Econometric analysis of the determinants of adoption of raising sheep in folds by farmers in the semiarid Loess Plateau of China

Agricultural practices combined with soil erosion resulted in extreme loss of soil fertility and reduced sustainability in the semiarid Loess Plateau of China. Alternative land uses include planting leguminous forage species for cut-and-carry feeding of livestock, and raising sheep in folds (RSFs). In this study, an econometric model was used to quantify the factors determining farmers' decision to adopt RSFs in the area based on a survey of 213 farmer's families in four villages. The analysis showed that families with more female members and fewer children were more likely to adopt RSFs, as well as farmers with more experience raising sheep or goats, households located farther away from markets, and farmers with larger farm sizes and higher grain yields. In contrast, farmers who sold more potatoes, received higher incomes, were well educated or had non-farming sources of income were less likely to adopt RSFs. The probability of adopting RSFs was higher for farmers who have contact with extension agencies working on animal husbandry technologies. RSFs were very consistent with the needs and situations of farming families in the semiarid Loess Plateau. The results would be favor to make policies to improve the sustainability of crop livestock farming systems.