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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Recurso digital |
| Language: | |
| Published: |
Zenodo
2024
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14123014 |
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Table of Contents:
- <p>Climate change poses significant challenges for countries in Northern Africa such as<br>Morocco. Smallholder farmers are especially vulnerable to climate change because they experience<br>several challenges in the adoption of climate-resilient practices. The sustainable and well-managed<br>cultivation of the cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) could contribute to conservation agriculture (CA)<br>in dry climates threatened by climate change. Due to its high-water-use efficiency and ability to<br>withstand extremely dry conditions, the cactus pear is increasingly being recognised as a more<br>sustainable alternative to traditional livestock foraging in dryland areas. Compared to many other<br>common crops and fodder, the cactus pear is easy to establish, maintain, and has a wealth of uses. Two<br>innovative cultivation techniques are being developed: (1) the use of mixed inoculum formulations<br>containing AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi) and PGPB (Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria) in<br>the soil; and (2) intercropping between perennial (cactus pear) and short-term species (field crops).<br>We propose to identify factors that could facilitate farmers’ innovation adoption. We conducted<br>face-to-face interviews with 24 smallholder cactus pear farmers in Morocco. We concluded that<br>farmers do not yet have a comprehensive understanding of the principles of the innovations. The<br>main aim of farmers was to increase production and income. Farmers, in general, pay little attention<br>to the environment. The recommendations that are given in relation to these issues are that training<br>and social networks are essential in innovation transfer, adoption needs to be facilitated by providing<br>resources, an innovation transfer needs to be adapted to the current and future needs of farmers, and<br>we need patience so that farmers can slowly learn the innovations.</p>