Factors affecting the adoption and effectiveness of soil and water conservation measures among small-holder rural farmers: The case of Gumara watershed

Abstract

Although soil erosion is a major threat to agriculture in Ethiopia still, a lower proportion of the cultivated land is treated with appropriate soil and water conservation (SWC). This study aims to investigate the main factors of adopting SWC and challenges limiting its effectiveness in Gumara watershed. Data were collected from 330 sample farmers using structured questionnaire, interviews, and focus group discussions. Logistic regression model was employed for analysis. The age, education, farm size, family size, extension services, livestock units, and perceived benefits significantly affect the adoption of conventional SWC (P < 0.05). Although some farmers practiced different SWCs, the effectiveness has been threatened by the poor foundation and planning (12.1%), very low attention to recurrent maintenance (39.7%), free animals grazing (15.2%), limited assistance from the local government (24.5%). Therefore, the local government and all stakeholders should work on determinants of SWC adoption and the main bottlenecks of its effectiveness.