Farmer’s Perception and Improving Agricultural Productivity on Salt –affected Soil in Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was designed to measure farmers’ perceptions about the existence of salinity in their farmlands and its impact on agricultural production and household food security. The survey data was collected from a total of 101 farmers from Raya-Alamata district of Ethiopia. Farmers were selected using a random sampling from a household list. Focus Group Discussions were conducted with farmers in each district to investigate their perceptions of the soil salinity, its impacts and their adaptive strategies. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Farmers’ responses showed that they were concerned about increasing soil salinity problems and its impact on their crop productivity and well-being. The results showed that observing white crust and dark brown color of the soil are the major indicators used by farmers to identify salinity on their fields. Irrigation water quality and Poor irrigation methods are perceived as the main causes for salinity development. Farmers’ perceptions on salinity should be used as an entry point by different stakeholders to develop strategies for the salt-affected areas.

Keywords:Soil salinity, food security, coping strategies, farmers’ perception.

JEL Code:

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/14-9-02

Publication date:July 31^st 2023