Indigenous soil conservation methods: Fulo and Bekpong catchments of Upper West Region, Ghana

English

A survey was carried out for baseline information on soil and water conservation (SWC) methods in two catchments, Fulo and Bekpong, in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Information was gathered along transects on causes and features of land degradation and farmers' indigenous soil and water conservation practices, using participatory rural appraisal techniques. Soil erosion was the main type of land degradation. It was attributed to climate, relief and soil type of the area, and deforestation, cultivation methods and overgrazing. Indigenous S WC practices involved partitioning the land into grazing and cropping fields. Different land preparation methods including stone bund}+ terrace systems, beds, mounds and ridges are used and mixed cropping systems of cereals and legumes in rotation practised. Mounds are the most popular land preparation method. To conserve soil and water, mounds could be set up in straight lines and staggered across slopes or tied to reduce runoff velocity. Square bunds and tied ridges are also recommended.

Antwi, B. O.; Dedzoe, C. D.; Boateng, J. K.