Introduction There is increasing concern about the agricultural activities to environmental degradation and health risks associated with food produces intense. As a result of growing interest in organic farming. Growing interest in sustainable and ecological management of natural resources and a healthy diet, with an increasing number of resource-poor farmers who can not afford agrochemicals, organic agriculture has the potential for sustainable food production and livelihood of people in resource-poor LED in sub-Saharan Africa. Low is set to farming systems that rely less on external, purchased inputs and more internal resources. Inout but lower agricultural technology, which is (Liat) has forwarded a negative impression in several areas of agriculture, and this is cited as a major barrier to increased use of low-input agriculture technologies (Liat), and Malawi in Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole. Again, it is recognized that environmental degradation in Africa, returns a key factor in agriculture. Accelerates the loss of forest land degradation. Even the gently sloping farmland soil losses have been reported that 25 tonnes to 250 tonnes per hectare site in the region. One study showed that soil degradation and erosion in Africa, the land productivity, a reduction of about 1 percent a year (Daberkow and Reichederfer, 1988). According to the World Bank (1982), about 9 million hectares of forest, two were lost each year in sub-Saharan Africa in 1980, particularly the clearing by farmers and loggers. Soil Reference and Information Centre (2007) in the Netherlands estimates that 321 million hectares of degraded land in Africa, an extremely modest. Since 1950, the amount of water available for people in Africa have fallen by more than half, plus half their present level lot within the next 25 years. While African governments have become more aware of the link between the environment and agricultural productivity, which was a lot of momentum for concrete and coherent action from the base. Despite the degraded environment of the villagers across the continent, often in support of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), an initiative to create the fruit stands, patio under the mountains, threatening to take the protection of water sources and more environmentally friendly farming practices. Malawi profile Malawi is a country of 117 068 km2 with a population of about 12 million people. This is the south-east Africa, where the Great Rift Valley, passing through the country from north to south. The deep minimum in Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, consisting of approximately 20% of the land area of Malawi. Shire River flows into the southern end of Lake and flows into the Zambezi River 400 km farther south in Mozambique. East and west of the Rift Valley, the high plateau of the country, typically 900-1200 meters above sea level. Malawi is a densely populated country with an economy heavily dependent on agriculture. The country has few exploitable mineral resources. Its two main exports of tobacco and tea. Traditionally Malawi has been self-sufficient in its primary basis, in May 1980, and exports significant quantities of the drought-stricken neighbors. Agriculture is the 38th 6% of GDP is more than 80% of the workforce and accounts for about 80% of total exports. Almost 90% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture. Small farmers to produce different crops, including maize, beans, rice, cassava, tobacco, and groundnuts (peanuts). In the agricultural sector contributes about 63rd 7% of total rural income, 65% of the processing of raw materials and approximately 87% of total employment. Financial’s wealth is concentrated in the service of a small elite. Many small farmers have unknowingly Malawi Liat practiced since time immemorial until the advent of modern technology and traditional farming systems to produce more food to growing populations. Conventional farming system has gradually exceeded extensive livestock farming. However, the agricultural system, Liat has not received much attention, for various reasons. It is therefore necessary to redefine the system of needs and gaps to prevent the adoption of Liat system of agriculture. The primary objective of the study was to identify problems with the assumption that there is a development of organic farming in Malawi Liat, and the formulation of policies that will improve the sustainability of agriculture in the recommended set. Definitions Organic farming There are varied definitions of organic farming, but the basic principles that apply to all types of agriculture. Principles of organic farming is a standards document, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM expressed): • If sufficient quantities of food of high nutritional value • working with natural systems rather than try to control it • Promotion of agricultural production and bio-cycle system in which micro-organisms, soils, flora and fauna, plants and animals • to maintain and increase long-term soil fertility • As far as possible from renewable natural resources, locally organized agricultural systems • To avoid any contamination that may result from agricultural activities • To maintain the genetic diversity of agricultural system and its surroundings • farmers with sufficient income and satisfaction in their work, including safe work environment These principles form the basis of agriculture-to-day. They lead directly to organic farming techniques, such as composting, in turn avoiding the use of soluble fertilizers to avoid intense activity, the prohibition of antibiotics and hormones, stimulants, etc. The use of mechanical methods of weed control Organic farming is the “system, which includes agriculture, or avoid the use of synthetically mixed with fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives, as defined. As much as possible on organic farming rely on crop rotations, residues, animal manures, legumes, green manures, off-farm organic wastes, and aspects of biological pest control of soil productivity and of tillage, crop nutrients and to maintain the supply control insects, weeds and other pests. Concepts and principles of organic farming based on the concept of extensive agriculture, the use of