Tthese proceedings synthesise the deliberations of the iii world congress on conservation agriculture held in nairobi from 3 to 7 october 2005. the proceedings are published at a time when soaring food and energy prices have severely impacted on the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers and many more consumers. the newly evolving world focus on agricultural production and increased productivity strikes a balance between enhanced access to agricultural inputs and equipment; and the vital knowledge related to sustainable profitable agricultural practices