A conceptual framework for assessing farmers’ soil knowledge: lessons from the Lake Alaotra Region in Madagascar

Description of the subject. Farmers’ knowledge is a significant source information about cultivated soil knowledge. Objectives. This paper focuses on farmers in Alaotra Lake Region Madagascar to identify their and fertility propose conceptual framework for developing participatory approaches. Method. The methodology based surveys conducted with 100 randomly selected within five Communes (villages) (i) study soil, (ii) design local map, (iii) assessment. For each task, an exploratory survey non-directive individual interviews followed by more in-depth semi-directive restitution workshops were conducted. Results. results revealed two types classifications according toposequence. Twelve nine identified respectively southern zone northern zone. Moreover, used 14 main indicators assess these soils. classification was found comply previous pedological studies even provided complementary details reference French Soil Classification (CPCS). Finally, have been proved be identical those other countries are scientifically validated effective. Conclusions. offers new that may effective agricultural development service scientific research contexts. It provides foundation supporting common language between researchers, one prove instrumental future projects including co-conception sustainable, innovative practices.