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.

Keywords:

• soil productivity
• land degradation
• natural capital
• sustainable rural livelihoods
• traditional practices

Acknowledgements

This work was initiated by the Tanzania Agricultural Research Project Phase-II (TARP II-IDA), funded by the World Bank, and currently receives some support fund from Government of Tanzania. The authors wish to thanks participating farmers and extension staff for sharing their knowledge and resources. We also appreciate assistance received from research assistants of ARI-Uyole, Ms. Nsubile Mwalukasa and Mr. Allan Mwanga in data collection and technical field research activities. We thank Mr. John Henry, our cartographer, for assisting in drawing the sketch map of the study area. We are grateful to the research institute authority for resources and encouragement to publish this work.