Indigenous soil conservation tillage systems and risks of animal traction on land degradation in Eastern and Southern Africa
Shetto,R.M. / 1993

Traditional agriculture in the past was compatible with the level of population, ecological environment and intensity of cropping. Long bush fallow periods restored soil fertility effectively while tillage practices such as pit cultivation; mounding, ridging, mulching and earth-bunding successfully conserved the soil. The indigenous soil conservation systems evolved over the course of time to suit certain environments. They are usually location specific and have designs that reflect their multiple functions such as fertility management, erosion control, drainage and water harvesting. Moreover, most indigenous soil conservation tillage systems are labour intensive and are difficult to mechanise, thus severely limiting the cropped land. In some areas they have been replaced with conventional flat cultivation. Conventional flat cultivation whether done by the hand hoe, draft animals or tractors, needs to be accompanied by appropriate soil conservation measures, or it will encourage soil degradation. The adoption of the ox-plough is usually associated with extension of cultivated land which may need clearing. Plough pans may form with continuous cultivation and the extensive use of sledges increases risks of soil erosion. Therefore in order to protect the soil for sustainable agricultural production, land conservation should be integrated in the normal crop and livestock husbandry practices. Smallholder farmers can relate to the land husbandry concept, which should be emphasized. In areas where animal traction is on the increase, minimum tillage using animal drawn ripper tines and wheeled cart transportation should be encouraged to reduce risks of soil erosion. Participatory community based approaches should be used to create a more ownership attitude and the "free for all" livestock range management system should be revisited to increase personal responsibility on the land and increased investment on soil conservation activities