The science and practice of short-term improved fallows: symposium synthesis and recommendations

This paper summarizes the reports submitted by working groups who met during the International Symposium on the Science and Practice of Short-term Improved Fallows held in Lilongwe, Malawi from 11-15 March 1997. The four working groups focused their discussions on the themes around which the symposium was structured, namely (1) traditional fallows and indigenous knowledge, (2) case studies on research and development of improved fallows, (3) how and where fallows work, and (4) dissemination mechanisms and policy requirements for adoption. Through their deliberations, each group provided a synthesis of key lessons learned and recommendations for future research and action.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]