ADOPTION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES: THE CASE OF DERA DISTRICT,AMHARA NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The physical quality of soil had deteriorated due to natural and anthropology factors. In Ethiopia, soil and water degradation, along with nutrient reduction, aggravated the declines in soil fertility and quality, resulting in low agricultural production. Consequently, the adoption of soil and water conservation practices has become an inevitable development issue in Ethiopia in general and in Dera district, in particular. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess factors that determined the adoption of soil and water conservation practices in Dera District, South Gondar Zone of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. The study employed a cross-sectional research design that used quantitative and qualitative approaches. The primary data were collected from the households using interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the sample households who filled out the questionnaire, while a purposive sampling technique was applied to identify participants for key informant interviews and focus group discussions. A combination of qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods was applied to analyze the data. Multivariate probit was used to identify factors that influenced the adoption of soil and water conservation measures in the study area. The major findings highlight the significance of financial resources, technical knowledge, and awareness in influencing adoption decisions, with notable variations across gender, and educational levels. The study also identifies challenges, such as limited government support and cultural factors, hindering widespread adoption. The recommendations emphasize the importance of continuous training, government support, and community engagement to enhance adoption rates. The implications for future research underscore the need for in-depth investigations into gender-specific dynamics, the impact of education, and the effectiveness of policy interventions. This research contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on sustainable agriculture in the region.