5 Low Cost Solutions For Low-Income Hillside Farmers

In many parts of the world farms do not look like what they do in North America. There is no large machinery or irrigation equipment for the rural low-income farmer. Instead there is often high-labour intensive practices. This can be solved relatively easily with simple low cost solutions. Braden Weltz, Undergraduate Student, University of Guelph.

1. Knowledge is Powerful- So is What You Plant.

When it comes down to it- what one plants can be very important to one's livelihood. What one grows, and how long they grow it can have extreme effects on micro and macro nutrient levels in the soil. These are essential for plants to grow, and can then require expensive solutions like constant fertilizer use to solve the problems. Solution: Intercropping of different types of plants is a simple and effective solution. Legumes (ex. Beans) have the ability to take nitrogen from the air and use it-- cereals like corn need nitrogen to grow and therefore the two can work together. The key is spreading that knowledge around. This has been going on for centuries in various Native American groups with the planting of the 'three sisters'.

2. Planting in Rows can Increase Yields by 25-40%

Via IRRI; M.Raizada- University of Guelph

The amount of food produced per hectare (or yield) is always a problem for every farmer. By planting in rows instead of scattering the seeds around the yields can be much higher by simply planting in rows. Using two sticks & string to mark rows and a hollowed out stick to drop seeds can be very effective and cheap in creating rows.

3. Simple Weeding Tools can Cut Down on Time and Energy

Weeds can reduce crop yields by 25-100%, and are often highly labour intensive to remove. Women farmers can spend up to 50% of their tome weeding by hand or with small hoes. Solution: Simple innovations like a push weeder can significantly reduce weeding time and effort. See www.oxfamamerica.org/articles/mechanical-advantage

4. Contour Farming Prevents Erosion!

passel.unl.edu

Runoff (of water, soil, nutrients) is a major issue for all farmers- especially hillside ones. Solution: Creating Contours or arched rows to hold off the runnoff can be effective in stopping this problem.

5. Water Containers can Change Livelihoods

Water is essential for life, and for agriculture but in many regions of the world it is scarce and unavailable many times throughout the year. Rainfall patterns often make the problem worse. There are also problems with irrigation, pumping water, water retention and drought-tolerance. Solution: small, clean water containers many not solve all of the large problems listed but does allow for water to be stored when it is available. These containers are cheap and reusable.