Assessing the Effects of Conservation Agriculture on Maize Yield in Nyakatsapa, Mutasa District, Manicaland Province: Implications on Extension Advice to Farmers in Promoting the Agriculture

The study assessed the effects of conservation agriculture on maize yield in Nyakatsapa, Mutasa district. 20 ca farmers, 20 farmers doing conventional farming system and area AEW were used as research subjects in 2011/2012 farming season. Questionnaires and interviews were used as research instruments. Mean yields under ca and conventional tillage were compared and analysed using ‘Z’ statistical test at 0.025level of significance. Results showed that maize mean yield from ca was significantly higher than the mean yield from conventional system. Hectare of all ca farmers increased from 40.5ha in 2009/2010 to 100ha in 2011/2012 season. Yield in 2009/2010 was 1 t/ha but rose to 2.3t/ha by 2011/2012 season. Agritex, ZFU and NGO provided extension service to Nyakatsapa ca farmers. Agritex provided every type of extension. ZFU and NGO did not conduct any field days on ca. Extension records revealed that (15/20) was attendance on field days and (19/20) on field demonstrations. Results revealed that fertilizer and seed were the main inputs given. The study therefore, recommends that farmers in Nyakatsapa use conservation agriculture which produces higher yields than conventional system in maize production. Soil, nutrients and moisture are conserved.