Indigenous Practices for Soil and Water Conservation - Agropedia

5. Research and experimentation are needed to identify circumstances under
which diverse farmers will cooperate in the implementation of SWC measures
on common lands, and to identify and strengthen mechanisms to
resolve conflicts when interests clash.
V I .
L e g a l I s s u e s A f f e c t i n g S W C
1. A change is required in tenancy rules so that tenants may retain land for
longer periods, while at the same time protecting landlords' rights on their
property. This will encourage tenants to take a longer-term view and give
them an incentive to invest in conservation measures.
2. Absenteeism must be discouraged, as absentees and tenants invest little in
SWC. Alternatively, absentees should be encouraged to plant perennial vegetation
on their land.
3. In order to encourage planting trees and perennial vegetation, the laws
restricting cutting and transporting trees must be relaxed.
Summary Recommendations
I. Researchers
1. Indigenous technical knowledge on soil conservation must be systematically
documented.
2. Indigenous practices should be tested under actual small farm conditions,
and judged according to farmers' criteria.
3. Conditions under which farmers invest or do not invest in soil and water
conservation must be documented and understood.
4. Research is needed to identify profitable SWC technologies and practices.
5. Farmers' reactions to recommended practices must be clearly documented
and understood.
6. Research and experimentation are needed to identify circumstances under
which farmers will cooperate with each other.
7. Fodder and fuel resources must be developed to reduce pressure on soilconserving
perennial vegetation.
8. Research and experimentation are needed to understand the circumstances
under which farmers and other villagers protect perennial vegetation.
9. Research is needed to identify when net social returns to SWC exceed net
private returns.
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