SysCom Kenya - Farming Systems Comparison in the Tropics

What do we see on the project photo?
The photo shows farmers from the local area attending a Field Day on one of the SysCom project trials sites in the Tharaka-Nithi County (central highlands of Kenya). The farmers were invited to learn on the tested techniques under organic and conventional farming systems.

How would you explain to a child what the project is doing?
SysCom is helping to understand how sustainable agricultural practices are more environmentally friendly options that can be used in countries with limited resources, using techniques such as composting, better crop rotations, intercropping and companion cropping.

What is the project’s main objective?
The overall goal of the SysCom program is that "Enhanced know-how on potentials and limitations of different agricultural production systems in three tropical countries contribute to sustainable agriculture". In addition to Kenya, the program also operates projects in India and Bolivia.

Why is the project important?
Farmers in the tropics are vulnerable to climate change and soil health degradation and therefore need options for sustainable production. Often, the evidence on the feasibility and efficiency of these alternatives are scarce. SysCom compares and promotes suitable techniques and systems under local conditions.

What has been the most positive moment during the project?
At the stakeholder event in June 2024, farmers, policymakers, researchers, academics and extensionists from Kenya came together for knowledge exchange and horizontal learning. The event facilitated broader dissemination of SysCom findings, ensuring the impact extends beyond the project's duration.

What have been the biggest challenges encountered in the project?
Data collection and management, as well as the coordination among partners, can be challenging in long-term experiments. Also to make sure that our activities have a lasting impact on a wider scale than “just” science and direct partners.

What is the most important lesson learned from the project?
Organic farming in the tropics can be more productive and profitable and even outperform conventional methods, when managed under best practices. Its effectiveness depends on adaptation to local conditions, use of required knowledge and a collaborative approach that encourages engagement of both producers and consumers.