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Synergy between farmers’ knowledge of soil quality change and scientifically measured soil quality indicators in Wanka watershed, northwestern highlands of Ethiopia

Author

Listed:
  • Wondwosen Abera

    (Debre Birhan University
    Addis Ababa University)

  • Mohammed Assen

    (Addis Ababa University)

  • Poshendra Satyal

    (University of East Anglia)

Abstract

This study was aimed at assessing farmers’ perception and knowledge of soil quality (SQ) change, in light of scientifically measured SQ indicators in the Wanka watershed, northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. Household survey, participatory SQ status assessment, key informant interview and laboratory analysis of selected SQ indicators were used as data collection tools. Independent samples t test (two-tailed) was used to compare the mean difference of SQ indicators between perceived good and poor SQ status. Farmers recognized that there has been SQ decline in their farm lands over the years. Based on perceived SQ status, farmers categorized their farm plots into good, average and poor classes locally called wofram meret, boda and sis/chincha meret, respectively. The identified principal SQ status indicators used by farmers were yield, plow depth, appearance of undesired weedy plant species, fertilizer requirement of soil, topsoil color and soil workability. These farmers’ assessment of SQ has well-coincided with major scientific quantitative indicators. Accordingly, plots identified by farmers as good SQ status exhibited better soil nutrients than the perceived poor SQ. Available phosphorus (p

Suggested Citation

  • Wondwosen Abera & Mohammed Assen & Poshendra Satyal, 2021. "Synergy between farmers’ knowledge of soil quality change and scientifically measured soil quality indicators in Wanka watershed, northwestern highlands of Ethiopia," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 1316-1334, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:23:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s10668-020-00622-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-020-00622-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Aklilu Amsalu & Jan Graaff, 2006. "Farmers’ Views of Soil Erosion Problems and their Conservation Knowledge at Beressa Watershed, Central Highlands of Ethiopia," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 23(1), pages 99-108, March.
    2. Richard Ansong Omari & Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura & Elsie Sarkodee Addo & Yosei Oikawa & Yoshiharu Fujii, 2018. "Exploring Farmers’ Indigenous Knowledge of Soil Quality and Fertility Management Practices in Selected Farming Communities of the Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-16, March.
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