internal inputs and external inputs are highlighted. Internal inputs are usually much cheaper and affordable compared to external inputs. Low-technology, agriculture’s share (Liat) This is an action, the production of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are generally lower than the recommended prices. That does not mean the removal of these materials or inputs. Yields are greater emphasis on cultural practices, integrated pest management (IPM) to maintain and use farm management and resources. Liat is also known as “low-input and sustainable agriculture, added)” other schools of agriculture. In the future, in both cases, these systems, which are less dependent on external, purchased inputs and more internal resources, while preserving natural resources. Sustainable Agriculture Sustainable agriculture is an important part of overall efforts in meeting the requirements of the soil ecosystem by human activity. Therefore, to understand the different approaches to ecological agriculture is necessary if we use the planet’s resources more efficiently. While sustainable agriculture is based on long-term goals and not to specific farming activities, it is usually accompanied by a reduction of purchased inputs in favor of farm management tools. A good example is the use of biologically fixed nitrogen from legumes as versus manufactured nitrogen fertilizers. One of several alternative low-input farming in agricultural production, whose methods are adaptable to sustainable agriculture. Methodology Research on organic farming, and interviews with key informants were Liat from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and those who practice organic farming strategy, Liat. Four times fifteen different key-informants were made. Farmers (key informants) were specially selected for known cases of LIA and the merits of organic farming in Malawi. An interview questionnaire was administered at each visit in order to request information about the question “What are the challenges for organic farmers in Malawi face?” And “what is currently practiced in Malawi Liat?” Search the Internet was also used to further literature on organic farming and Liat in Sub-Saharan Africa and Malawi. Search terms used agricultute low input, organic farming, Malawi, sub-Saharan Africa, subsistence economy. Results Speeches Organic Growers Association of Malawi (nonsense) Africa is the only continent where food production is not increasing at the pace of the population. Malawi, where they cause the lack of fundamental basis for land, hunger and malnutrition, infant mortality is high. Some farmers are experimenting with organic farming – which is not based on man-made chemicals are not – and their methods of farmer groups has been observed in other countries. The methods used include a combination of irrigation, intercropping, composting and soil conservation. Currently, small farmers in 2400, four other clubs, the organic farmer in Malawi. They are closely Organic Growers Association of Malawi (nonsense), which aims to promote organic agriculture at the national level so as to poverty reduction, food security and natural resource management through education will help their members to keep. Achieve the objective of nonsense in the following activities; • To promote and protect the interests of organic farmers • suitable plants and the coordination and supervision of production among members • Setting rules for standardization and certification of organic products nationally and internationally recognized • increase support for the farmer members of its production, diversification of agricultural production and food security • establishing contacts with the marketing of national, regional and international levels • Information and training for members of post-harvest processing to add value-added products Nonsense has also established demonstration and training center on organic farming Dzalanyama, Lilongwe. It is also promoting a project (permaculture) to ecosysytems where farmers used to cut down trees to protect the shifting cultivation. Permaculture is one of the heavily promoted to farmers who practice organic farming. His farm is a “Freedom Gardens” and serve as a demonstration garden for other potential agricultural producers to learn permaculture and other strategies to go organic Agricultural Expert Interview (key informants) The experts gave their views on LIA nonsense and farming. Discussion researcher (RS) and Agriculture Expert (AE) was as follows; RS. What good are turning to organic farming? AE: It’s hard to generalize because there are many examples of successful organic farming can be found under various conditions. A big advantage is that it stops the destruction of the environment. Bio-technology is used to restore degraded land. Another advantage is that because of diversification, it provides a secure income for many farmers, as they rely on only one or two outputs. Consumption of by-products to improve the health of rural family. Thirdly, farmers, soil nutrient or organic materials available through the on-site waste on the farm. Soil nutrition is better in areas where limited access to synthetic inputs are or where they are considered too expensive. Finally, the health risks of pesticides and herbicides is the significant reduction of organic farming. RS: What exactly is a low-external-input agriculture, what are his principles? AE: Low-external-input farming reduces as much as possible the use of external inputs such as pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers and replaces them with internal inputs. The principle is that agriculture is considered the agricultural and ecosystem management. The farmer manages a farm with a single variety. Key terms of diversification of plants and animals, crop rotation and organic material cycles. Low-external input agriculture does not prohibit synthetic inputs. It is simply that if this is implemented, it is necessary to disappear for plastics. Mixed crops, green manures, composting, use of local organic materials, reduced tillage and biodynamic preparations are also included. Those things are a little more than common sense. Centre for Development of these skills is the biggest problem with the farmer. RS: How beautiful are farming today? AE: Organic