Factors influencing adoption of soil conservation technologies in Tanzania: a case study in Gairo
Kalineza, H.M.M;|Mdowe, N.S.Y;|Mlonzi, M.R.S / 1999

Factors that influence smallholder farmers’ decision to adopt soil conservation practices were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. Data for the study were collected from 114 randomly selected households from four villages in Gairo division. The results of descriptive analysis suggested that technology related factors such as labour requirement and perceived technology benefits influence the adoption of soil conservation practices. Results of the logistics analysis suggest that farmers who obtained knowledge on soil conservation through extension/training seminars as well as those with secure land ownership are likely to adopt soil conservation technologies. Two broad policy implications emerge from the findings of this study. The first implication is that there is a need to provide extension education that demonstrates relative benefits of various land conservation technologies to stimulate their adoption. The second implication which emerge from the significance of land ownership in adoption of soil conservation practices is the need for a clear land policy that provides rights of owning land among smallholder farmers. Secure land rights will promote investments on land such as adoption of soil conservation practice.