Developing Extension Model for Uptake of Precision Conservation Agricultural Practices in Developing Nations:Learning from Rice–Wheat System of Africa and India

We have learnt time and again that food supply shocks have resulted in food price spikes, instability, violence and even regime collapse. When the supply chain at the primary producers (farmers) level is functioning well, the success will ripple down the whole chain. In this review, we present our approach for the development of an extension model for the promotion of precision conservation agricultural practices (PCAPs) uptake among rice–wheat smallholder farming households, considering the demand as well as the prospect for developing and up-scaling rice–wheat production system in Africa. PCAPs are technologies and practices that are capable of helping farmers to apply right resources at the right place and, at the right time, using the right method. The combination of these technologies and practices can help in achieving optimum resource stewardship and resource conservation in the farmers’ field. However, extension strategies and supports are needed to facilitate the adoption of these best practices at the farmers’ level.