Abstract:
Throughout the world today, depletion of natural resources is among the major or the most
serious problems challenging humanity or people worldwide. Toke Kutaye districts are
heavily affected by soil erosion and face a massive amount of multifaceted food production
and supply problems. The main objective of this study was to assess determinants of soil and
water conservation adoption by rural households in selected villages of the Toke Kutaye
district. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design. A sample of farmers from rural
households was selected using simple random sampling from the four kebeles, with the
number of participants proportional to the total number of households in each deliberately
chosen kebele. Then primary data were generated from 356 sample households of four
kebeles by semi-structured interview, focus group discussion, and key informant interview.
The result of the survey shows that about 53.1%, 57.9%, 86.2%, and 67.7% of the households
applied Indigenous cut-off drains and waterways, contour farming, crop rotation, and
manuring, respectively. In total, 7 independent variables were discussed, and their
association with dependent variables was also checked using the correlation model. The size
of the family, proximity to farmland, the slope of the land, availability of extension services,
and training were all found to be significant factors with p-values that influenced the
decisions of household heads to adopt soil and water conservation practices. The most widely
adopted improved soil and water conservation practices in the study area were planting
improved tree plants (45.2%), soil bunds (42.4%), cut-off drains (36.8%), and waterways
(37.1%). Out of the total sampled respondents from both rural villages, 27.0% and 60.1%
responded that the major opportunities for soil and water conservation practices in this area
are environmental and economic, respectively. Dangers of soil erosion, as indicated by
various research studies, but it continues to be a widespread issue in the area of study.
Policymakers, extension specialists, and development professionals should pay close attention
to those important factors that determine the adoption of soil and water conservation
practices to improve soil and water conservation practices.
