Local farmers' approach to soil conservation : lessons from Nigeria

This paper explores the indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) approaches to soil conservation in Nigeria. It specifically identifies various indigenous/local and modern methods employed in the process of utilizing an integrated approach to soil conservation by all stakeholders (local farmers, governmental and non-governmental organisations) to preserve the structures, water and nutrient retention and augmentation of the soil. It also reports some crucial factors associated with the utilisation of indigenous knowledge systems for soil fertility conservation by farmers. The article further presents a conceptual framework on the interrelationship between culture and the development and utilisation of local knowledge by the grassroots people. The current global campaign for the preservation of knowledge systems and the use of low-external input to stem environmental degradation inform the emphases on the need to build or improve on existing local knowledge in order to enhance meaningful and sustainable development. Keywords : Indigenous knowledge systems, soil conservation, soil fertility, indigenous approach. Indilinga Vol. 5 (1) 2006: pp. 75-86