Factors affecting extent of adoption of soil and water conservation technologies: Case of two semi-arid watersheds of South-eastern Rajasthan

Abstract

This study describes factors influencing extent of adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) technologies implemented on farmers' field under two watershed management projects in semi-arid region of Rajasthan. A sample of 50 beneficiary farm households owning fields treated with SWC technologies under a watershed management project was selected randomly from each watershed as respondents in the study. Multi-variate regression model was employed to identify factors influencing extent of adoption. Farm size and economic motivation factors significantly affected extent of adoption in Chhajawa watershed. In Badakhera watershed, farm size, mechanical power, scientific orientation were the factors which positively influenced adoption, while farm implements, farmer innovativeness and risk perception had a negative effect on extent of adoption. Pooled analysis of both watersheds identified farm size, economic motivation, and scientific orientation as positive factors, whereas risk perception and extension contact were the factors which negatively influenced the adoption extent. Variation in factors affecting the extent of adoption in both the watersheds located in the same region suggests that any technological intervention for SWC in an area ought to begin with cognizance of local factors, which may influence technology adoption.