Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

Factors Affecting Adoption of Sustainable Soil Management (SSM) Practices in Baglung District, Nepal

Mahesh Badal, Shiva Chandra Dhakal, Jay Prakash Dutta & Rishi Ram Kattel

SSMP is the appropriate soil management technologies, very largely based on local resources, to mid-hill farming households with the aim of improving soil fertility and productivity, providing alternative cropping options and increasing the opportunities for food security and a cash income - and thereby enhancing livelihoods. Attracting farmers for SSM practices is still a challenge. Thus a comparative economics study was conducted between major vegetable producers who are adopters and non-adopters of the SSM practices. The research was conducted in Baglung district in 2015 and primary data were collected in Rayadanda and Damek VDCs. Pretested interview schedule from total of 120 respondents, 60 from each adopters and non-adopters category, was conducted. Descriptive statistics along with t-test for with-without approach, Cobb-Douglas production function and probit regression model were used to analyze the data. The total population of the sampled household was 765, out of which 51.37 percent were male and 48.63 percent were female. By analysing the adoption index the majority of the adopters were (46.67%) high level of adoption (farmers adopting more than 5 technologies, >58%), 33.33 percent respondent found at medium level of adoption (farmers adopting upto 5 technologies, =58%) whereas 20 percent were found at low level of adoption (farmers adopting less than 5 technologies). probit regression analysis focused on the 120 members adopting vegetable farming with sustainable soil management practices. The extent to which the model’s independent variables used in prediction correctly predicted the dependent variable was investigated. probit regression analysis showed that, three variables were statistically significant for the level of adoption, they were; beneficiaries from project, technology demonstration and soil fertility. Adopters (beneficiaries from the project) of SSMP will have higher probability of adoption level, Demonstration of technology will have higher level of technology adoption and Likewise, the farmers already have good fertile land will have lower level of technology adoption.

Published Date: 2016-10-06;