Call Prefix : PR-T

Call Suffix : 2016

Call Cutter : T - RuDeM 4

Location : SEARCA Library

Format : TD

Publisher : Khon Kaen University

Publication Date : November 2016

Publication Place : Khon Kaen, Thailand

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.