DETERMINANTS OF FARM LEVEL IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS: THE CASE OF WONDO GENET WOREDA, SIDAMA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

ABSTRACT The advancing threat of land degradation continues to put sustainable livelihoods at risk in the study area. Diverse array of farm level Sustainable Land Management technologies was recommended as a potential solution for combating land degradation. However, sustained use of these practices is far below the expectation. The objective of this study was to identify the determinants of farm level implementation of sustainable land management practices among smallholder farmers in the study area. Mixed research approach was employed in order to conduct this study. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to draw sample household heads. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires, whereas qualitative data were collected using direct observation, focus group discussion, key informant interview and interactive on-farm walks. Data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Binary logit model and descriptive statistic were used to analyze quantitative data. The qualitative data were presented in the form of narration and used as supportive data. The result revealed that a household head’s education level is a major factor that affects sustainable land management practice. The major land management practices implemented by farmers were agroforestry; strip cropping, FanyaJuu, and soil bund practices .Also there are different indigenous sustainable land management practices in the study area. The result from binary logit model indicates that sex of the household, family size and distance negatively affects the farmers’ decision to implement sustainable land management practices. While resource total livestock unit, extension services, access to credit, information landform are positively influencing the decision of farmers to implement sustainable land management practices. Based on the findings the authors suggested that there should be strong follow-up and evaluation after launching sustainable land management activities in the given farm pilot through preparing follow-up and Monitoring schedule .Also researcher suggest that much more bottom-up approach, building institutional capacities and strengthening and partnerships between the local, regional and national levels are needed for the horizontal and vertical implementation of SLM practices in the study area .