The study attempted to understand indigenous small farming systems and its challenges with the framework of agricultural modernisation in Konso community, Southern Ethiopia. There were 400 household heads from differe...The study attempted to understand indigenous small farming systems and its challenges with the framework of agricultural modernisation in Konso community, Southern Ethiopia. There were 400 household heads from different wealth rank and farming practices considered for in-depth interview. This was completed by focus group discussions and plot level investigations. The findings indicated that the community and landscape are characterized by heterogeneity, implying the challenges of introducing standard modern agricultural technologies. Moreover, the community has wide range of indigenous soil and water conservation （SWC） measures geared to production and protection. For example, in a single plot with a size of less than 0.4 ha, it was possible to produce up to 35 plant spices with multiple functions. The evaluation of the modern agricultural extension services by the community indicates that about 17% was found to be positive in line to diffusion of new technologies and rehabilitation of degraded lands. However, the strengths seem to be offset by the weaknesses （61%） with respect to food security, resilience to drought, synergy with indigenous knowledge, empowerment in decision-making, The findings underlined that to assure food security and sustainable resource management, creating policy environment for holistic and integrated approach, supporting indigenous practices and empowering community in decision making are fundamental.展开更多
文摘The study attempted to understand indigenous small farming systems and its challenges with the framework of agricultural modernisation in Konso community, Southern Ethiopia. There were 400 household heads from different wealth rank and farming practices considered for in-depth interview. This was completed by focus group discussions and plot level investigations. The findings indicated that the community and landscape are characterized by heterogeneity, implying the challenges of introducing standard modern agricultural technologies. Moreover, the community has wide range of indigenous soil and water conservation （SWC） measures geared to production and protection. For example, in a single plot with a size of less than 0.4 ha, it was possible to produce up to 35 plant spices with multiple functions. The evaluation of the modern agricultural extension services by the community indicates that about 17% was found to be positive in line to diffusion of new technologies and rehabilitation of degraded lands. However, the strengths seem to be offset by the weaknesses （61%） with respect to food security, resilience to drought, synergy with indigenous knowledge, empowerment in decision-making, The findings underlined that to assure food security and sustainable resource management, creating policy environment for holistic and integrated approach, supporting indigenous practices and empowering community in decision making are fundamental.