farming is not new. Many of the so-called traditional systems have worked for a long time without external inputs and chemicals – and still works. The best evidence that organic farming can work is that it worked for a long time. That does not mean it can not be repaired. It should be safe. But this improvement is not necessary to use external inputs. There are other possibilities. Here I feel FAO is weak. The organization is convinced that improving agriculture’s share in Central chemicals. This is a one-sided. In some cases, this approach is sensible, but others are not. And I think we have an important role in the development of conventional systems, which is still in its low-external-input without chemicals. Means that the concept of nutrient balance, including organic matter. Science today is a lot more about what happens to soil resources and improve the data on many traditional crops without chemicals. RS: Most of the districts in Malawi have very high population density, how low external input agriculture work in places like this? AE: The fact is that very often systems are dismantled, because the external inputs are used properly. In organic farming, the need for external inputs, and nutrient cycling through the inputs such as labor costs. If other external inputs are necessary, these organic materials. You are biologically intensive production systems with above-average returns to make, employ more people, use of renewable, organic resources. Granted, you have a certain degree of population pressure and balance. If you have a degraded soils, you need to build up soil fertility, fertility, and if there is, you have to try to maintain it. The problem now is that people tried to use too much, too long for the title, if any statement in trying to recycle things back inside. Intensification of agriculture does not mean, however, automatically lead to more chemicals. There are many ways – intercropping, green manuring, recycling of manure and plant cultivation at different times, thus maximizing the potential of land. You can agricultural production, the diversity of plant species, which can be mutually supportive. You can crop combinations that are less susceptible to pests, so you do not constantly use pesticides on the basis of monoculture. RS. Are you an overview of organic farming in Malawi? AE. Compared to the Malawi population (about 12 million people), who has been practicing organic farming in Malawi little, even though demand for organic produce used in and outside Malawi. So the question is how we go into this market, by encouraging farmers to grow organic products and the establishment of relations between farmers and the potential market. This is because marketing is the biggest barrier to adoption of organic farming. Currently there are no national standards for organic farming in the production of bio-products and there is little awareness of the potential benefits of organic farmers. RS. What is a low-input technologies, which are currently being used in Malawi? AE. Many small farmers in Malawi practice LIA albeit unconsciously. Thanks unaffordability of external inputs for agriculture, farmers have always produced by plants on the farm. Some of the strategies currently being practiced by small farmers; Irrigation There are many different systems available for irrigation to adapt to specific conditions. It is typically used in Malawi is used traditionally in many parts of the world – out of irrigation canals along the upper edge of the earth, and then along the small channels between the rows of plants. Water will penetrate the soil around the plant. Mixed culture Techniques used for the farmers interviewed in order to verify the pest is a plant with different varieties of plants that help each other survive and grow successfully. One of the reasons “companion plants” help each other, because one of its neighbors, nothing can stop pests. For example, many pests of garlic can be used very effectively to the cultural mix of many cultures. In some cases, it is possible to plant pests, the attractiveness of the crop itself. This idea has been used in parts of Africa, where he found the farmers who have planted milkweed aphids in vegetables reduces their culture – just because the wolf’s milk aphids in vegetables. Similarly, as the mixed culture, plants are used by predators that eat it will attract vermin. Shrubs and trees around the fields of grain, and many, many useful insects, the birds left. There are many plants whose flowers attract and encourage them to see more eggs, it is an attack on the growing number of insect pests. Composting If the soil food crops are needed, they must be kept in good condition and replace the natural nutrients. Artificial, chemical fertizers can not, because they provide only short-term needs of the plant, but does not feed themselves on the ground – to feed the next crop over a longer, more expensive chemicals are needed. Returning the natural waste and manure in the soil and feed crops, which farmers can improve soil structure so that it retains water more efficiently. One very effective way of using vegetable waste compost so be it. It is composed of plant and animal residues, which have been established, which is broken down by bacteria. Since this is a natural process, compost is very easy and inexpensive to make, and is an effective and sustainable way to improve soil and crop quality. If the process is well managed, the heat, when the materials are produced often enough to kill weed seeds and red plant diseases. Freedom Gardens uses the trench composting system, but there are many different ways to compost, all of which were developed for different waste materials and air, where they are used to adjust. It has all the methods, however, important to a mixture of different types of materials – some young, some older material, dead and living thing – so that the final product is a good balance of natural carbon and nitrogen need of the crop. Soil To prevent soil erosion and prevent loss due to wind and rain, it helps to grow plants that link them together. Banana trees and vetiver for the use of farmers’ gardens. Both have the advantage of the food crops (bananas), or tolerate a useful material in the form of mulch or feed (vetiver). Vetiver has been