Analysis of farmers’ perceptions of bench terracing innovation in the eastern and southern Ethiopian highlands

ABSTRACT

Land degradation threatens environmental and agricultural development in the 21st century. To alleviate this problem, bench terracing has been implemented in eastern and southern Ethiopia. This paper investigates how farmers perceive the attributes and effectiveness of bench terracing in Ethiopia. A Multi-stage sampling techniques were applied to select 384 sample households. For this study, data were collected through primary and secondary sources, and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis methods. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focus groups, and key informant interviews; secondary data came from local authority reports. We found that bench terraces restored damaged land and improved crop yield where they were aptly implemented and maintained. The findings also disclose that 57.3% of farmers perceived that bench terracing was more cost-effective; 60.7% responded that it is compatible with the socio-cultural context; and 59.8% perceived Its outcomes are observable to others. However, when a farmer lacks sufficient social, human, or financial capital holdings and capabilities, it often fails. We conclude that the technology was adopted through a multifaceted process, promoted or hindered by both its attributes and effectiveness. Policy-makers and Planners should center those restraints on designing, implementing, and maintaining bench terracing.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• land degradation
• environment
• innovation
• effectiveness
• crop yield

Public Interest Satement

In this article, we report farmers’ perceptions about bench terracing innovation in eastern and southern Ethiopia. Our research discloses that it is largely preferred for sloppy agricultural land in Haramaya and Soro districts of Ethiopia in response to land degradation caused by natural and anthropogenic factors. It works well to encourage ecosystem restoration and expand agricultural lands. Farmers recognize it as an echo that rewards them for their efforts. About 60% of respondents perceived that it was cost-effective, compatible with their sociocultural context, and that results could be observed among other farmers. On the contrary, most farmers (81%) agreed that designing &implementing within their own capabilities was difficult. In order to strengthen their capacity and increase their motivation to use technology, farmers must actively participate in all parts of technological development. Their opinions’ documentation can be used as additional proof to support appropriate policies and programs

Acknowledgements

The authors also acknowledge Haramaya and Soro district agriculture and natural resources offices, kebele development agents, enumerators, and SLM project personnel for their valuable information and support during the survey. We also want to direct our gratitude to the farmers for their unreserved cooperation in sharing their opinions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data Available Statement

Analyzed datasets in this paper are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/27658511.2023.2293261.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by funding from Haramaya University, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia., Office of Vice President for Research Affairs.

Notes on contributors

Alemayehu Temesgen Gebremikael

Alemayehu Temesgen is a Ph.D. student in Rural Development and Agricultural Innovation at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. He obtained a BA degree from Dilla University and an MSc degree in Rural Development and Agricultural Extension from Haramaya University. He has teaching, administration, and socio-economic research experience. He is certified by Globalics and Africalics, entitled “Innovation heading for Socio-economic Development” and “Innovation and Capacity Building Systems”. His research interests include topics related to youth roles and climate change; technology communication and adoption; and agricultural innovation & environmental protection. These contribute to the development of national policies & programs that can effectively ensure environmental safety and food security