ICT4Agroecology: a participatory research methodology for agroecological field research in Tanzania
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract
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
Description
Agroecology and sustainable food systems, 48 (4) 465–500
Keywords
Agroecology, soil fertility, biological control, legume intercropping, information and communication technology applications
Citation
https://doi.org/10.1080/21683565.2023.2259828