Factors Influencing The Adoption Of Sustainable Land Management Practices Among Smallholder Farmers: The Case Of Boloso Sore District In Wolaita Zone, Snnpr, Ethiopia

Natural resource conservation draws the attention of many development oriented organizations as the problem extended to the available and most productive lands since its implication in food production is adverse. In this context, the adoption of Sustainable Land Management practices is quite crucial to increase agricultural productivity, ensure food security and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in many parts of the world, especially in developing nations, including Ethiopia. A number of soil and water conservation methods were introduced to combat land degradation but adoption of these practices remains below expectations. Therefore, the main objective of this study was the socio-economic, institutional, psychological and biophysical factors that influence adoption of SLM practices among smallholder farmers in Boloso Sore District of Wolaita zone, Ethiopia. Employing multi-stage sampling technique 200 households were interviewed to gather data. Primary quantitative data were collected using interview schedule through face-to-face interview whereas qualitative data were collected through key informant interview and focus group discussion. Descriptive, inferential and econometric analyses were carried out. The computed independent T-test for the mean income difference was statistically highly significance between adopters and non-adopters, suggesting that adopters were in better-off position to improve their livelihood. From the 17 explanatory variables entered into the model, 10 variables were found to be statistically significant in determining adoption of SLM Practices by farmers in the study area at less than 1, 5 to 10% probability levels. These are education level of the household head, , perception of land degradation problems, land tenure certification, credit service access, frequency of development agent contact, member in community organization,Participation in government awareness programand livestock ownership significantly positively affect adoption of land management practices while distance to market, land to labour ratio affects it negatively at less 10% probability levels. Overall results from this study show that Planners should formulate appropriate programs considering the farmers interest, capacity, and limitation in promoting improved soil conservation technology for greater acceptance and the adoption of SLMPs can also be enhanced by increasing farmers’ literacy level and encouraging them to participate more in community based organizations.