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Assessment of Local Knowledge and Practices on Soil Conservation of Farmers in Taungtha Township, Myingyan District, Mandalay Division, Myanmar
Thesis Abstract:
The objectives of the research were to explore socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, to investigate farming practices of farmers, to assess local knowledge and practices on soil conservation of farmers, and to identify problems faced by the local farmers for using soil conservation practices in Taungtha Township, Myingyan District, Mandalay Division, Myanmar.
The research was conducted in Taungtha Township, one of the townships in Central Dry Zone, Myanmar. In this study, both primary and secondary data collection techniques were used. Structured questionnaires were employed to interview 102 farmers and direct fields observations were the methods of research. The farmers were selected using random sample methods.
The findings of the study revealed that most of the farmers had awareness about soil erosion and mentioned water erosion as the main type. The results showed that the causes of soil erosion were high intensity of rainfall, followed by steep slopes and damaged conservation structures. Farmers responded that the consequences of soil erosion were declined crops productivity; and loss of fertile soils, seeds, and fertilizers. More than 50 percent of the farmers had knowledge about crop rotation, cross-slope soil bund, stone bund, intercropping, cross-slope farming, and fertilizer application. But only a small proportion of farmers had knowledge on residual management, farm yard manure, contour bund, mulching, and cover cropping methods. For soil conservation practices, most of the farmers conducted only crop rotation and cross-slope soil bund. A small percentage of farmers applied other soil conservation practice and no farmers applied cover cropping and mulching. One of the main problems for conducting soil conservation practices was that local farmers used weeds and crop residues as animal feed instead of using it for soil conservation activities.
According to the needs assessment, most of the farmers answered that they were interested to attend trainings on soil conservation. It was found that farmers wanted to be informed one to three days before holding the training, and the way to invite them is through the village chief. The training should be held twice a year, in the afternoon at the village. As for the loan support assessment, farmers wanted about MMK 200,000 per acre. To improve the knowledge of farmers on soil conservation, agricultural extension department and other related organizations should provide information and educational materials and activities, such as radio programs, leaflets, training courses, and seminars for local farmers.