N2Africa: Putting nitrogen fixation to work for smallholder farmers in Africa

Putting nitrogen fixation to work for smallholder farmers in Africa 1The farmer perspective The use of improved seeds, (bio) fertilizers and good agricultural practices were disseminated among farmers using demonstration and adaptation plots, Farmer Field Schools and training materials.The N2Africa Learning Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) tools, including 'technology evaluation' and 'willingness to buy' surveys, are currently looking at the rate of adoption.In addition, they assess availability of inputs and monitor input demand and that can feedback to partnerships' market models.The M&E can be rapidly expanded using Computer Aided Telephone Interviews (CATI). Way forwardIn conclusion, the way forward is to track the results of the joint activities and to start partner planning meetings with a 'situation analysis' from a farmer perspective using ICT based learning M&E surveys complemented by adoption studies from MSc. students.This is already planned for and ongoing in Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania and Ethiopia.