphic locations across Tanzania; we co-developed an integrated participatory field research methodology con­sisting of two components, each supported by a specifically developed, complementary ICT tool, withmaize and cassava as the two focal crops, to examine soil fertility and conservation (compost and mulching), increased biodiversity through intercropping (legumes), and organic pest control measures. Two specifically devel­ oped ICT tools, the AgroEco Research application (AER) and AgroEco Analysis application (AEA) were used for data gathering & storage and visualization & statistical analysis,respectively. Further, farmer-managed satellite experiments were performed to further test the research premises and validate their outcomes in the “real world” of smallholder farmers, which was supported by a smartphone application called “Ugunduzi” – enabling farmers to collect, store, and evaluate data generated at different stages of their research. Farmers were free to choose any type, number, and combination of the agroecological practices tested in the field research. This study serves as a methodology reference for a number of companion publications reporting