ABSTRACT
The usefulness of low input technologies is so controversial. Every study of the African situation notes the limited uptake of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, along with limited use of tractors and animal traction. The vignette acknowledges and considers the widespread view that low input agriculture is too labour intensive to be feasible. This chapter argues that the labour intensity of low input agriculture has been overplayed. In any case, the extra time required is paid back through the increase in yields that achieved. This vignette considers three basic technologies: legumes and mulching; reduced tillage and conservation agriculture; and water harvesting. Low input agriculture uses leguminous plants to fix nitrogen in the soil, bringing that key nutrient in from the air. Legume plants have a symbiotic relationship with particular types of soil bacteria rhizobium. The herbaceous legume provides mulch, fixes nitrogen and suppresses weeds.
