Abstract:
A Land management practice has many forms and the focus of this research is on
traditional land management practices. The main objective of this study was to assess the
role of traditional land management practices in improving cropland productivity in the
study area. The study was mainly focused on describing the quality of Traditional
biological and physical land management practices in improving crop land productivity.
Researcher selected 162 sample size from total population of the study area and gather
the necessary information through questionnaire, key informants and group discussion.
Data was analysis and it revealed that, crop yield land with traditional practices has
relatively showed high value. The traditional land management practices improved
cropland productivity through addition of organic matter to the soil, and improving the
increasing of water infiltration in soil and reducing run off. The most common practices
were: crop rotation, intercropping, strip-cropping, residue management, contour
farming, Agro-forestry and minimum tillage. Crop rotation and contour farming are very
significant among traditional BLM and PLM practices respectively. The Majority of the
farmers reported that, combinations of practices are very effective in improving cropland
productivity. The study indicated that, households are affected by different factors for
improving cropland productivity. The main factors are: low access of agricultural
extension services, land form characteristics and agro-ecological zone. Therefore,
experience sharing program should be given to the local farmers, the extension agents
and farmers should be interact with each other and a combination of traditional
biological and physical land management practices should be practiced for effective
cropland improvement.
