Factors that Influence Farmers’ Participation in Soil and Water Conservations in Farta Woreda, South Gondar Zone of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Delelegn Adugna

doi:10.7176/jnsr/12-15-01

Abstract

Soil water conservation activities have an impact on food security. However, extent of participation in soil water conservation depends on the extent of farmers’ participation. The objective of this study was to examine factors that influence farmers’ participation in soil and water conservation activities. Primary and secondary data were used for this research and primary data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire. A two stage sampling procedure was employed to select sample households. In the first stage 6 sample kebeles was selected out of 41 kebelas and in the second stage from 8230 households, 381 sample households was selected through a simple random sampling. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model was employed to identify factors that affect farmers’ participation in soil and water conservation. The result of binary logit model revealed variables such as family size, education level, livestock holding and size of cultivated land were significant factors that affect farmers’ participation in soil and water conservation activities. Keywords: Participation, Soil and Water Conservation, Binary Logistic Regression DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-15-01 Publication date: August 31 st 2021

Highlights

One of the most serious problems currently affecting agricultural productivity in developing countries is land degradation (Oluwole Matthew and Ejovwoke UMUKORO, 2011; Kouelo Alladassi,et al 2015)
Land degradation, defined as a temporary or permanent decline in the productive capacity of land, or its potential for environmental management, which significantly contribute to the low level productivity of crop and livestock (Bezuayehu Tefera et al 2002)
Soil erosion is the main form of land degradation, caused by the interacting effects of factors, such as biophysical characteristics and socio-economic aspects (Amsalu and de Graaff, 2006, Adugna et al, 2015)

Summary

Introduction

One of the most serious problems currently affecting agricultural productivity in developing countries is land degradation (Oluwole Matthew and Ejovwoke UMUKORO, 2011; Kouelo Alladassi,et al 2015). Deforestation, low vegetative cover and unbalanced crop and livestock production combined with topography, soil types are the major cause for soil erosion in the country (Girma 2001; Paulos 2001). High rate of population growth in the country is the root cause for this high level soil erosion as it increases natural resource uses demand that can aggravate soil erosion. According to Berry (2003) land resource productivity is an important problem in Ethiopia and that with continued population growth, the problem is likely to be even more important in the future. This indicate the need of soil water conservation intervention

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion