Farmers' knowledge and perceptions of soil fertility

• Published in: Conflict, Social Capital and Managing Natural Resources pp. 129 - 141
• Main Authors: Crane, T. A, Traoré, B
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Wallingford, UK CAB International 2005; CABI
• Subjects: ACP Countries; Africa; Africa South of Sahara; Developing Countries; farmers; Francophone Africa; knowledge; Least Developed Countries; Management of land & natural resources; opinions; soil classification; soil fertility; subsaharan Africa; West Africa; Africa South of Sahara; Mali
• ISBN: 0851999484; 9780851999487
• DOI: 10.1079/9780851999487.0129

This paper examines the subject of linking local knowledge with scientific research on soil fertility, in both theoretical and applied terms. The end goal of this effort is to collaborately develop improved soil management techniques via epistemological integration of local and scientific knowledge. A brief examination of some of the historical problems and failings of introduced agricultural technologies is presented. In an effort to explicate the shared and divergent perspectives, local knowledge systems and institutional scientific research are compared according to classificatory systems and fertility management regimes. The scientific bases for soil classification and soil fertility management are based on a review of the literature. The final part of this paper examines how cultivators in the Commune of Madiama in Mali have received and perceived scientific research.