Berhanu Gebremedhin|Scott M. Swinton
Investment in soil conservation in northern Ethiopia: the role of land tenure security and public programs
In-Q-Tel|Michigan State University
abstract double hurdle statistical analysis 250 farms tigray region ethiopia reveals different causal factors soil conservation adoption versus intensity use farmers reasons adopting soil conservation measures vary sharply stone terraces soil bunds longterm investments stone terraces associated secure land tenure labour availability proximity farmstead learning opportunities via existence local foodforwork ffw projects contrast shortterm investments soil bunds strongly linked insecure land tenure absence local foodforwork projects public conservation campaigns private plots reduced adoption stone terraces soil bunds whereas capacity factors largely influenced adoption decision expected returns carried influence intensity stone terrace adoption measured metres terrace per hectare stone terracing built fertile erodible silty soils higher rainfall areas offered valuable yield benefits intensity terracing also greater remote villages limited offfarm employment opportunities reduced construction costs results highlight importance right kind public interventions direct public involvement constructing soil conservation structures private lands appears undermine incentives private conservation investments done public lands however public conservation activities may encourage private soil conservation example secure land tenure rights clearly reinforce private incentives make longterm investments soil conservation