EVALUATION OF TRADITIONAL AGROECOLOGICAL PRACTICES IN ENHANCING SOIL FERTILITY AND DROUGHT RESISTANCE IN DEGRADED SEMI-ARID REGIONS

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of traditional agroecological practices in improving soil fertility and enhancing drought resilience in degraded semi-arid regions. Drawing on empirical data from field assessments, laboratory analyses, and participatory farmer engagement, we evaluated multiple interventions including agroforestry, organic farming, crop rotation, cover cropping, and conservation tillage. Quantitative results revealed significant improvements in soil organic carbon (up to 2.4%), water retention (up to 27.3%), and nutrient levels (notably nitrogen and phosphorus). Crop yields increased by an average of 400–500 kg/ha across various regions, with legumes and maize showing the highest resilience scores. Digital agriculture tools—such as soil sensors, drones, and weather apps—were moderately adopted and positively rated by farmers, supporting precision and efficiency. Additionally, adoption rates increased in correlation with the frequency of agroecology training sessions. Soil erosion decreased by over 30% in regions practicing agroforestry and no-till techniques. Our results highlight the synergistic value of integrating indigenous ecological knowledge with modern data-driven technologies to restore soil health, improve water use efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability. This research underscores the urgency for policy and infrastructural support to mainstream agroecological transitions in climate-vulnerable landscapes. The findings provide a robust evidence base for scaling agroecological approaches as adaptive strategies to achieve sustainable and resilient agricultural systems in semi-arid contexts.