ADOPTION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES AND ITS IMPACT ON CROP PRODUCTIVITY: A CASE OF JANNAMORA WOREDA IN NORTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA

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 Published and unpublished research papers were major sources of secondary data.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