Indigenous Farmers' Knowledge and Perceptions of Bitter White Lupine ( <scp> <i>Lupinus albus</i> </scp> L.) for Soil Health and Regenerative Agriculture in Ethiopia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Bitter white lupine (BWL, Lupinus albus L.) is a protein‐rich, orphan legume in Ethiopia that improves soil health and supports regenerative agriculture. Smallholder farmers in Ethiopia's Amhara Region have long cultivated BWL, with unique traditional knowledge of its use. This study aimed to assess these indigenous farmers' knowledge and experiences regarding the integration of BWL into their farming systems to improve soil health and promote regenerative agriculture. A cross‐sectional research design and multistage sampling method were employed, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. The data were collected from three administrative zones in the Amhara region, with representative districts selected from each zone based on their potential for BWL production. A total of 180 households were interviewed using semi‐structured questionnaires, while focus group discussions and key informants provided qualitative data. Results indicated that farmers allocated about 0.16 ha (12.33%) of their land to BWL cultivation annually. Farmers perceived BWL as an effective crop for improving soil health, particularly in acidic and marginal lands, integrating it through intercropping, crop rotation, and relay cropping practices. This study highlighted BWL's potential for soil health improvement and regenerative agriculture in Ethiopia, underscoring its multifunctional nature in contributing to food and nutrition security, soil fertility management, and income generation for smallholder farmers. This research provides the first comprehensive assessment of farmers' indigenous knowledge and experiences regarding BWL integration into their farming systems for soil health improvement. Based on the findings, it is recommended that agricultural extension agents and researchers should collaborate with farmers to promote the integration of BWL into farming systems.