EFFECT OF PHYSICAL STRUCTURE ON SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION IN ETHIOPIA: THE CASE OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN GUBALAFTO DISTRICT OF NORTH WOLLO ZONE.

Abstract

EFFECT OF PHYSICAL STRUCTURE ON SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION IN ETHIOPIA: THE CASE OF SMALLHOLDERS FARMERS IN GUBALAFTO DISTRICT OF NORTH WOLLO ZONE.Soil erosion in most part of Ethiopian highlands has reached the point where it will become increasingly difficult even to maintain the present day of agricultural production of basic food which is already insufficient in many regions of country. Currently, in response to the extensive land degradation, Ethiopia, through the ministry of agriculture, is undertaking efforts to reduce the problem in degraded areas including Gubalafto district of North Wollo Zone. The objective of this study was to examine how small holder farmers in the study area are trying to reduce the challenges and impacts of soil erosion and what parameters considered to undertake conservation investment which enhance sustainable productivity of land. The primary data were collected from 101 sample households possessing 204 farm plots from 2 kebeles proportionately and randomly. SPSS model analysis at household level was used to estimate physical, Socioeconomic and institutional factors that affect the use of soil conservation measures. In addition descriptive statistics were also used as deemed necessary. The result of this study indicated that famers’ conservation decision and the extent of use of both improved and traditional soil and water conservation measures were influenced by physical, social, Economic and institutional factors. Area of cultivated land increased the probability of using improved soil and water conservation measures especially improved soil bund and cut off drain. Farmers’ age decreased the use of improved soil conservation structures while education level of head of households has positive impact on soil and water conservation. Extension education had a substantial contribution to motivate the use of improved soil conservation measures but it had no effect on the use of traditional soil conservation practices. Land to labor ratio affected the use of both traditional and improved soil and water conservation practices. Natural resource conservation policies should account for inter plot variation and the importance of physical factors in the design and promotion of conservation technologies. The need for policies which are likely to influence the awareness of individual farmers through extension service towards the effect of soil conservation and policy makers and development agencies should target soil conservation technologies. Soil and water conserving technologies particularly to areas relatively having greater arable land and to areas having smaller area of cultivated land; integrating of indigenous soil conservation practices with improved ones are crucial to increases sustainability and modern natural resource conservation system.