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Factors Influencing The Adoption Of Soil Conservation Practices On Commercial Farms In Kwazulu - Natal

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  • Barlow, G. R.
  • Nieuwoudt, W. L.
  • Levin, J. B.

Abstract

A multi-stage adoption-decision process is modelled to isolate factors influencing commercial fanners' decisions to implement soil conservation measures. The models are estimated using logistic regression analysis, and represent fanners' awareness of erosion occurring, perceptions that it is a problem worth resolving, and technical and financial abilities to implement appropriate soil conservation measures. Data were collected from five different commercial farming regions in KwaZulu - Natal. Results show visible erosion impacts, formal agricultural education, and perceptions reflecting the seriousness of erosion's impacts on the environment, positively influence awareness. Fanners investing their own capital when implementing soil conservation measures, and those doing this with no outside technical assistance are more likely to perceive erosion as worth resolving. Knowledge of erosion's adverse implications for agricultural productivity and the importance of extension officers for providing information on erosion and conservation decisions also influence this stage positively. Those with the technical ability to implement and maintain conservation measures regularly attend soil conservation courses, and help others implement conservation practices. Inadequate technical skills to implement soil conservation measures appears to be a major constraining factor within the adoption process. Financial ability is positively influenced by farmers' willingness to invest their own capital in conservation measures, larger proportions of fann area under crops, and perceptions reflecting on-farm financial and managerial benefits from soil conservation. Government expenditure should perhaps be targeted at extension programs to improve farmers' technical abilities to implement conservation practices, and at education and research that emphasises individual benefits of soil conservation.

Suggested Citation

  • Barlow, G. R. & Nieuwoudt, W. L. & Levin, J. B., 1995. "Factors Influencing The Adoption Of Soil Conservation Practices On Commercial Farms In Kwazulu - Natal," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 34(3), September.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:agreko:267802
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.267802
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nielsen, Elizabeth G. & Miranowski, John A. & Morehart, Mitchell J, 1989. "Investments in Soil Conservation and Land Improvements: Factors Explaining Farmers' Decisions," Agricultural Economic Reports 308064, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    2. Norris, Patricia E. & Batie, Sandra S., 1987. "Virginia Farmers' Soil Conservation Decisions: An Application Of Tobit Analysis," Southern Journal of Agricultural Economics, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 19(1), pages 1-12, July.
    3. Brian W. Gould & William E. Saupe & Richard M. Klemme, 1989. "Conservation Tillage: The Role of Farm and Operator Characteristics and the Perception of Soil Erosion," Land Economics, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 65(2), pages 167-185.
    4. Christine A. Ervin & David E. Ervin, 1982. "Factors Affecting the Use of Soil Conservation Practices: Hypotheses, Evidence, and Policy Implications," Land Economics, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 58(3), pages 277-292.
    5. Miranowski, John & Nielsen, E. & Morehart, M., 1989. "Investments in Soil Conservation and Land Improvements: Factors Explaining Farmers Decisions," Staff General Research Papers Archive 11145, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    6. Norris, Patricia E. & Batie, Sandra S., 1987. "Virginia Farmers' Soil Conservation Decisions: An Application of Tobit Analysis," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 19(1), pages 79-90, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anim, F. D. K. & van Schalkwyk, H. D., 1996. "Tenure Arrangements And Access To Credit:The Case Of Small-Scale Farmers In The Northern Province," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 35(4), December.

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