Determinants of Maintenance Decision of Introduced Soil and Water Conservation Practices in Fagita Lekoma District, North West Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

Land degradation owing to soil erosion and nutrient depletion is considered to be thecentral problem constraining the development of the agricultural sector in Ethiopia. Eventhough a number of soil and water conservation methods were introduced to combatland degradation, maintenance of these practices remains below expectations. Theobjective of this study was to identify major factors affecting farmers ‘maintenancedecision of introduced soil and water conservation (SWC) technologies in Fagita LekomaDistrict, North Western Highlands of Ethiopia. This study employed both quantitativeand qualitative methods. A total of randomly selected 160 farm households wereinterviewed using semi-structured questionnaire. To analyze factors determiningmaintenance decision of introduced SWC technologies, the Tobit Regression Model wasemployed. Farmers’ maintenance of improved soil and water conservation technologiesas measured by meters per hectares was positively and significantly influenced by sex ofhousehold heads; farm size; perceived profitability of the technology; contact withextension agents; and slope of the land. On the other hand, participation in off-farm workand education status of household heads negatively and significantly affectedmaintenance decisions. Contrary to expectation, perception of tenure security, farmers’perception to erosion problem, soil fertility, age of household head, livestock holding andfamily size of households showed no significant influence on farmers’ maintenancedecision. Since, farmers would likely maintain SWC structures if they perceived thetechnology as profitable, the Agricultural Offices of the districts should work todemonstrate the profitability of the technologies. Extension advice should also practicallyshow how conservation practices increase productivity and profitability.