Exchanging Experience with Conservation Agriculture Towards Climate Resilience

The Booklet Exchanging Experience with Conservation Agriculture Towards Climate Resilience is developed by the World Bank and authored by Chinese experts Li Hongwei, Xiemei, and He Jin from the College of Engineering at China Agricultural University. It is designed to share China’s experience in conservation agriculture (CA) and climate‑smart farming. The booklet explains how CA improves soil health, increases crop yields, and strengthens resilience to climate change by applying three core principles: no‑till farming, maintaining soil cover, and crop rotation. Together, these practices reduce erosion, conserve moisture, improve soil structure, and lower labor requirements, illustrating the practical value of conservation agriculture practices.

The booklet describes how retaining crop residues on the soil surface protects against erosion, increases water infiltration, and reduces evaporation – benefits that are particularly important in drought‑prone regions. It also explains how no‑till farming prevents the soil degradation caused by ploughing, while crop rotation and intercropping enhance fertility and help manage pests. The booklet further highlights China’s large‑scale adoption of CA, supported by government programs, machinery subsidies, research, and innovative no‑till equipment. These efforts have enabled millions of hectares to transition to CA, improving productivity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the booklet presents CA as an effective, climate‑smart pathway for restoring soils, enhancing resilience, and supporting sustainable food production.

To ensure the content is both practical and user-friendly, the booklet uses clear, cartoon-style illustrations to present the key CA practices, making the information more accessible and easier for farmers to understand and apply in their own fields.

Click here to access and download the full manual for more detailed information.

Related links:

1. "Small Technology, Big Harvest" Project in Tanzania 

2. How to Grow Maize with Good Harvest – A Maize Cultivation Guide