Socio-economic Factors Affecting Soil Fertility Management Practices in Gindeberet Area, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

In order to design more appropriate research and development programs geared towards improving integrated nutrient management practices, understanding farmer’s knowledge is indispensable. However, little effort has been made to capture and characterize the indigenous knowledge of farmers in Ethiopia. This study was carried out with the objective of to assess soil fertility and land use management practices in Gindeberet area, Western Ethiopia. Household questionnaire was used as tool for data collection. A total of 86 households were interviewed. About 90% of farmers perceive that the current level of soil fertility as low and 82% perceived that soil fertility will continue to decline. Farmers use inorganic and organic fertilizers for soil fertility improvement. The majority of farmers (98%) prefer to use inorganic fertilizers. High price was mentioned as the main factor limiting use of inorganic fertilizer. The result clearly indicates that land use changes and its associate management have significant influence on soil fertility. Therefore, there is an imperative need to develop sustainable soil management options that will minimize the effect of land use change on soil fertility.