This study examines factors that influence farmers' adoption of soil conservation practices in Hakha Township, Chin State. Traditional farming practices have led to soil degradation and loss, low productivity, food insecurity, and poverty. The study aims to identify socioeconomic factors and access to extension services that influence farmers' perceptions and adoption of practices. It will assess differences between adopters and non-adopters and identify limitations to adoption. Results could help promote sustainable agriculture, stable incomes, soil fertility, and mitigate climate change impacts in the region.

1. Factors Influencing Farmers’Adoption of Soil
Conservation Practices in Hakha Township,
Chin State
Presented by
Kay Thwe Moe
Master Student
Participatory Knowledge Management Division
ACARE, Yezin Agricultural University
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MIID Small Research Grant Progress Report
November 20, 2018 Novotal Hotel,Yangon

2. Chin State situated 6125 ft
ASL
The mountains and hills are
very steep, irregular and rugged
surface forming continuous
ridge.
Very vulnerable to soil
erosion.
Sad story of landslides
happened in Hakha , 2015.

3. Gully erosion
Rill erosion
Removal of top soil layerSheet erosion

4. Problem statement of study
• Traditional livelihoods are rooted in agriculture; usually paddy,
maize and elephant food yam, upland shifting cultivation, or mobile
farming, raising fowls and livestock.
• Traditional and poor farming practices have resulted in loss of soil
and nutrient depletion, which finally lead into land degradation.
• This in turn results in low agricultural productivity, food insecurity
and poverty (Menale Kassie, et al, 2008).
• 80% of farming in Chin State - Shifting cultivation
(Local social plan, Chin State, 2014)
4

5. Slash and burn
Photo Credit Food Security Working Group

6. Demographic and
socio-economic factors
- household head’s and
- Farm characteristics
Perception
- Usefulness
- Ease of use
Attitude
- Risk taking
- Credit motivation
Institutional Factors
-Exposure to extension
advisory services
(Government and NGO)
Adoption
Probability of Soil
Conservation
Practices
Adopter
Non-
adopter
Continue
shifting
cultivation
Soil
degradation
Negative
impact on
climate
change
Positive impact
on climate
change
Sustainable
agriculture
Stable
income
Stable
yield
Soil
fertility
Conceptual Framework

7. Objectives of the study
The general objective is to determine factors influencing farmers’ adoption of
Soil Conservation Practices in Chin State.
Specific objectives are;
(1) to study the socio-economic status of sample farmers and their current
farming system
(2) to assess the extent of adoption of Soil Conservation Practices between
the adopter and non-adopter
(3) to identify the limitations for adoption of Soil Conservation Practices by
farmers.t
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8. No Village name Respondents
Male Female Total
1 Cinkhua 8 8 16
2 Chuncung 18 5 23
3 Sukhua 11 5 16
4 Sakta 20 10 30
5 Bungtuah 7 11 18
Total (respondents) 64 39 103
Pilot survey ( Hnair Lwan ) 2 0 2
Total 66 39 105
Data Collection
Survey period - From 21.10.2018 to 14.11.2018 (25 days)
Statistical Analysis
 Multi-nominal probit regression model

9. Interview with the farmer

10. Adopter Farmer - U Mann Ann, Hnair
Lwan village
 Farmer Organization-Chair person, social
participation and extension services
 Farm experience - 25 years
 Shifting cultivation before
Soil Conservation Practices
 Crop residue management and Compost
 Crop residues put the digging hole as
compost
 Yield increase 2 times
 Farm distance – near from home

11. U Mann Ann’s cultivation plot

12. Terracing
Chuncung Village

13. 13
Slash and mulch
Photo Credit: CORAD

14. Cinkhua Village
Why don’t adopt Soil conservation
practices?
 Weak of exposure to extension agents
 Poor transportation
 Not aware the benefits of soil conservation
 Not know how to do
Some of non adopter
 Know how to do but do not enough
investment to practice
 Not patient enough to see the benefit in the
long term.
 Cost is high
 Not easy to use/ Difficult to practices

15. Institution: CORAD

16. Expected outcome of the study
• Demographic, socioeconomic factors and access to extension
activities that are influencing on the perceptions of farmers
towards the adoption of Soil Conservation Practices in Chin
state - reveal
• The extent of adoption of Soil Conservation Practices between
the adopter and non-adopter – assess
• limitations for adoption of Soil Conservation Practices by
farmers - identify