Methodology of the Max Havelaar Jatropha pilots in Tanzania. 1. Introduction.

Jatropha curcas L is a very common plant in many parts of Tanzania, locally known as Mbono. Since the surge of interest in renewable energy alternatives (2004-2005) the plant is becoming a non food agro-fuel crop in Tanzania. Concerns about the effect on food crop production have been raised on several occasions. However, these concerns are (if true at all) mainly related to large scale, plantation wide production of Jatropha curcas L. from which reality shows that economically they are not feasible as long as no decent yields can be harvested. On the other hand some model results are indicating that there is no national-level tradeoff between biofuels and food production and that in fact, biofuel production scenarios do suggest an improvement on household welfare, especially for typical smallholders crops like cassava and Jatropha. (James Thurlow, BEFS analyses for Tanzania (FAO 2010)) According to several sources, the best and only profitable model for Jatropha would be the fencing model, i.e. Jatropha growing in hedges. (World Agro forestry Centre 2010Economic viability of Jatropha curcas L plantations in Northern Tanzania) (Jatropha reality check GTZ 2009) However, it still has to be seen if this profitable model will enable smallholders to grow Jatropha in a sustainable way without negative impact on food-production. Co-ordinated by the Max Havelaar Foundation Netherlands, the Fairtrade Labelling Organisation (FLO) carries out a feasibility study (Funded by Agentschap NL) regarding the fairtrade certification of Jatropha curcas L. Part of this study is an agricultural pilot were Jatropha and a food crop are being intercropped in a specific model. In Tanzania food production (in this example Maize, the countries main staple food) is one of the lowest per ha in the world. (1.5 ton/ha, FAO 2003, 1.7 ton/ha BEFS 2009), due to poor soils, erratic rainfall and poor agricultural practices. The pilot is implemented at three different locations in Tanzania trough existing coffee cooperatives.
See: Feasibility of growing Jatropha curcas with co-operatives growing coffee and tea. (Experiences from a survey in Northeast and Southwest Tanzania. AvP 14/12/2008)

1.1. Purpose of the pilot plot A. Introduction of a mixed cropping system for Jatropha and food crops (Maize) B. Prove that Maize can be grown together with Jatropha. (Due to rumours and failed plantings there is a perception among the farmers that Jatropha affects other crops negatively) C. Prove that Jatropha seedcake is as good as organic manure as a fertilizer. D. Prove that by introducing good food seed varieties, healthy fertilizer systems and good agricultural practices, farmers can use 40% of their land for Jatropha without loosing food production. (This requires a 66% increase in food production) The Agronomy results of the first round are presented below.

2. Materials and methods 2.1. Plot selection. For the selection of the pilot plots several key factors were playing a role: 1. Climate a. Temperature. Since the main activity of the three participating cooperatives is the growing and marketing of coffee, it could be expected that their farmer members have properties on relatively high altitudes, because that is where coffee grows. Although the growth of Jatropha is not hampered by high altitude itself, the high altitude related cooler temperatures are influencing Jatropha growth a lot. b. Light. Apart from the temperature related consequences of high altitudes, the light (and shade) conditions in the coffee area are by far not optimal for Jatropha, since it needs full sun to flourish. c. Rain. From literature and practice it is known that Jatropha responds very positive on adequate rainfall or irrigation. 2. Soil. Although Jatropha is a very flexible plant, but poor nutrient conditions (whether absolute or caused by extreme low or high pH) will effect the growth of the plant and its yield. Also water logging should be avoided. 3. Existence of Jatropha in the selected area. Locally grown Jatropha could give an indication of growth potential. 4. Ownership. The selected plots should be owned or long term leased by the coffee-co-operatives in order to secure control during several seasons. 5. Size. To facilitate all activities, size of the plot should be around 1 ha. 2.2 .Taking all the key factors into account, the pilot locations where located as follows: a. Selected pilot plots are below coffee altitude. b. Selected pilot plots are outside coffee plantations c. Selected pilot plots are in areas with rain >1000 mm d. Soil samples are taken to detect and/or correct eventual problems e. Selected pilot plots are in areas where Jatropha is growing. f. Selected plots are owned or leased by the co-operatives g. All plots are smaller due to ownership. 2.3 Locations and climate Bukoba: (Location Ruhanga) 11945.69Z, 314841.69O, Altitude +/- 1150 mtr, Rain +/-2072 mm Temp. (Celsius). min. 16, max.28, av. 21.1 Size demo plot 2400 m2, selection plot 900 m2, nursery 2500 m2 Moshi, (Location Mbosho) S 03 15.623, E 037 09.761 Altitude +/- 1160 mtr Rain+/- 949 mm Temp. (Celsius): min.13, max 31, av.21.3 Size demo plot 3400 m2, selection plot 700 m2, nursery 40+ m2 Mbinga (Location Mhekela), S 10.59.04.06, E 34.59.047 Altitude +/- 1320 mtr Rain +-/ 1157 mm Temp. (Celsius): min.13, max.31, av.19.3 Size demo plot 1700 m2, selection plot 840 m2. nursery 400 m2

