This study assessed the impact of conservation agriculture (CA) on food security and livelihoods in Mangwe district. The
paper is based on findings from a research conducted in three wards of Mangwe district. Data was collected through indepth
interviews, semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Findings show that the adoption of CA is
widespread within the District. Key among the findings is that while CA does improve yields per acreage, the
improvement does not necessarily translate to improved food security. This is mainly due to climatic factors, including
the poor rainfall experienced in the District and the nature of the CA practised. In terms of the impact of CA on
livelihoods the study unravelled that CA does extend the range of livelihoods albeit, on a limited scale, through improved
yields and income. However, this is also dependent on rainfall levels. The study concluded that while CA holds promise
for the food insecure households in Mangwe, the way in which it is currently being practised is too labour intensive and it
is necessary to consider the adoption of much more efficient practices especially in the preparation of land.