Lesson learned: Designing and implementing conservation agriculture of IFAD investments in sub-Saharan Africa

This “Lessons Learned” document of the conservation agriculture (CA) in sub-Saharan Africa toolkit reviews experiences over the last two decades.

First, the context and challenges of CA in sub-Saharan Africa are addressed. Then the main issues follow – those previously raised in the Teaser as being crucial to the successful design and implementation of CA programmes, or CA components within development programmes.

These issues are all key to initiating and sustaining CA, but simultaneously constitute elements that have perplexed those involved in promoting and implementing CA projects. The issues are approached from the available literature and enriched with experience from various countries in Southern, East and West Africa.

Third, a series of country case studies are presented to review experience on a national basis, but also to highlight particular points. The document ends with a summary of key lessons and strategic recommendations that lead into the How To Do Note.