Soil Erosion Prevention and Control Practices: Use, Extent and Constraint Analysis from Farmer-Perspective

Abstract

The importance of soil conservation analysis cannot be over-emphasized. Avoiding unsustainable land use practices by farmers can reduce soil erosion. This study aimed to ascertain the effectiveness of erosion prevention and control practices based on crop farmer perception. Logit regression analysis was used. Result showed that socio-economic factors affect farmer use of erosion prevention and control practices in the study area. Similarly, construction of bond, multiple cropping, cover cropping, and construction of water ways, minimum tillage and avoidance of bush burning were identified as effective in erosion prevention and control. No assistance from the government (3.69), poor access to prevention and control information (3.33), lack of capital (3.55) and lack of access to credit/input (3.03) were identified as serious constraints to the use of erosion prevention and control practices in the study area. Thus, the study recommends that; government should establish erosion prevention and control agency, extension programs and funds to assist farmers on erosion prevention and control. There should be cooperation involving policy makers, land owners and tenants that will lead to better land use.