Factors affecting adoption of soil and water conservation practices: The case of Wereillu Woreda (District), South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, soil erosion is a severe problem and a major cause of the decline of agricultural productivity. Interventions were taken by introducing soil and water conservation practices. However, the adoption of these practices is far below the expectation. The objective of this study was to examine factors affecting adoption of introduced soil and water conservation practices in Wereillu Woreda. Mixed research methods design was employed in order to conduct this study. Questionnaire, focus group discussion, in-depth interview and field observation were used to collect data. A binary logistic regression model was employed to analyze the collected data. The analysis result showed that sex of household heads, education status of household heads, access to extension services and training were positively correlated at significantly level with the adoption of the introduced soil and water conservation practices. On the other hand, the age of household heads, off-farm activity, and distance of farmlands from homesteads influenced the adoption of introduced soil and water conservation practices negatively. The finding depicts that the identified physical, socioeconomic, and institutional factors influence the adoption of soil and water conservation so, the Woreda Rural and Agricultural Development Office and other concerned bodies should consider these influential factors to enhance farmers’ adoption of introduced soil and water conservation practices and to promote agricultural productivity and environmental quality.