biophysical factors determining adoption of soil and water conservation measures in small holder farming system

Ethiopia’s highlands are severely affected by moderate to severe soil erosion due to high population density, intense rainfall, and rugged, long-cultivated topography. the landscape, including steep hills, valleys, and dissected plains, contributes to soil acidity and environmental degradation. settlement expansion, inappropriate land use, land-use changes, and construction activities further exacerbate land degradation, often resulting in sheet and rill erosion during the rainy season. despite local governments promoting soil and water conservation (swc) programs, implementation remains inconsistent, and adoption among farm households is limited. this study investigates household perceptions toward swc adoption and identifies critical factors influencing the implementation of measures such as soil bunds, stone bunds, and fanya juu structures. data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. results revealed clear differences in perceptions: adopters exhibited medium to high recognition of benefits in soil fertility, erosion control, and productivity, whereas non-adopters showed low perception, indicating limited awareness and skepticism. multinomial logistic regression identified that male-headed households, larger family size, greater farm size, livestock ownership, secure land tenure, education, and extension service contact significantly increased the likelihood of adoption. conversely, greater farmland distance from home reduced adoption. the study recommends strengthening awareness programs, securing land tenure, and adapting swc technologies to local biophysical conditions to improve adoption rates and promote sustainable land management in southern ethiopia. ethiopia’s highlands are severely affected by moderate to severe soil erosion due to high population density, intense rainfall, and rugged, long-cultivated topography. the landscape, including steep hills, valleys, and dissected plains, contributes to soil acidity and environmental degradation. settlement expansion, inappropriate land use, land-use changes, and construction activities further exacerbate land degradation, often resulting in sheet and rill erosion during the rainy season. despite local governments promoting soil and water conservation (swc) programs, implementation remains inconsistent, and adoption among farm households is limited. this study investigates household perceptions toward swc adoption and identifies critical factors influencing the implementation of measures such as soil bunds, stone bunds, and fanya juu structures. data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. results revealed clear differences in perceptions: adopters exhibited medium to high recognition of benefits in soil fertility, erosion control, and productivity, whereas non-adopters showed low perception, indicating limited awareness and skepticism. multinomial logistic regression identified that male-headed households, larger family size, greater farm size, livestock ownership, secure land tenure, education, and extension service contact significantly increased the likelihood of adoption. conversely, greater farmland distance from home reduced adoption. the study recommends strengthening awareness programs, securing land tenure, and adapting swc technologies to local biophysical conditions to improve adoption rates and promote sustainable land management in southern ethiopia.