Abstract:
Land degradation is one of the major challenges in agricultural production in many parts of the
world, especially in developing nations like Ethiopia. Even though a number of soil and water
conservation methods were introduced to combat land degradation, adoption of these practices
remains below expectations. The major concern of this study is to analyze adoption of soil and
water conservation practices and its impact on crop productivity in Janamora woreda in
Northwestern part Ethiopia. A total of 320 sample households randomly selected from three
sample kebeles have been used as a data source to administer survey questionnaire. Of these,
194 households were those participated in soil and water conservation program while 118 didn’t
take part in the program. Data sources of the study were primary and secondary in nature.
Primary data was gathered using household survey questionnaire, focus group discussion and
key informants interviews. Published and unpublished research papers were major sources of
secondary data. Determinants of adoption and intensity of SWC practice were analyzed using
Logit and Tobit regression model, respectively. While variable mean across differences in
household adoption decision was tested using descriptive statistics such as testing statistical
level of T-value and chi-square. Based on the results obtained, family size, age of household
head, education level of household head, farming experience, extension contact, land ownership
and livestock holding statistically and positively influence household decision of adoption and
intensity of soil and water conservation practice. On-foot travel distance to the nearest farm
plots and labor to land ratio are factors influenced intensity of SWC practice negatively. It was
also confirmed that crop productivity was statistically increased to 2.2 quintal per hectare as a
result of household decision to adopt soil and water conservation. Such finding is vital in
motivating crop growers to adopt SWC and assist policy makers and planners in designing
means by which land conversion related problems could be mitigated and improve the
livelihoods of the rural farm households.
Keywords: Ethiopia, Crop Productivity, Logit and Tobit regression model
