Determinants of household choice to adopt soil conservation technologies in Tanzania Germana Ijiko

This dissertation focuses on empirical analysis of the factors that are associated with the adoption or non-adoption of soil conservation technologies. It does so by analysing the factors that influence farmers to adopt soil conservation technologies. The empirical review of the dissertation relies on the Utility theory of choice. Based on the 2002/03 Agricultural Census survey data in Tanzania various technologies are observed as the erosion control techniques. The empirical results from the logit analysis shows that extension services, sex of the head of the household, off-farm income, household size, education level, quantity harvested and farm size have a significant impact on the decision to adopt soil conservation technology. The policy implication from the estimated results relied heavily on the importance of extension services. There should be effective agricultural extension system to raise farmers’ awareness on the importance of soil conservation. This will enable them to make better decisions on soil conservation. The study recommends proper monitoring of the farmers’ plots where the conservation structures have been established in order to improve agricultural productivity. The study also recommends the introduction of effective combination of conservation practices such as terraces that not only reduce the soil erosion but also substantially augment crop output.