Determinants of soil and water conservation adoption in rain-fed croplands of the highlands of Tigray, northern Ethiopia

The adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) practices is one of Ethiopia’s crucial strategies to combat soil degradation and boost farming productivity. However, there is negligible information concerning the interdependent nature and households’ level decision to adopt multiple SWC measures. Thus, this study aims to identify factors influencing households’ decisions to adopt multiple SWC measures and the interdependency of the measures on rainfed croplands of the Tigray highlands, northern Ethiopia. The data were obtained from 335 randomly selected farmer household heads through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Both quantitative and qualitative data types, as well as primary and secondary data sources, were used. The primary data were obtained from farmer household head respondents, focus group discussions, and key informants through interviews. Secondary data were gathered from journals, books, official documents, and statistical reports. The quantitative data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and a multivariate probit econometric model. The results showed that the majority of farmer household heads adopted at least one or more SWC measure. The highest complementary effects were observed in mixed stone bunds with stone-faced-soil bunds and soil bunds. However, stone-faced soil bunds and soil bunds showed substitutability with one another. Age, education, income, credit, number of contacts, tenure security, and collective action significantly increased the likelihood of adopting multiple SWC measures, whereas plot slope, livestock, number of plots, and plot distance discouraged (Laggards) the likelihood of households’ decisions to adopt SWC measures. The result of the MVP model showed that better education, contacts with extension agents, income, and secured land tenure highly encouraged the adoption of SWC measures. Thus, a holistic policy approach that considers socio-economic, institutional, and physical barriers in increasing adoption rates and awareness of SWC measures in the region is vital.