Dryland Systems :: CGIAR Research Program on Dryland Systems

Conservation agriculture: higher yields, lower costs

Conservation agriculture – the practice of not plowing farmlands and leaving crop residue in the field for improved soil fertility and water conservation – is a proven and cost-effective approach that balances yields, conserves resources, and increases efficiency.
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Community inclusion: enhancing the resilience of dairy producers in southern Jordan

Livestock are a mainstay of production systems in the dry areas of the world, providing resilience to rural communities and an important source of extra income through the sale of added-value products such as wool, milk, cheese, and yoghurt.
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‘A map tells a million words:’ Using maps to guide the Program’s research

Without access to accurate and comprehensive data, development practitioners may struggle to develop appropriate strategies – they lack the information they need to determine what interventions are needed, and where, and their interventions may do more harm than good, or at best, be ineffective
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Partner focus: Video interview with Dr. Prakash Tyagi, Director, GRAVIS

GRAVIS is a development organization working for the empowerment of of rural communities in the Thar Desert, India. GRAVIS is based on the Ghandian philosophy of self-reliance and works towards the rehabilitation of droght-affected and marginalized rural co
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Countering the threat of wheat stripe rust disease

Wheat stripe rust disease is a significant threat to wheat production in the dry areas of the world.
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Strategic extension: Identifying innovative farmers

The effectiveness of agricultural extension is controlled by a range of factors: the capacity of extension agents; the quality of extension materials; and whether rural communities or civil society organizations are engaged and responsive to extension efforts.
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