Determinant factors affecting model farmer’s perception on soil and water conservation practice: The case of Adiwesen and Medhaniyalem Kebele, Tselemet Woreda, Tigray Region Ethiopia

Abstract

The Tigray regional state is highly affected by land degradation through soil erosion. To reverse the severity of the problem, soil and water conservation practice were introduced in different parts of the region including the study areas (Adiwesen and Medhaniyalem ) . Even though a number of soil and water conservation methods were introduced to combat land degradation, and water conservation of these practices remains below expectation. This research was conducted in Adiwesen and Medhaniyalem Kebele , Tselemet Woreda , Tigray Region . The main objective of the study is examining factors that affect famer’s perception on SWC activities. Mixed research designs were applied to conduct the research and data were collected through questionnaire and interview. The total of 135 target population, 120 were taken from the two kebeles purposely (60 model farmers from the two kebele ) and (5- extension workers were taken purposely. 10 experts also taken to interview question.. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. The result showed that the majority of the respondent model farmers have good good perception on the SWC practice. The majority of sampled farmers believed that soil and water conservation practice controlled with proper soil conservation measures by indigenous knowledge. In Adiwesen kebele , 28.3% of model farmers were reported that they were commonly used terracing to soil and water conservation practice and contrary 3.3% of the model farmers were poorly practiced contour ploughing and crop rotation where as in Medhaniyalem kebele , 36.7 % of respondent scored that the farmers commonly used contour plough and crop rotation to soil and water conservation practice. Logistic regression result also showed the major factor affects SWC practice, except land tenure security all factors significantly predict soil and water conservation practice in Adiwesen kebele where as in Medhaniyalem kebele farm plot holding and extension contact were predict SWC practice . The t –test result also showed there is a significant relationship between farmers of perception among two kebeles. Based on these findings, it is recommended that agricultural sector agricultural experts and extension workers and model farmers must develop these practice of soil and water conservation practice at the two kebeles.