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

Authors

  • Lechisa Takele Ambo University
  • Achalu Chimdi Wallaga University
  • Alemayehu Abebaw Ambo University

Keywords:

Socio-economy, Soil fertility management, Gindeberet

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.

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Author Biographies

Lechisa Takele, Ambo University

Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational  Sciences, Ambo University, PO Box: 19,
Ambo, Ethiopia

Achalu Chimdi, Wallaga University

College of Computational and Natural Sciences, Wollega University, P.O Box: 395, Nekemte, Ethiopia

Alemayehu Abebaw, Ambo University

Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Ambo University, PO Box: 19,
Ambo, Ethiopia

References

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Published

30.03.2015

How to Cite

Takele, L., Chimdi, A., & Abebaw, A. (2015). Socio-economic Factors Affecting Soil Fertility Management Practices in Gindeberet Area, Western Ethiopia. Journal of Science, Technology and Arts Research, 4(1), 149–153. Retrieved from https://journals.wgu.edu.et/index.php/star/article/view/174

Issue

Section

Short Communication

Categories

Plaudit