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

ABSTRACTLand 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

Perception and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among smallholder farmers in eastern Ethiopia

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of human life. Its effect was particularly severe in sectors that are directly related to agricultural production and food security. This research was conducted to uncover the perception of smallholder farmers in eastern Ethiopia about the pandemic, prevention and control measures, and its impact on their livelihood. Through a semi-structured interview schedule conducted on 176 randomly selected rural households, we found a varying level of practicing the recommended COVID-19 prevention and control measures. The study also found that the response of the media, family members and religious organizations to the pandemic was rated as “very good”. The most important impact of the pandemic was associated with household’s inability to obtain a reasonable price for their agricultural produce, and inability to attend religious gatherings/prayers. Other impacts of the pandemic were fear of losing friends and getting sick/losing life. Considering the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, a reinforced awareness creation campaign, behaviour change communication by extension workers, and continued provision of basic health and sanitation facilities was recommended. Such interventions should focus on improving the access of smallholders to Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs). Continued engagement with diverse media platforms and developing trust is also needed to increase the spread of reliable COVID-19 related information. Moreover, safeguarding the agricultural sector against risks and uncertainties has to be prioritized through strengthening early warning system, distributing improved/early-maturing seeds and fertilizers, providing insecticides/pesticides, linking smallholders to market outlets, and emergency food aid via the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP)