Impact of Soil and Water Conservation Practice on Crop Productivity in Ethiopia

International Journal of Economics and Management Studies

© 2020 by SSRG - IJEMS Journal

Volume 7 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2020

Authors : Lemma Shallo

10.14445/23939125/IJEMS-V7I3P118

How to Cite?

Lemma Shallo, "Impact of Soil and Water Conservation Practice on Crop Productivity in Ethiopia," SSRG International Journal of Economics and Management Studies, vol. 7,  no. 3, pp. 122-134, 2020. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23939125/IJEMS-V7I3P118

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of soil and water conservation practices on rural farmers’ crop productivity in Ethiopia.Both primary and secondary data were employedfor analysis in this study. About 190 sample respondents were selected for the primary data collection. Descriptive statistics with appropriate statistical tests and a non-parametric estimation method, propensity score matching,were used for analysis. The result of propensity score matching indicated that soiland water conservation practice has a positive and significant impact on crop productivity of6 quintal per hectare (3300 Ethiopian Birr)for maize crop and 3quintal per hectare (3600 Ethiopian Birr) for haricot bean crop because of the intervention. Thus, for agriculture-dependent countries like Ethiopia, soil and water conservation is vital in improving the livelihoods of the rural farm households through improving crop productivity. Yet, to realize the intended outcomes, more awareness creation, and continuous support areneeded fromthe government, especially the Ministry of Agriculture and non-governmental institutions working on agriculture to promote thesoil and water conservation practices by farmers.

Keywords:

Soil and Water Conservation, Propensity Score Matching, Crop Productivity, Ethiopia.

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