TY - JOUR T1 - Traditional knowledge for soil conservation in central Mexico JF - Journal of Soil and Water Conservation SP - 346 LP - 348 VL - 46 IS - 5 AU - Gerardo Bocco Y1 - 1991/09/01 UR - http://www.jswconline.org/content/46/5/346.abstract N2 - MOST conventional theory on soil conservation methods originated in developed countries under circumstances very different from those of developing countries suffering from soil erosion (2, 10, 16). Few studies take into account the local rural experience and incorporate it into the design of conservation programs and policies. Top-down engineering approaches, based on mechanical protection (structures) rather than on population needs, have led to many failures in soil conservation programs in developing countries (5, 19, 21). The peasants' perceptions of erosion are generally not understood and, consequently, not considered by the government in policy design (11, 13, 16, 26). A rural development approach considering farmers' perceptions of the problem and simple, inexpensive landscape management methods may be more appropriate (5, 19, 20). Government soil and water conservation efforts in Mexico have not been overly successful. In nearly 40 years of existence, the federal agency in charge of soil and water conservation programs could reclaim only two percent of the total national area affected by erosion (25). Conservation practices carried out by Mexican governmental agencies usually ignore traditional knowledge. The peasants are even considered an obstacle to conservation. In many instances, however, an enormous amount of valuable knowledge has … ER -