Farmer acceptance of alternative conservation policies

Soil conservation policy and the resultant programs of soil conservation may be viewed as efforts of planned change. A major reason for the failure of conservation programs is the assumptions or criteria upon which conservation policy is based that limit the amount of flexibility for application of programs to unusual or unanticipated situations. The assumptions relate to (1) the economic rationality of men, (2) the homogeneous distribution of knowledge and information across a population of farmers, and (3) the indivualism of the farmer in his decision-making and action. These assumptions have serious implications upon a farmer's capacity to implement and maintain conservation practices.

The relationship between existing and proposed soil conservation policies and the structure of agriculture are examined, with consideration of these assumptions and the capacity for change. Data on farmer preferences for alternative conservation policies are then examined to determine differential effect by farm structure. Results indicate a definite relationship between farm structure, capacity for change and policy preference.