On-Farm Water and Soil Conservation Approaches

Hazardous soil erosion causes loss of land, reduced land fertility, low farm output, famine, sedimentation of rivers, high contaminants in diminishing water supplies, droughts and increased flooding, all of which can cause disaster to mankind. This study adopted Correlation research design and used Systematic sampling to select the sample population, purposive sampling to select study area and simple random sampling to select the extension units for study. Key Informant Interviews and Focus Groups Discussions together with Observations were used to collect data. Data analysis was based on descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that there was positive and significant correlation between Farm Size and farmers' out-of-farm employment and Adoption of soil erosion control structures. Terraces were constructed with limited family labour. Crop yields were sub-optimal and the rate of adoption of soil erosion control structures was not significantly different in Catchment and Focal Area approaches. Prior to promoting soil conservation project a feasibility study should be undertaken to bring likely constraints and how they will be mitigated to increase adoption.