2.4. Planting methods and fertilization The layout of all three locations is based on the same model: 40% of the area planted with a double row of Jatropha planted at 2x2 in triangular model, and 60% of the area planted with one or more food crops. (maize and beans)

The field is cleared from grasses and rubbish by manual labour and levelled where needed. Soil samples are taken (Analyses by BLGG, Oosterbeek, Netherlands.) Nutrient supply is guaranteed by: a. Animal manure from local suppliers, or b. Jatropha seedcake from the Jatropha oil producing company Diligent in Arusha.* c. Local supply of Minjingu Rock Phosphate or equivalent Jatropha plants raised in plastic bags are planted (in 30x30 cm planting holes with 1 kg of manure and 10 grams of Phosphate each) prior to the planting of maize. Maize is planted along lines and fertilized per hill with manure or seedcake and Phosphate. Different types of maize were planted due to local conditions.

2.5. Lay out and experimental treatments of the food-part from the demonstration field. 1.Zero treatment. No nutrients applied 2.Seedcake 1 ton per ha* 3.Seedcake 2 tonnes per ha 4.Manure 1 ton per ha* 5.Manure 2 tonnes per ha

The demonstration was designed in 4 repetitions, in a randomized bloc model. Size and shape of the model is adapted to local conditions.

Seedcake and manure were applied per hill in order to increase fertilizer efficiency. Calculating the number of hills and the area used gives the following results: 1 ton/ha is 100 gr/m2, 2 tonnes/ha is 200 gr/m2. Since the planting distance of maize is 60x90 cm = 0.54 m2, hills are fertilized with 54 and 108 grams respectively.

Analyses of the seedcake from Arusha (Used in all three pilots.) and the local collected cow manure.

Seedcake Unit dry matter ash organic matter N P P205 K K20 S Mg Mg0 Chl pH CaCo3 Ece % mS/cm 25C gr/kg gr/kg dry matter % of dry matter g/kg dry matter g/kg dry matter g/kg dry matter g/kg dry matter g/kg dry matter mgS/kg g/kg dry matter g/kg dry matter g/kg dry matter Result 833 157 84.3 44 18 41.2 20 24 3980 11 18 1.2 6.5 1.3 8.19

Manure

680 429 57.1 18.2 6 13.7 52 63 3200 6.5 11 3.8 9.2 2.5 10.57

3. Demonstration trials in BUKOBA. Bukoba: (Location Ruhanga) 11945.69Z, 314841.69O, Altitude +/- 1150 mtr, Rain +/-2072 mm Temp. (Celsius). min. 16, max.28, av. 21.1 Size demo plot 2400 m2, selection plot 900 m2, nursery 2500 m2

The demonstration plot is located along the roadside of the road to Ruhanga (Luhanga) It was a neglected field which was used previously as nursery by the KCU. Two farmers are duplicating the demonstration model on their own field, however with their own type of fertilization. Result of a soil sample taken was as follows: (Analyses by BLGG, Oosterbeek, Netherlands.
Table 1. Results of a mixed soil sample from Ruhanga demonstration plot. unit C/N ratio N supplying capacity Phosphorus P-AL Pw Potassium Sulphur S supplying capacity S-total supply Magnesium Sodium Acidity Organic matter Clay result 12 target 13-17

kgN/ha mgP/kg mg P2O5/100g mg P2O5/l mgK/kg mg S/kg kg S/ha kg S/ha mg Mg/kg mgNa/kg pH % %

6 <0.2 0.3 3 40 150 1 14 9 6 3.9 3.9 32

93-147

35-45

211-272

20-30 79-98

5.4-5.7 3.1-6

The results of the soil sample show very poor characteristics of the soil. Lack of all major elements and magnesium and a very low pH, including high clay content. The latter was not a real problem for Jatropha, since the plot has a gentle slope. This location represents the typical more or less neglected and eroded soil outside the village boundaries.

The 5 treatments and 4 repetitions were laid out in randomized blocs of 18 m2 (6 meter wide and 3 meter long). Maize was sun dried and weight was taken after de-cobbing.

