Author : Zin Wai Aung

Summary : The objectives of the research were to explore socio-economic characteristics of
fanners, to investigate fanning practices of fanners, to assess local knowledge and
practices on soil conservation of farmers, and to identify problems faced by the local
fanners for using soil conservation practices in Taungtha Township, Myingyan District,
Mandalay Division, Myanmar.

The research was conducted in Taungthar township. It is one of the townsihips in
Central Dry Zone, Myanmar. In this study, both primary and secondary data collection
techniques were used. Structured-questionnaires were employed to interview 102 farmers
and direct fields observations were the methods of research. The farmers were selected by
using random sample methods.

The finding of the study revealed that most of the farmers had awareness about
soil erosion and mentioned water erosion as main type. The results showed that the causes
of soil erosion are high intensity of rainfall followed by steep slopes and damaged
conservation structures. Farmers responded the consequences of soil erOSIOnwere
declined crops productivity, loss of fertile soils, seeds and fertilizers. More than 50 % of
the fanners had knowledge about crop rotation, cross-slope soil bund, stone bund,
intercropping, cross-slope farming and fertilizer application. But only small proportion of
farmers had knowledge on residual management, farm yard manure, contour bund,
mulching and cover cropping methods. For soil conservation practices, most of the
farmers were conducted only crop rotation and cross-slope soil bund. A small percentage
of fanners applied other rest of soil conservation practice, and no fanners applied cover
cropping and mulching. The one of the main problems for conducting soil conservation
practices was that local farmers used weeds and crops residues as animal feed instead
of using for soil conservation activities.

According to need assessment of farmers, most of the farmers were answered
they are interested to attend training on soil conservation. It was found that farmers
wanted to be informed 1-3 days before holding training and the way to invite through
the village chief. The training should be held 2 times per year in the afternoon at the
village. As the loan support assessment, farmers wanted about 200,000 kyat per acre.
To improve the knowledge of farmers on soil conservation, agricultural extension
department and other related organizations should provide information and
educational materials and activities such as radio programs, leaflets, training courses
and seminars for local farmers.