Research Trial Demonstration Day at GART

On January 10, 2025, the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART) hosted a highly successful trial demonstration day at its research farm in Chisamba, Zambia.

The event presented the content and progress of the ongoing COLEAD research trials implemented by GART, which focus on exploring the potential benefits of integrating undervalorized crops (here Cleome and Amaranthus), into the well-established tomato and cabbage production systems. Under the Fit For Market Plus Programme, field trials are set-up in commercial production environments to evaluate the potential integration of these indigenous and naturalised vegetables intercropped with tomato and cabbage to determine whether it can effectively reduce pests and diseases, enhance soil health and nutrient management, and offer potential economic value and an extra revenue stream. Furthermore, the aim is to assess the compatibility and agronomic efficiency of these integrated systems, focusing on nutrient and water use efficiency. By doing this, the objective is to adapt and showcase intercropping practices at the local level, encouraging their adoption within the prevalent traditional tomato and cabbage production systems, which frequently rely on continuous monocropping.

This demonstration initiative hosted by GART and organized in collaboration with the Research & Innovation Brokerage Department of COLEAD and Kabuza Consultancy, attracted more than 100 participants, including representatives from government ministries, NGOs, academic institutions, seed companies, and farmers groups from diverse regions. After a presentation of GART and COLEAD’s missions, an overview of the trial objectives and methodologies was presented. A guided field walk provided attendees with an up-close look at the experimental plots, demonstrating intercropping setups, drip irrigation techniques, and pest control practices. Participants engaged actively in discussions, providing valuable feedback during a survey and feedback session.

Feedback from the event highlighted the promise of intercropping Cleome and Amaranthus to enhance farmer income and nutrition. Participants raised critical considerations such as spacing, the need for further trials in different regions, and the commercial scalability of the intercropping system. The event also fostered interest among higher education institutions for future collaborations. Jointly reflecting and discussing with diverse stakeholders about the trial objectives, the translation into practice, and other grower concerns are highly crucial for further enhancement and potential future adoption of such alternative production practices. The event concluded with a summary of takeaways and a call for further collaboration in refining and scaling these practices. The overwhelming support from stakeholders underlines the potential of undervalorized vegetables to transform agricultural practices, making them more sustainable and profitable.

We thank all participants for their enthusiasm and contributions and look forward to sharing the final results of the trials in the coming months!

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.