Determinants of farmers’ adoption of soil and water conservation practices in northeastern Ethiopia

Soil erosion continues to undermine the agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in the Ethiopian highlands, yet the determinants of sustained adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) practices remain insufficiently understood. This study analyzed the intensity and determinants of farmers’ adoption of SWC practices in the Golina watershed of Northeastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey of 364 households was conducted using a three-stage sampling technique, complemented by field observations, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and a Poisson regression model were employed to examine factors influencing the number of SWC practices adopted per household. The results show that 99.2% of farmers had previously participated in SWC activities, while 66.8% were currently maintaining at least one SWC practice. Contour farming (100% in Woleh; 95.7% in Wofela) and soil bunds (90.4% in Wondie Ashewa) were the most widely adopted measures. The regression analysis indicated that farming experience, total income, membership in local organizations, land slope, knowledge of SWC, and positive perception of SWC benefits significantly increased adoption intensity, while greater land distance and better land quality reduced it. Overall, adoption intensity is strongly shaped by socioeconomic conditions, institutional engagement, land characteristics, and farmers’ perceptions. The findings highlight the need to strengthen knowledge dissemination, enhance community-based institutions, and promote context-specific interventions to improve the sustainability and intensity of SWC adoption for sustainable land management and rural livelihood improvement.