Agronomic assessment of co-designed agroecological technologies and trials in Zimbabwe

The co-design process was a multi-year, iterative collaboration within Agroecological Living Landscapes (ALLs). The initial phase (Year 1) led to the establishment of demonstration plots [addressing, in particular, the biocontrol of major pests, including fall armyworm (Push-Pull), and adaptation to climate change (Conservation Agriculture-CA)], seed fairs (addressing the lack of adapted planting material), and mechanization services (addressing labor constraints, often exacerbated by the adoption of agroecological practices).In Year 2, challenges were identified for the co-designed technologies through consultation with the ALLs. These were related to production costs, biomass availability for soil mulching in the CA plot, and the need to increase livestock feed. Also, the demonstration plots progressed into a mother-baby plot design, and seed fairs expanded to seed and livestock fairs, emphasizing community-based knowledge sharing. Farmer performance reviews and feedback loops were integral to adapting strategies. This co-design approach promoted the emergence of locally tailored agroecological practices that responded directly to farmers’ needs. The process effectively strengthened partnerships, knowledge exchange, and co-learning.