Assessment of indigenous farming practices of Nilotic Nuer farmers in Gambella region, south-west Ethiopia

Indigenous farming practices in the Gambella region are deeply rooted in local knowledge and traditions passed down through generations. One of the most important aspects of indigenous farming is the cultivation of diverse, drought-resistant crops such as sorghum, maize, and cassava. The primary objective of the study was to identify the indigenous farming practices of Nilotic Nuer farmers in the Gambella region, southwest Ethiopia. This study employed a mixed research method that integrated both qualitative and quantitative approaches. To ensure comprehensive data collection, a combination of simple random, systematic, purposive, and stratified sampling techniques was used to select the study areas, which included, Lare, Jekow, and Makuey districts, as well as Palbol, Kuachthiang, and Gier kebelles. Data were collected from both the primary and secondary sources. For data analysis, descriptive statistics, such as frequency distributions, percentages, means, standard deviations, and charts, were used. Inferential statistics, including t-tests and chi-square tests, were used to test relationships and differences. Additionally, an econometric model–the binary logistic regression model–was employed for further analysis. All analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The findings of this study indicated that most sample respondents strongly agreed on the role of increased crop and livestock yields (52%), while the majority strongly disagreed on the conservation of natural resources through agroforestry and crop rotation (47%). The majority of respondents agreed on the role of indigenous farming practices in minimizing soil erosion (32%), while most strongly agreed on the role of minimizing pollution (32%). The binary logit results showed that extension contact (p=0.042) and access to water (p=0.052) significantly and positively influenced Nuer farmers. However, household size (p=0.097) was significant and negatively influenced Nuer farmers.