Abstract:
This study was carried out to assess the contribution of soil and water conservation practice towards ensuring sustainable rural livelihoods in Elfeta District Oromia, Ethiopia. A mixed research design and quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection was employed and also both primary and secondery data were collected. From Elfeta District, three kebeles were purposively selected. Data were collected from 295 households by using household survey questionnaire key informant interview, focus group discussion, review of related reports and multi-stage stratified random sampling procedure were used to primary and secondery data. A binary logistic model was used to determine the factors influencing soil and water conservation practices of farming households. The Findings show that rich farmers, particularly those who were educated and had access to credit, had higher adoption rates (84%), while gender disparities persist, with 97% of males and 3% of females were adopters comparatively. Soil fertility and land slope also affect adoption rates, with rich farmers on fertile soil and steep slopes demonstrating the highest rates. Poor farmers constrained by financial limitations, struggle regardless of soil or land conditions. The study demonstrates the complex interaction of economic resources, education, gender, credit access, and environmental factors in conservation practices. Statistical analysis reveals there was a difference in perceived benefits: 67% of rich farmers report notable increases in soil fertility compared to just 12% of poor farmers, with similar trends in water harvesting and crop production. While rich farmers generally experience greater advantages from soil and water conservation practices, poorer farmers face financial constraints that limit their ability to fully benefit. Finally,the binary logistic model result revealed that education level, access to credit, frequency of extension contact, market information, tropical livestock unit, land slope and perception of farmers to erosion problem were statistically significant at 0.000 p-value and it indicates those variables positively influence the adoption of soil and water conservation practices; while distance of market from farmers residence were variables which were statistically significant and negatively affect the adoption of soil and water conservation practices. The study concludes that a multifaceted approach, including improved extension services, better access to credit, enhanced market access, and increased environmental awareness, is essential for promoting the adoption of soil and water conservation practices. Private and public sectors should provide a foundation for developing targeted strategies to support farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices and improving overall environmental outcomes
