Determinant Factors for Farmers’ Investment on Forest Landscape Restoration in Soddo Zuria, Southern-Ethiopia

Forest landscape degradation poses a significant challenge in southern Ethiopia, contributing to food insecurity and rural migration. Despite various intervention programs, effective management of this vital resource remains inadequate, resulting in declining agricultural productivity. This study investigates the impact of various environmental and socio-economic factors on the adoption of tree planting practices on degraded landscapes. Primary data were collected from 149 household heads through structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The chi-square statistic (χ² = 1.96, p = 0.581) indicates that there is no statistically significant relationship between slope type and tree planting adoption. Result also showed that contact with extension agents significantly boosts adoption rates for tree planting. The chi-square value (χ² = 5.604) with a p-value of 0.018 indicates a significant relationship between contact with extension agents and the adoption of tree planting. Additionally, training on tree planting did not significantly impact adoption rates (χ² = 0.032, p = 0.865), indicating that personal beliefs and cultural practices may play a more vital role. The probit regression results highlight several critical factors influencing the adoption of tree planting among households. Notably, the significance of land certificates and farmers’ perception of land tenure security underscores the importance of secure land rights in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Larger farm sizes and livestock ownership also positively impact tree planting, indicating that resource availability plays a crucial role. In contrast, age, family size, education, and extension contact do not significantly influence tree planting behavior. This suggests that interventions aimed at enhancing tree planting adoption should focus on improving land security and providing resources rather than merely increasing educational outreach or extension services. The complexity of factors influencing adoption decisions highlights the importance of a nuanced policy-making approach that considers local contexts and individual circumstances, particularly regarding land rights and resource management.