Abstract:
The main objective of this thesis is to assess the determinants of soil and water conservation
practices in the study area. It was undertaken in Chilga Woreda , Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The
data were collected From 120 farmers residing in 4 Kebeles that are randomly selected from 44
rural Kebeles. The study employed descriptive research design involving both qualitative and
quantitative data collection. The basic data used for this study were collected from sample
households survey , focus group participants and key informants through questionnaire ,FGD
guide and observation checklists. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic model were employed
to assess and identify the factors that determine adoption of soil and water conservation
practices. . The results indicated that both indigenous and improved SWC measures are
practicing in the study area. About 51.7% of the sampled farmers were adopters and 48.3 %
were non-adopters of SWC measures. Demographic, socio-economic, physical and institutional
factors influence the investment of households commitment to soil and water conservation
measures. The result of the model shows that the explanatory variables: farmers' Age, perception
of soil erosion, contact with DA’s, education, and family size increases the likelihood of adoption
of soil and water conservation practices by the farmers. On the other hand, involvement in offfarm
activities
and
distance
from
home
has
a
negative
and
significant
influence
on
the
adoption
of
soil and water conservation activities in the study area. However, sex ,labor shortage,
livestock number, farm size ,training access and credit services were not statistically significant
in the model. In order to improve SWC practices; policy makers, extension experts and
development agents should give more attention for those significant variables that determine
farmers, adoption of SWC measures.
