Systematic Review on Adoption of Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) Practices among Farmers in Ethiopia: Implication on Factors Affecting Acceptance and Continuous Use of SWC

In Ethiopia, soil erosion is the most dangerous ecological process observed and has been given a very important place in the countries soil conservation programs. Recognizing the contribution of soil and water conservation to reduce land degradation which is a major environmental and socio-economic problem, the government of Ethiopia has made several interventions. To this end, moreover both governmental and non-governmental organizations are engaged in the promotion of soil and water conservation practices in Ethiopia, but the adoption behavior of farmersto maintain and sustain SWC measuresis believed to be low and not fully integrated in the household?s farming system. Here adoption behavior refers to the degree to which farmers are intrinsically motivated to maintain and replicate SWC measures. Thus, the review indentified the determinants of adoption of soil and water conservation practices in the countryand assessed farmers awareness and attitude to sustain improved SWC practices in the country. Data for this systematic review were collected from different literatures, reports and documents related to the topic. The review identified the major determinants of adoption of soil and water conservation practices such as Physical factors, psychological, socio-economic and institutional factors and also investments byfarmers in soil and water conservation (SWC) practices are influenced by the physical effectiveness, financial efficiency, and socialacceptabilityof the practices. Therefore, major policy implication of the review is strengthening and designing SWC strategies and programs in consideration with agro ecology of the intervention area as well as those mentioned factors since different SWC strategies and programs have diverse physical and socio-economic characteristics.