At Monana Organic Limited, we believe in helping Zambian smallholder farmers make the most of their land. One of the best ways to do that is by intercropping—growing sunflower alongside other valuable crops like beans, maize, groundnuts, and sorghum.
Recent research shows that intercropping improves productivity, income, and sustainability, making it a smart and profitable choice for small-scale farmers.
Why Intercrop Sunflowers with Other Crops?
Sunflowers are gaining popularity across Zambia due to their:
- High-quality oil content
- Low saturated fat
- Mild flavor and light color
But beyond their value as a cash crop, sunflowers can be intercropped with legumes and cereals to:
- Boost productivity
- Improve soil use
- Reduce costs
- Diversify your income
Research from Uganda (Elobu et al., 2016) and Nigeria (Olowe & Adebimpe, 2009) highlights how sunflower intercropping is transforming small-scale agriculture.
Key Benefits of Intercropping with Sunflowers
Better Land Use Efficiency
The Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) measures how much more productive intercropping is compared to monocropping. All combinations below have LER values above 1.0, meaning they use land more efficiently than single-crop systems.
Higher Yields and Income
The right crop combinations produce more harvest per hectare and bring in more revenue overall—especially important for farmers managing limited land.
| Crop Combination | Ratio | LER | Income (USD/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflower + Beans | 1:1 | 1.48 | $426 |
| Sunflower + Maize | 3:1 | 1.26 | $544 |
| Sunflower + Sorghum | 2:2 | 1.24 | $343 |
| Sunflower + Groundnuts | 2:1 | 1.16 | $504 |
(These numbers are based on Elobu et al. (2016) using 2013 prices.)
Common Challenges (and How to Avoid Them)
Intercropping isn’t without risk—if spacing and crop combinations are off, one crop can dominate. Here’s how to avoid problems:
- Choose crops with different heights or nutrient needs
- Use the recommended planting ratios
- Observe and adjust based on growth performance
Example: For sunflower + maize, a 3:1 ratio works best. For sunflower + beans, a 1:1 ratio gives better balance and returns.
Practical Tips to Get Started
- Pick compatible crops: Sunflower pairs well with legumes (beans, groundnuts) and cereals (maize, sorghum)
- Use correct spacing and ratios: Follow research-backed layouts for optimal growth
- Start small: Test combinations on part of your field before scaling up
- Monitor performance: Look for early signs of crowding or nutrient stress
Intercropping = More Profit with Less Risk
By combining crops wisely, you can increase yield per hectare, improve soil health, and lower the risks of depending on a single crop. You also save on inputs while earning from multiple harvests.
Whether you grow beans, maize, sorghum, or groundnuts, adding sunflower to your field layout could be the key to higher profits.
Start Intercropping with Monana Organic Limited
Want help getting started? Visit our Grow with Us page for more details on:
- Crop selection
- Planting calendars
- Guaranteed markets for your sunflower harvest
Also, see our blog for other posts about sunflower farming and discover more ways to improve your productivity.
References
- Elobu et al. (2016): Study on the benefits of intercropping sunflower with other crops.
- Olowe & Adebimpe (2009): Findings on intercropping efficiencies and crop benefits.