Assessing Farmers’ Perception Towards Soil Conservation Practices In Sokoru District Jimma Zone Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

A number of indigenous soil conservation methods/measures have been practicing and others were introduced in the country. Consequently, the Ethiopian government has invested in sustainable soil conservation measures. This study was conducted at Sokoru Woreda Jimma zone, Oromia Regional State. The study area is typical for the high potential mixed farming, and cereal crops in Oromia Ethiopia. Land (soil) is a precious natural resource which demands efficient management in order to use it in a sustainable manner. However; farmers’ perceptions towards soil conservation and implementation of measures have not been closely examined in the study area. Yet, factors affecting farmers’ perceptions towards the practice of SC technologies often poorly understood. To fill these gaps the study has general and specific objectives .The general objective of the study was Assessing Farmers’ perception towards the soil conservation practices in Sokoru woreda. To examine farmers’ perception and awareness towards SC practices and to identify the types of soil conservation measures practiced in the study area. As well as to identify factors affecting soil conservation practices in the study area were the specific objectives. To address these objectives, Survey questionnaire were administered to 150 farmers selected from the study area, 11 respondents for interview and field observation. Data collection tools included questionnaire, key informant interview and field observation followed by data analysis include; qualitative, quantitative and inferential data analysis with their respective interpretations. The results indicated that the study area was affected by soil erosion and still the majority of the respondent farmers (81.6%) participated in the SC practices without their will. Eventhough farmers were aware of some SC measures/technologies (65.2% were aware of) the study result indicated that, the level of SC practice was low (97.3% replied low, with M=3.01, SD=1.633). Yet farmers have been using Traditional, biological and agronomic soil conservation measures either separately or in combination with structural soil conservation measures. The binary logistic regression result indicated that, Farmers’ Perception, attitude and decision to adopt SC Measures/technologies have been significantly (P<0.05) influenced by farmers’ educational background, age, family size, land holding size and access to training were observed. Therefore, the most important factors that require immediate consideration for SC activities in the study area are participation of the household farmers has to be through their own conviction regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of the soil conservation structures. The government should be implement continuous education, training and disseminating information, creating awareness are very important to arouse farmers’ perception towards soil conservations and management practices by considering their current perception level in the study area.