Agronomic Innovations for Resilient Cropping Systems
- Leti Kleyn
- Oct 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 23
Across Africa's smallholder farms, the struggle to produce and harvest sufficient food in the face of unpredictable weather, land degradation, and persistent weed pressure has become an existential threat. Yet, within these same farmlands lies a story of resilience, of farmers who, despite limited resources, innovate daily to secure food and livelihoods for their families. Smallholder farmers are the backbone of Africa's food systems. They grow almost 80% of the continent's food, usually on land less than two hectares in size. However, irregular rainfall, the emergence of new weed species, and soil nutrient loss challenge their productivity and earnings. These are not just threats to household food security but also have a ripple effect across communities, exacerbating poverty and vulnerability.
From Struggle to Strength: Rethinking Cropping Systems
Traditional farming practices alone can no longer withstand the complexity of today's agricultural realities. There is an urgent need for resilient cropping systems, systems that incorporate improved agronomic practices, adaptive weed management, and climate-resilient innovation to safeguard both production and the livelihoods of people. Dr Judith Falola-Olasunkanmi is leveraging her research to create new opportunities that blend agronomy, weed science, and social engagement to support smallholder farmers. She bridges the gap between field-solution development and the life experiences of farmers, linking science to practice.
In Nigeria and other African countries, many farmers are experimenting with intercropping, conservation tillage, and organic soil amendments. These methods not only suppress weeds but also conserve soil moisture and improve soil health and economise on costly herbicides. In the long term, these systems enable farmers to produce more sustainably, saving the environment while maintaining productivity.
Voices from the Field
In Kwara State, Nigeria, a group of maise farmers described how using early weeding calendars and planting cover crops reduced labour costs and boosted maise yields. "We don't wait until the weeds get the better of us anymore," one farmer said. "We work with the season, not against it." These local observations are grounded in a larger truth: that resilience becomes strongest when knowledge flows both ways, from farmers, researchers, and extension officers.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
Central to Dr Falola-Olasunkanmi's project is capacity development, which involves training farmers, extension agents, and policymakers to adopt and scale sustainable practices. Through workshops and participatory demonstrations, the research promotes co-learning, where local innovations are recognised alongside scientific advances. This approach fosters ownership, promotes inclusivity, and strengthens the social bonds that underpin rural livelihoods. By equipping farmers, particularly women and youth, with efficient, affordable means to manage weeds and weather the impacts of climate pressures, the project directly contributes to making a food-secure and sustainable Africa a reality.
Cultivating Hope, One Field at a Time
As the world celebrates World Food Day 2025, let us remember that the path to a hunger-free life begins in the small farms tilled by millions of African farmers. Their resilience, ingenuity, and passion teach us that sustainable food systems are not built solely through policy or technology, but through the people who turn farming into their daily act of hope. Dr Falola-Olasunkanmi's work exemplifies this spirit, integrating science, community action, and innovation to transform smallholder agriculture from vulnerability to vitality. By strengthening resilient cropping systems, we are not just improving yields. We are growing resilience, empowering communities, and securing Africa's food future.
Dr Judith Adejoke Falola-Olasunkanmi
