Factors influencing water conservation practices adoptions by Nepali farmers

In developing countries, water conservation practices in agriculture are promoted to overcome the adverse effects of water scarcity. The data obtained from in-person interview surveys of 385 Nepali farm households were analyzed using parametric, semiparametric, and nonparametric models to identify factors influencing water conservation practices. We find that both nonparametric and semiparametric models are more appropriate than a parametric model. The results indicated that off-farm income is negatively associated with the number of practices adopted in a nonparametric model. The results from a semiparametric model show that farmers who had food sufficiency to feed the family in the previous year, access to credit, and agriculture micro-irrigation infrastructure adopt more water conservation practices. These results indicate the potential benefits of formulating appropriate policies and programs to enhance farm production and agricultural income to encourage farmers to adopt water conservation practices for sustainable agriculture in Nepal.