Farmers’ indigenous knowledge of tree conservation and acidic soil amendments: The role of “baabbo” and “Mona” systems: Lessons from Gedeo community, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of the study was mainly to document the farmer’s indigenous knowledge (IK) systems on tree conservation and farming practices. The research further assesses the traditional way of soil acidity amendment in highland (dega) agroecological zone. This study combines broadly qualitative methods of anthropological approach to document farmers’ IK in tree conservation, and acidic soil amendments. Data were collected by using the semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, participatory observation, and focused group discussion. The semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 60 respondents in different agroecological zones to assess the traditional farming practices and tree conservation. The study revealed that, farmers had entrenched and sound local knowledge of tree conservation and acidic soil amendment practices. The “baabbo” and “Mona” are traditional ways of tree conservation and soil acidity amendment practices in mid-land and highland agroecological zones, respectively. The “baabbo” is native and multipurpose tree conservation and retaining traditions on farms. The farmers are deliberately retained indigenous “baabbo” trees in and around the farms for various benefits (such as shading, soil fertility, flooding control, fuelwood, constructions, and fodder). The main and first benefit of “baabbo” conservation is ”shading for crop productivity’’ ranked followed by uses for “soil fertility’’, “fuelwood’’, and ”construction materials’’ and ”cultural values’’. In addition, “mona” is an indigenous way of soil acidity amendment with indigenous fertilizer (organic) in highland agroclimate area (Dega). It is bedding places for animals (cattle and horses) which built near to farmer’s houses or farm-fields for collection of indigenous fertilizer (animal manure). This traditional approach of acidic soil amendment is enabling the farmers to sustain their livelihoods under unfavorable condition without adversely affecting the environment. Therefore, ‘mona’ as well as ‘baabbo’ is an indigenous farming practice that had used by local people to improve their livelihoods and novel approaches to maintain environmental sustainability.

Keywords:

• Indigenous knowledge system
• baabbo
• Mona system
• soil acidity amendment
• Gedeo community
• tree biodiversity

PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT

This paper deals with the role of indigenous knowledge system for tree biodiversity conservation, soil acidity amendments and environmental conservation. The intent of the paper was to document local practices and farmers experiences in tree conservation and organic farming systems. The research is significant in empowering the indigenous people and their old-dating environmental knowledge. The finding might be interest to academics, policy makers, and scholars to conduct further researches, and the public in general in the area of agriculture, soil, agroforestry, culture, anthropology and environmental conservation.

Acknowledgments

The people and organizations that were helpful in completing this research article need to be acknowledged. I wish to first express my sincere gratitude to my mentor and academic supervisors, Aster Gebrekristos (PhD) and Getahun Haile (PhD) for their scientific commitments, guidance and support in the preparation of this work. I am also thankful to my friends Abiyot Mebirat (PhD candidate), Fikadu Abebe (BA), Tateki Dori (PhD student) and Tedila Getahun (MA) for their support in diverse ways and encouragements during my research work. My hearty thanks also goes to the Gedeo zone culture and tourism office (Dilla) and Gedeo zone administration main office for financial and material support. I would like to express my deepest appreciation and thanks to Gedeo indigenous farmers for sharing their incredible knowledge and traditions in tree conservation, environmental conservation and acidic soil amendment practices.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Availability of data and materials

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All data and information are generated and organized by the authors.

Correction

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

Yoseph Maru

A PhD student in Department of Natural Resource Management for Sustainable Agriculture in Dilla University, Southern Ethiopia, I have over six years experience of working in culture, tourism, and government communication affaires in Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia. Currently, I have conducting my PhD dissertation in topic of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge System as a tool for enhancing tree biodiversity conservation, carbon stocks and cultural values: Experience from Gedeo Community, Southern Ethiopia. I have presenting my different research works in various national and international research conference organized by Ethiopian Universities. I have currently has two journal articles under review in highly regarded journals.