Research
KATC researches and documents sustainable organic agriculture technologies and practices. KATC research works include verification trials of both indigenous and exotic technology as well as technology generation trials in which new ideas of farming are tested and the science behind indigenous knowledge is established and explained.
KATC researches and documents sustainable organic agriculture technologies and practices. KATC research works include verification trials of both indigenous and exotic technology as well as technology generation trials in which new ideas of farming are tested and the science behind indigenous knowledge is established and explained.
On-going Research Works
Soil sample collection from on-station trial field at Misamfu Agricultural Research Institute (Kasama - Zambia)
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Some of the research works that KATC is currently involved in include:
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Research Partnerships
In order to ensure that the research findings are credible enough for dissemination to a wider audience, KATC’s research wing works in partnership with other recognized research institutions both local and international. Locally, KATC has collaborated on a number of research works with the University of Zambia, Mulungushi University and the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute. Some of the international partners include the University of Guelph (Canada), The Edinburgh University (Scotland), The James Hutton Institute (Scotland) and Lancaster University (UK).
KATC member of staff participating in a biochar field trial in Mongu in partnership with ZARI, UNZA and MU.
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Types of Research Work conducted at KATC
In order to conduct trials that can benefit the farmers, the research section at KATC seeks to learn from, and build on the farmer’s existing indigenous knowledge. Through the KATC’s extension and training sections, research problems and solutions are normally identified and disseminated respectively.
Although KATC is engaged in both on-station and on-farm trials, for ease of adoption of the research findings by the farmers, there is a strong bias towards on-farm trials. |
KATC research covers various practical aspects of sustainable organic agriculture ranging from soil fertility, crop and livestock production, social and marketing research.
Student Research at KATC
In addition to its own research activities, KATC also hosts various research works conducted by students from different institutions of higher learning. These studies are carried out by students under the co-guidance of the KATC research section. Over the years, there have been studies conducted at different levels of tertiary education starting from diploma all the way to PhD level.
In addition to its own research activities, KATC also hosts various research works conducted by students from different institutions of higher learning. These studies are carried out by students under the co-guidance of the KATC research section. Over the years, there have been studies conducted at different levels of tertiary education starting from diploma all the way to PhD level.
On-farm data collection on soil fertility management practices - Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) in Kasama, Zambia.
KATC participates in the setting-up of soil fertility management innovation platforms in Chipata and Kasama (April 2016)
The KATC Research Section, in partnership with the University of Zambia, School of Agricultural Sciences did, in April 2016, launch the formation of two innovation platforms (IP) in Chipata and Kasama. The launch meetings in both the two provinces were well attended by representatives from different institutions ranging from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Church, local NGOs, the Zambia Agricultural Research Institution, local farmer cooperatives, traditional leadership, to mention but a few.
Defined as a social structure set within a certain period of time with the purpose of solving problems identified by its members within its conceptual framework, the innovation platform concept is now viewed as a potential strategy to allow communities to own efforts to address their own identified problems. The main focus of the IPs in the two locations is to find sustainable solutions to the issue of the poor soil fertility that is prominent in most parts of the country. Different solutions were proposed and the stakeholders resolved to develop a plan of action to operationalize the IP objectives and activities.
Defined as a social structure set within a certain period of time with the purpose of solving problems identified by its members within its conceptual framework, the innovation platform concept is now viewed as a potential strategy to allow communities to own efforts to address their own identified problems. The main focus of the IPs in the two locations is to find sustainable solutions to the issue of the poor soil fertility that is prominent in most parts of the country. Different solutions were proposed and the stakeholders resolved to develop a plan of action to operationalize the IP objectives and activities.
Stakeholders at the Kasama IP launch
Visit by some IP participants to an on-farm research trial - Chisitu, Chipata