Browsing by Author "Tinsaetessema, Samuel"

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    Factors Affecting Farmers’ Decision On Soil And Water Conservation In Sululta Woreda, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2020-06) Tinsaetessema, Samuel; Senishaw, Getachew (Ph.D.)
    In this thesis, attempt has been made to explore factors that influence farmers' decision on Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) structures in Keta Welele and Wererso- Nono Mene AbechuKebelesof Sululta Woreda, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Watershed works in Ethiopia has three phases-planning, implementation and post implementation. This thesis focuses only on the third phase which is the maintenance of SWC structures constructed through community mobilization on the farmers' plot of land.In order to gather reliable and valid information, care was taken in designing research methodology as well as in carrying out the research. Methods, data sources and instruments were triangulated. Household survey, in-depth interview, key informants interviews and focus group discussions were methods of primary data collection, while different published and unpublished materials were used as sources of secondary data.The finding shows that farmers' maintenance decision of SWC structures was influenced by farmers' awareness about SWC structures, topography of the land, place of residence of the household head and dependence on the land. Those farmers who perceive SWC structures positively are more interested to maintain structures. Some of the benefits SWC structuresmentioned by farmers include controls soil erosion, help in moisture retention, improves soil fertility and increase inagriculturalproductivity.There are some farmers who perceive SWC structures contributes for infestation by rats which could damage the product. These farmers are not interested to maintain SWC structures. Farmers whose lands are steep slope are interested to maintain SWC structures as compared to farmers whose land is gentle slopebecause such types of land are exposed to soil erosion. In addition, farmers permanently living in the Kebele/rural are inclined to maintain SWC structures as compared to those living outside the Kebele for other task in town which in turn contributes for less attention to SWC works. Added to these, farmers cultivating their own land are interested to maintain structures as compared to those farmers who rented a land from others. Again, engagement in off-farm activity was the other factor that influenced farmers decision to maintain SWC structures. Farmers engaged in other off-farm activities are less interested to maintain SWC structures.Based on the finding, there are suggestions for areas of improvement identified during the study to increase the effectiveness of SWC works which include, awareness raising and experience sharing among farmers to increase awareness about the benefits of SWC structures and strengthening the extension service provided by agricultural extension workers and follow up by theKebeleadministration.