FARMERS EMBRACE SOIL & LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES UNDER DZUKA PROJECT

Following two days of intensive classroom training on soil and land management strategies, the Sababa Agriculture Foundation conducted two days of practical field demonstrations for farmers at Choma under the Dzuka Project.

The hands-on sessions focused on three key soil and land conservation techniques: swale construction, marker ridges, and box ridge construction.

The extension officer first guided participants through the step-by-step process of digging swales, helping them understand their vital role in soil and land management. Farmers then dug trenches and observed firsthand how these channels collect surface runoff, encourage deep rainwater infiltration, and store crucial subsurface moisture for crops during dry spells.

On the same, the extension officer demonstrated how to construct marker ridges using an A-frame level along the natural incline of the field. By establishing precise contour lines, these marker ridges serve as guides for all subsequent ridging, which prevents heavy rainfall from washing away essential topsoil and plant nutrients.

Additionally, the field officer showcased the construction of box ridges by placing small soil cross-dams at regular intervals along crop furrows. These micro-reservoirs trap rainwater right at the plant root zone, preventing soil erosion and retaining moisture exactly where crops need it most.

Through such hands-on initiatives, the Sababa Agriculture Foundation continues to promote community-led, environmentally friendly techniques. By equipping farmers directly with practical skills, the foundation helps build a resilient groundwork for long-term food security, self-reliance, and economic prosperity.