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

This paper summarizes the reports submitted by working groups who met durin g the International Symposium on the Science and Practice of Short-term Imp roved Fallows held in Lilongwe, Malawi from 11-15 March 1997. The four work ing groups focused their discussions on the themes around which the symposi um 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 require ments for adoption. Through their deliberations, each group provided a synt hesis of key lessons learned and recommendations for future research and ac tion.