The role of indigenous knowledge and practice on water and soil conservation management in Albuko Woreda, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Taye A, Megento TL. 2017. The role of indigenous knowledge and practice on water and soil conservation management in Albuko Woreda, Ethiopia. Bonorowo Wetlands 7: 95-107. The objectives of this study were to assess various aspects of indigenous knowledge and practice in water and soil conservation measures introduced in Albuko Woreda/district, South Wollo, Ethiopia, and investigate how farmers have adopted indigenous soil and water conservation measures. This study also aimed to examine farmers' views on land degradation and assess their adoption behavior of soil and water conservation knowledge. The data for the study originated mainly from farmers in the study area. Structured questionnaire survey and focus group discussion methods were applied to collect the necessary information from farm households. A total of 140 heads of families were questioned. The received data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Even though some soil and water conservation methods were introduced to combat land degradation in Ethiopia, adopting these practices remains below expectations. Most farmers preferred soil (stone) bund, water diversion ditch and contour ploughing for soil and water conservation, crop rotation, and mixed cropping for soil fertility amendment measures instead of traditional cutoff drain and fallowing. Farmers faced several constraints in adopting soil and water conservation measures. The main problems related to conservation structures include the source of pests, inconveniency during ox ploughing, reduction of farmland, labor intensiveness, difficulty in implementation, and costliness. In contrast, farmers were knowledgeable about various indigenous soil and water conservation measures but implemented only some of them. They understand the effects of erosion on crop productivity. Finally, farmers need to be trained on the impact of soil erosion and available conservation measures. Information on the ineffectiveness of some traditional conservation measures has to be disseminated among farmers.