A conceptual framework for assessing farmers’ soil knowledge: lessons from the Lake Alaotra Region in Madagascar

Description of the subject. Farmers’ knowledge is a significant source of information about cultivated soil knowledge. Objectives. This paper focuses on farmers in the Alaotra Lake Region in Madagascar to identify their knowledge of the soil and soil fertility and to propose a conceptual framework for developing participatory approaches. Method. The methodology is based on surveys conducted with 100 farmers randomly selected within five Communes (villages) to (i) study their knowledge on soil, (ii) design local soil map, and (iii) identify local soil fertility assessment. For each task, an exploratory survey with non-directive individual interviews followed by more in-depth surveys with semi-directive individual interviews and restitution workshops were conducted. Results. The results revealed two types of local soil classifications according to toposequence. Twelve and nine local soil types were identified respectively in the southern zone and in the northern zone. Moreover, farmers used 14 main local indicators to assess the fertility of these soils. Farmers’ soil classification was found to comply with previous pedological studies and even provided complementary details to the reference French Soil Classification (CPCS). Finally, the local soil fertility indicators have been proved to be identical to those used by other farmers in other countries and are scientifically validated to be effective. Conclusions. This paper offers a new conceptual framework that may be effective for agricultural development service and scientific research in other contexts. It provides a foundation for supporting a common language between farmers and researchers, one that may prove instrumental in future projects including the co-conception of sustainable, innovative agricultural practices.