ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 TRADITIONAL TILLAGE SYSTEMS OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN SEMI-ARID AREAS OF ETHIOPIA1 3.1 Overview In Ethiopia, a number of studies were carried out on tillage frequency in the high rainfall areas (Taa et al., 1992; Taddele, 1994; Tarekegne et al., 1996; Tadele et al., 1999). Georgis and Sinebo (1993) reviewed studies carried out on tillage frequency in semi-arid regions. Their report favored repeated tillage with litle elaboration. Other investigators too (Mulatu and Regassa, 1986; Pathak, 1987; Beyene et al., 1990) conducted surveys on the farming practices and implements in the central rift valley in Ethiopia, which is identified as semi arid (Engida, 2000). However, they did not analyze tillage practices in sufficient depth to obtain a clear understanding of the reasons for repeated tillage. To assess the potential of conservation tillage, it is important to understand the reasons why farmers currently use conventional plowing methods. It is also necessary to determine if plow pans are formed under the traditional cultivation system so that appropriate measures such as subsoiling can be carried out. This chapter presents the results of a study undertaken on traditional tillage systems in two selected sites in the dry semi-arid regions of Ethiopia with the objective of identifying reasons for repeated tillage and studying the presence of plow pans. The study relates tillage frequency with the type of implement used, type of crop grown, rainfall pattern and issues pertaining to the individual farmer such as skill of farming, resource availability, and perceived purposes of tillage. Moreover, the location, thickness and strength of the plow pan are presented. 3.2 Methodology 3.2.1 The study area The study has been undertaken at Melkawoba and Wulinchity areas (Figure 1.3), which are typical dry semi-arid regions located in the central rift valley of Ethiopia. The two areas were chosen for their representations of the climates in the dry semi-arid regions (Engida, 2000). Within the dry semi arid category, Wulinchity is relatively wetter and with heavier soils than Melkawoba.
