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Addis Ababa University Libraries Electronic Thesis and Dissertations: AAU-ETD! >
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Thesis - Environmental Sciences >
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http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2604
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| Title: | LAND DEGRADATION AND FARMERS’ PERCEPTION: THE CASE OF LIMO WOREDA, HADYA ZONE OF SNNPR, ETHIOPIA |
| Authors: | Shibru, Tefera Blata |
| Advisors: | Dr. Belay Simane |
| Keywords: | Farmer perception
fertility
Erosion
Soil degradation |
| Copyright: | Jun-2010 |
| Date Added: | 4-May-2012 |
| Publisher: | AAU |
| 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 semi-
structured 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. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2604 |
| Appears in: | Thesis - Environmental Sciences
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