Farmers' perceptions about soil erosion in rainfed areas of Telangana, India

Soil erosion is recognised as a significant problem for agriculture in India. The Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India identifies Telangana as one of the most affected states in India due to soil erosion, with about 26% of total geographical area degraded due to soil erosion. The objective of this paper is to find out how farmers perceive soil erosion severity in Telangana, India. The study is based on a survey of 400 households in two sub-watershed areas. The estimates based on ordered probit model suggest that farmers' perceptions about soil erosion correspond well with the degree of soil erosion expected from site-specific factors such as the slope of the plot, soil depth, soil texture, road connectivity and irrigation. Further, the farmers' perceptions tally with the plot level conservation measures undertaken. The findings from the study also corroborate a number of similar empirical studies from different parts of the world. Given this finding, it is argued that farmers' expertise is important to assessing soil erosion severity, as they add relevant plot-level information to assessments made through secondary sources. The study findings further highlight the need to apply participatory approaches when working to reduce soil erosion.