Table 2.Maize yield data first round Bukoba

Reported yield Bukoba Measured yield Farmer 8 Measured yield farmer 7

Low mt/ha 1.35

High 2.7

Av. 2.02 2.17 3.22

C 5.90 6.30 6.50 3.80 5.40 D 3.20 6.60 3.20 8.40 4.00 Average kg/18m2 5.18 5.90 5.23 5.43 5.00 kg/m2 0.29 0.33 0.29 0.30 0.28 mt/ha 2.88 3.28 2.90 3.01 2.78

B 5.20 5.90 7.20 4.20 4.20

1. Zero treatment. 2.Seedcake 1 ton per ha* 3.Seedcake 2 tonnes per ha 4.Manure 1 ton per ha* 5.Manure 2 tonnes per ha

6.40 4.80 4.00 5.30 6.40

Table 3. Graph from first round maize yield Bukoba

Yield of maize intercropped with Jatropha. (Bukoba/Tanzania) 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 mt/ha 1.50 1.00 0.50 0.00 Bukoba farmer 8 cake 2 ton aver+ 66% 3.35 2.17 2.90 manure 2 manure 1 ton ton 2.78 3.01

zero 2.88

farmer 7 cake 1 ton 3.22 3.28

mt/ha

Red column is the benchmark for 66% yield increase over average recorded yield in Bukoba

The benchmark could hardly be reached, mainly due to big differences between repetitions in the field . 4. Demonstration trials in Moshi Moshi, (Location Mbosho) S 03 15.623, E 037 09.761 Altitude +/- 1160 mtr Rain+/- 949 mm Temp. (Celsius): min.13, max 31, av.21.3 Size demo plot 3400 m2, selection plot 700 m2, nursery 40+ m2 The demonstration plot is located along the roadside of the road to West Kilimanjaro, opposite the coffee nursery of KNCU Previously the field was used by a local farmer to grow maize. This farmer is still using the field outside the demonstration plot.
Table 4.Result of a soil sample taken was as follows: (Analyses by BLGG, Oosterbeek, Netherlands.

Mbosho unit C/N ratio N supplying capacity Phosphorus P-AL Pw Potassium Sulphur S supplying capacity S-total supply Magnesium Sodium Acidity Organic matter Clay

result 12

target 13-17

kgN/ha mgP/kg mg P2O5/100g mg P2O5/l mgK/kg mg S/kg kg S/ha kg S/ha mg Mg/kg mgNa/kg pH % %

92 <0.2 5 4 254 510 25 38 350 16 6 4.9 75

93-147

35-45

140-195

20-30 79-98

The results of the soil sample show a good soil as might be expected on the slope of the Kilimanjaro. (volcanic). However, as in most tropical soils, there is a lack of Phosphorus and high clay content. The latter is not a real problem for Jatropha, since the plot has a strong slope.

5.4-5.7 3.1-6

The 5 treatments and 4 repetitions were laid out in randomized blocs of 72 m2 each (6 meter wide and 12 meter long). Maize was sun dried and weight was taken after de-cobbing. Table 5.Maize yield data from Mbosho 1e round.
ton/ha treatments av. reported yield for Moshi 2011 farmer neighbour farmer+66% zero Jatropha cake 1 ton Jatropha cake 2 ton cow manure 1 ton cow manure 2 ton 1.3 1.48 2.46 2.08 3.40 4.27 2.95 3.61 Aver. Kg/72m2 A B C D

15.00 24.50 30.75 21.25 26.00

15 24 30 20 24

14 27 32 22 30

15 21 28 24 25

16 26 33 19 25

In Mbosho were no farmers participating in the first round. However, the neighbouring farmer was growing maize around the demonstration plot. His yield was almost the same as the average reported yield for the Moshi area in 2011. Our benchmark therefore was the yield of this farmer + 66%.. All the treatments (except zero) reached the benchmark easily from which three treatments with a good statistical difference.

Yield of maize intercropped with Jatropha (Moshi/Tanzania)

5.00 4.00 3.00 2.00 1.00 0.00 farmer+66% mt/ha 2.46 zero 2.08

jatropha cake 1 ton 3.40

jatropha cake cow manure 1 cow manure 2 2 ton ton ton 4.27 2.95 3.61

red column=benche mark for 66% yield increase green columns are measured yields in the demo plot

5. Demonstration trials in Mbinga. Mbinga (Location Mhekela), S 10.59.04.06, E 34.59.047 Altitude +/- 1320 mtr Rain +-/ 1157 mm Temp. (Celsius): min.13, max.31, av.19.3 Size demo plot 1700 m2, selection plot 840 m2. nursery 400 m2 The demonstration plot is located pretty far from the road but reachable by car. The 5 treatments and 4 repetitions were laid out in randomized blocs of 37.5 m2 each (6 meter wide and 6.25 meter long). The demonstration plot was not correctly installed (no seedcake applied) and not correctly measured (measuring whole rows in stead of blocks), so no data could be generated. On top of that maize was planted far too late both in the demonstration plot and at farmers level so the plants could not develop timely before the rain stopped. As a consequence, from the eighteen participating farmers only one was able to reach a 66% yield increase.