Blata, Shibru Tefera (2010) Land Degradation and Farmers’ Perception: The Case of Limo Woreda, Hadya Zone of SNNPR, Ethiopia. Masters thesis, Addis Ababa University.
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Abstract
Lack of appreciating farmers’ knowledge and their perceptions of soil degradation and soil conservation measures was the reason for low adoption of recommended technologies. This research was carried out to evaluate farmers’ perceptions of soil degradation and their knowledge of the existing soil and water conservation measures in Limo woreda of the Southern Ethiopian Highlands. Field observations, focus group discussion and semistructured household surveys were carried out in two selected kebeles, with 112 households. The results indicate that farmers were aware of the on-going soil degradation and of several erosion control measure and land husbandry practices. They perceive soil degradation mainly by reduced yields, soil changing in appearance and becoming stony or coarse. The most frequently mentioned soil erosion indicators were rill and gully formation followed by exposed underground rocks, soil becoming coarse and stony, and topsoil removal. The most important perceived indicator of soil fertility loss was reduced crop yield, followed by poor crop performance and yellowing of the crop. Majority of farmers preferred water diversion ditch, ridges and counter ploughing for soil and water conservation and chemical fertilizer, crop rotation and mixed cropping for soil fertility amendment while they did not recognise agroforestry and farm yard manure as a conservation and fertility amendment measure. Farmers faced several constraints in adopting SWC measures: decrease in farm size, its inconvenience during for free movement of oxen plough, and multiplication of rats in the stone bunds. Any programme designed to address soil degradation should consider those farmers criteria for adoption.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Soil degradation, Erosion, fertility, Farmer perception |
| Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences Q Science > QE Geology S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General) |
| Divisions: | Africana |
| Depositing User: | Selom Ghislain |
| Date Deposited: | 24 May 2018 12:13 |
| Last Modified: | 24 May 2018 12:13 |
| URI: | http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/4099 |
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