FARMERS' KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, PERCEPTIONS, AND ADOPTION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES IN HADERO TUNTO DISTRICT, KAMBATA ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Soil erosion reduces land productivity and threatens food security. Farmers’ participation and perception of soil and water conservation and its effective management are crucial to address this problem. This research aimed to assess farmers’ knowledge, attitude, perception, and adoption of soil and water conservation practices in Hadero Tunto district, central Ethiopia. Both qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as primary and secondary data sources, were used. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 323 households from three kebeles, which were purposively chosen based on SWC activities. Household questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were the data collection tools. Descriptive statistics,Binary logistic regression model and Chi-square test, complemented with qualitative data from the interviews and focus group discussions, were used for data analysis to evaluate farmers’ perception and attitude towards soil and water conservation practices.The results indicated that 76.8% of respondents implemented, various soil and water conservation (SWC) measures, with soil bunds and grass strips being the most commonly practiced, while stone bunds and fanya juu were the least practiced. Many respondents (57.7%) agreed that SWC benefits them by reducing soil erosion, increasing soil fertility, crop production, and providing forage for livestock. However, several challenges limited the adoption of SWC practices, such as inadequate extension support, small land holdings, and open grazing practices. The factors that positively and significantly influenced the adoption of SWC practices were perception of the soil erosion problem, educational level, and working family labor, while engagement in off-farm activities and walking distance between farmland were found to negatively and significantly influence the adoption of SWC practices. The farmers recognize the benefits of SWC practices, though challenges like inadequate support and land constraints hinder widespread adoption. To solve these problems, the local government, along with other stakeholders like NGOs and civic societies, should work together to provide technical and material support for the farmers.