Indigenous Knowledge for Soil Conservation: The ‎Missing Link in Improving the Effectiveness of ‎‎Iran’s Soil Conservation Law

Fatemi, Akram; Shahriari, Ali

doi:10.22054/qjik.2026.90540.1489

Indigenous Knowledge for Soil Conservation: The ‎Missing Link in Improving the Effectiveness of ‎‎Iran’s Soil Conservation Law

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Akram Fatemi ¹

Ali Shahriari ²

¹ Razi University

² Zabol University

10.22054/qjik.2026.90540.1489

Abstract

Postmodernism’s orientation towards plurality rather than unity, and its valuing of differences and inconsistencies, is in line with paying attention to the diversity of indigenous knowledge around the world. Indigenous knowledge includes the expressions, practices, beliefs, understandings, insights, and experiences of indigenous groups that have been developed over centuries of deep interaction with a particular land. Indigenous knowledge is of great importance in the field of soil and water conservation due to its desirable functions, which include ensuring high adaptability, maintaining ecological balance, and promoting popular participation and involvement. The rate of soil erosion in Iran is significantly higher than the global average. This article attempts to examine the indigenous knowledge of farmers in different regions of Iran regarding soil conservation. Therefore, soil scientists must clarify the technical aspects of these methods with their modern knowledge. It has been revealed that indigenous knowledge in the water and soil is highly adaptable, can maintain environmental balance, and also encourages public participation. Managers and decision-makers in the water and soil executive sector need to use indigenous knowledge alongside modern technologies to combat soil erosion.

Keywords

local knowledge

modern knowledge

soil conservation

soil erosion

water conservation

Subjects