Local knowledge of soils: the case of contrast in Côte dIvoire

Local soil–land typologies and the extent of local soil knowledge are described for two distinct cultures in West Africaʹs Ivory Coast: the Bété of the equatorial forest zone and the Senufo of the guinea-savanna zone. The Bété, whose soils are under dense forest vegetation, described 11 mutually exclusive soil types. The Senufo, whose soils are more exposed on a guinea-savanna landscape, claimed to have two to three soil types, named for such characteristics as color, floodability, texture, or gravel content. The descriptions of each soil type were compared with statistical analyses of laboratory data of each soil type and a semidetailed land characterization of the area. These scientific views corroborate the Bété view of the soils; the relationship was less clear for the Senufo. Differences in knowledge were more pronounced with differences in age, differences in articulating knowledge, and by individual and cultural interests in the land and agriculture. Local knowledge about land features in relationship to management enriched the local soil typologies. Such information is important to research and extension efforts to improve the use of soils and land resources by their local managers.