Documentation of indigenous knowledge of watershed management for upland area: A case of Bishnu VDC, Kathmandu.

Keywords: Soil and water conservation, indigenous knowledge, local resources

A study was carried out to document the farmers’ indigenous knowledge (IK) on soil and water conservation of Bishnu Village Development Committee (VDC), Kathmandu district. The data/information needed for this study was gathered by household survey using structured questionnaire. Farmers of the VDC were found using locally available resources and knowledge base for maintaining the productivity of land since time immemorial. The findings revealed that farmers of the VDC have a definite idea of crop selection for conservation practices. Farmers practiced minimum tillage, vegetative cover and earthwork successfully. They also manipulated controlling the drainage of excess water and the retention of moisture during the periods of stress by the construction, maintenance and modification of terraces, drains, water ways, ridges, and rows. It was also learned that the farmers had their own criteria for soil classification and related properties. The indigenous knowledge and practices based on local resources seemed farmer friendly, socially acceptable, economical, and suited to wide range of farmers' situations. This indicates the need of incorporating such knowledge system in the modern development efforts leading towards sustainable soil and water conservation practices.