Local knowledge of soils among the Iraqw in selected villages in Mbulu and Karatu districts: implications for research interventions
Mwaseba, D|Msanya, B.M|Ole-Meiludie, D.J|Massawe, A.W / 2000

This article reports on some findings from an on-going study in seven villages in Mbulu and Karatu Districts. These are Kainam, Gunyoda and Moringa (Mbulu District) and Kambi ya Simba, Kilima Tembo, Rhotia Kati and Kansay (Karatu District). The selected villages are predominantly inhabited by the Iraqw who are Afroasiatic or Hamitic- Cushitic speaking people. They form 65% of the people in the two districts. Using a combination of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and formal surveys the study found that there is a wealth of knowledge with regard to soil classification in the area. On the whole farmers use various criteria to classify their soils that also guide land use decisions. However, reliance on local knowledge in the classification of soils, landforms and land use is more common with small-scale agriculture, whereas large-scale farmers particularly in Karatu District rely more on research recommendations communicated to them through the public extension service or by researchers themselves to improve productivity in the area. While acknowledging the wealth of local knowledge in the area, the study recommends for scientific research interventions in partnerships with the local people in order to address existing land use limitations.