Integrating local knowledge with science and technology in management of soil, water and nutrients: implications for management of natural capital for sustainable rural livelihoods

Abstract

Harnessing local knowledge and practices for sustainable management of soil, water and nutrients is important for sustainable development. This work aims to understand soil productivity in traditional open-ridging practices and integrate scientific ideas and technologies into traditional practices for enhancing management of soil productivity. Participatory assessments, household surveys, field experiments, observations and analyses of outcomes were used. Participatory assessments revealed declining natural soil fertility and maize productivity over time, a concern reiterated by 82.5% of respondents. Evaluation of ridge tillage practices showed that bean yields were significantly (p , 0.05) higher by 19-35% in traditional open ridges and increased by 23-38% when ties were integrated. Integration of fertilizers resulted in significantly (p , 0.05) higher subsequent maize yields in tied ridges than in traditional open ridge and flat cultivation practices. Improved integrated tillage practices resulted in increased soil and water conservation, soil fertility and crop tolerance to prolonged no-rainfall spells. National development policies should create enabling environments for smallholder farmers to integrate modern knowledge and technologies with their traditional knowledge and practices in land management for high and sustained quality of natural capital for secure and sustainable livelihoods.

Using farmers' local knowledge of tree provision of ecosystem services to strengthen the emergence of coffee-agroforestry landscapes in southwest China

“…In this context, local experts should be identified [ 17 ] and their Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) used to identify suitable tree species and guide future research [ 18 ]. Studies investigating LEK have confirmed that it is highly reliable and advocated for its greater integration into policy recommendations and conservation programs [ 19 , 20 ]. Furthermore, the comparison of farmers’ possession of LEK according to gender, ethnicity and farming practices can help refining our understanding of factors underpinning this LEK and improving policy recommendations [ 16 , 21 , 22 ].…”

Building Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience through Soil Organic Carbon Restoration in Sub-Saharan Rural Communities: Challenges and Opportunities

“…SLM can be implemented to reduce soil and SOC loss by various runoff interception techniques; forms of physical barriers designed to directly break the structural connectivity components in the landscape and, in doing so, act as rainwater harvesting (RWH) methods. These methods can draw upon in situ, micro-scale structures, capturing water and sediment at the planting zone [64][65][66] or be larger, macro-scale structures, which are designed to channel water into the cropped area [64,67]. Both approaches have the capacity to increase and maintain SOC by reducing soil loss, capturing sediment and associated SOM, and by improving moisture and nutrient retention, which benefits microbial pools and biomass.…”

Assessing soil system changes under climate‐smart agriculture via farmers' observations and conventional soil testing

“…This suggests that farmers are able to observe some land management impacts on soils but also require information from conventional soil testing for a comprehensive understanding of impacts that are not easily observed. As noted by Malley et al (2009), it will be highly beneficial for land managers to integrate scientific knowledge with their local knowledge of the agro-ecosystem. This can be achieved by improving farmers' access to relevant information about correct SWC practices and their non-visible impacts via strengthening of the agricultural extension services and establishing strong links between farming communities and research institutions where soils can be tested and advice provided (Nyanga et al, 2016).…”