Indigenous soil and water conservation in Djenné, Mali

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Book chapter

Title:	Indigenous soil and water conservation in Djenné, Mali
Author:	Ayers, Alison
Book title:	The cultural dimension of development: indigenous knowledge systems
Year:	1995
Pages:	371-384
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Mali
Subjects:	environment shifting cultivation
Abstract:	Indigenous soil and water conservation practices and techniques are used, maintained and expanded in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa. However, soil conservationists have almost without exception disregarded their existence and favoured modern conservation systems with which they are more familiar. This article, which is based on research conducted between June and September 1989, describes indigenous soil and water conservation in the Circle of Djenné in Mali. It describes the various biological (contour tillage - farming on the grade - rotations - fallowing - mounds - mixed cropping - surface mulching - fertilization - agroforestry) and mechanical (structures on the contour/stop-wash lines - tied ridging - contour bunds - zays/pitting) erosion control techniques employed and relates their application to the variables of gender, ethnicity and class. The article shows that there is a significant difference in the conservation techniques practised by men and women, but little difference in the conservation techniques according to ethnic group or class. It also shows the value of indigenous soil and water conservation systems as a base for improved soil and water conservation projects. Notes, ref.