very successful in more than 50 countries in use of soil and water conservation. When fully established, vetiver hedge will retain all surface water and trap soil that has been made in water. Other methods of maintaining soil include building terraces on steep slopes or the gentler contours of the land in lowland areas, where rain-rest, of course, run with the land until it is quite fast drop is weak, who are away from the surface of the soil. Intercropping Due to the pressure of land for farmers to maximize production of planting two or more crops in one box. This has the added benefit pests’ attacks reduced apparency cultures mixed stand. Intercropping legumes is also beneficial for the enrichment of nitrogen in the soil with nitrogen for bacterial root nodules of legumes. Agroforestry This technology has great potential to improve soil fertility, fruit tree domestication, sustainable tree seed systems and livestock feed. Various leguminous tree species used in agroforestry in Malawi. For example, Gliricidia sepium is one of the preferred species for use of this technology. Its leaves are rich in nitrogen (N), sometimes up to 4% of leaf biomass. Another quality is that the leaves of organic matter, which may help to improve soil fertility and structure. Makoka Technology Research and Application of the surrounding farms showed that Gliricidia intercropping rejuvenate the soil and improve soil fertility without the use of manure helps. The results show a significant increase in maize yields simultaneous intercropping with Gliricidia. The farmer can get yields up to 3-4 tons. Permaculture Permaculture is about designing ecological human habitats and food production systems. This is the land use and community building movement which seeks the harmonious integration of human dwellings, climate, annual and perennial plants, animals, soil and water, a stable, productive communities. Permaculture landscape design is a central issue for organic food. The focus is on multiple-use facilities, a set of cultural practices such as sheet mulching and trellising, and the integration of animals recycle nutrients and graze weeds. Permaculture can be applied to create productive ecosystems on human point of view, or to help degraded ecosystems back to health, and ferocity. Permaculture should be applied in any ecosystem, no matter how it may be reduced. Permaculture demonstration sites in Malawi is a short-term goals are all the protests by local farmers in organic farming-oriented benefits. Some of the activities that are aimed at food production and incomes; • Garden: For the money, food, chicken feed, compost, fertilizer, fish ponds; • for poultry: money, food, fertilizers, vegetables, manure, fish ponds; • fishing: money, food, manure, vegetables, fish pond; • woodlot for: money, wood, fuel; • Cattle: For food, fatten into cash (or sell), manure, vegetables, and fish ponds; • cultural (mix), comb, with maize, beans and potatoes with companion plants. This method is used for several reasons: o It increases the long-term fertility; o There is a cheap way of farming; o This will prevent the chemical contamination of soil and water. Mulching Ingress of water depends on the existence of sufficient porosity in the surface soil and rainfall to infiltrate into the subsoil and parent material (low) for the rainwater to percolate. The initial approach should be to awaken society and farmers, extensionists and researchers are all set up and maintain soil conditions that the penetration of rain, if it is to promote and tackle the causes of the drain. This means that the porosity of the soil must be at least maintained or increased. Debate Low-input agriculture has become an important issue, because his popularity has motivated and supported by the increasing environmental and health risks of agrochemicals. Fall in equity prices and farm, which was an interest in developing cost-effective technologies to reduce the 1981-1987 re-ignite. Sub-Saharan Africa, agricultural production is now challenged by the many constraints faced by farmers in Africa. While some areas have high productivity and is intensively cultivated, while others are plagued low soil fertility, poor access to resources such as water, infrastructure and markets. Organic farming offers opportunities for small farmers living in the increased yields and improve access to markets. But it’s not so easy to organic farming and new levels of organization and investment, the government will start, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and households are needed. Malawi, more than 90% of the population is active in agricultural production, which takes 38th 6% of gross domestic product, 80% of export earnings and employs 80% of the working age population (A Guide to agricultural production and natural resource management, 2005). According to the Ministry of Agriculture, and contribute to food security, agricultural crops, the main sub-sectors, including approximately 80%, livestock and fisheries contribute 13% to about 6%. Over 95% of farmers are small producers in the land between 0 and 5-1. 0 acres. Most of these small producers is a rich indigenous knowledge that their livelihood is affected, food security and the productive capacity of the soil for hundreds of years with very little or no use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and veterinary drugs. But they have limited capital. Malawi is one of the users of artificial fertilizers and other agro-chemical products in Africa in less than 14%, or 1 kg of fertilizer per hectare, compared to the average for Sub-Saharan 9kg/ha. Malawi is, therefore, a high relative advantage of organic farming in Africa. Developments in organic farming sub-sector has driven developments in the international markets and trade. World market for organic products is now estimated at about $ 30 billionth The average global growth and demand for organic products on the market is currently estimated at 25% per annum (Grolink 2004). There is a growing consumer interest triggered by the rapid growth of international trade in organic products. Trading environment has witnessed changes due to; • Increased consumer concerns about health and safety. Completion org / index.


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