One key challenge of terrace farmers is limited land surface area for cultivation and livestock grazing.
Limited land
Problem: One key challenge of terrace farmers is limited land surface area for cultivation and livestock grazing.
Our Solutions:
- We are testing the efficacy of farming on terrace walls (FTW) to take advantage of the 25-50% of surface area on terrace walls that is under-utilized.
- We are intensifying the native livestock fodder grasses that can grow from stone cracks through seed collection and sales.
- We are exploring with farmers different options of wall-climbing plants for testing and scaling up, including nutritious climbing forage legumes that can be planted at the base of terrace walls.
- We are focusing on climbing perennials which would be more drought tolerant, not add to labour.
- We are exploring with farmers several high value fruits and vegetables for income generation for women and to provide micronutrients.
- As additional sources of income for women, we are exploring high value climbing spice plants.
- We are exploring other income generating opportunities for women such as climbing ornamentals that generate cut flowers for the local tourist industry.
- We are exploring other innovative opportunities including climbing companion crops for cereals that can deter insects from the terraces or act as refuges for laying insects, to reduce pesticide costs for maize.