Multi-Scale analysis of the impacts of soil and water conservation practices and landscape on grain yield and return on investment in the sub-humid ethiopian highlands

Tebeje, A K and Desta, G and Hussein, M A and Assefa, T T and Tsegaw, Y L and Zimale, F A and Ahmed, M A (2024) Multi-Scale analysis of the impacts of soil and water conservation practices and landscape on grain yield and return on investment in the sub-humid ethiopian highlands. Heliyon (TSI), 10 (18). pp. 1-15. ISSN 2405-8440

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Abstract

Ethiopia's sub-humid highlands face a critical challenge in balancing agricultural productivity with land degradation. This study explores the effectiveness of soil and water conservation practices (SWCPs) in addressing this challenge. We investigated the interaction effects of types of SWCPs, landscape positions, and location on Teff (Eragrostis teff) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield. In addition, we assessed the economic viability of SWCPs using cost-benefit analysis with farmer-funded and cost-sharing scenarios. The results indicated that yield was significantly affected by the interactions between factors like SWCP type and landscape position. Soil bunds consistently increased crop yield across diverse locations and landscapes, indicating superior erosion control benefits. Lower landscape positions on foot slopes benefited most from SWCP implementation. Teff yield increased by 188 % and wheat yield by 181 % under soil bunds. The cost-benefit analysis confirmed the financial viability of SWCPs, particularly for Teff (NPV = 4499.35 USD, IRR = 50 %, and BCR = 1.51) and wheat (NPV = 544.35 USD, IRR = 16 %, and BCR = 1.06) grown on lower landscapes with farmer-funded investment scenarios. Positive return on investment was observed in both scenarios, with cost-sharing offering greater economic benefits for farmers. These findings highlight the importance of an integrated approach to SWC implementation for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing food security, improving farmer incomes, and promoting sustainable and productive landscape management practices. Future research should explore the long-term sustainability of SWCPs, their adaptation across diverse agroecological zones and landscapes, the incorporation of various crops, the broader socioeconomic impacts, and the development of effective extension programs for wider adoption by farmers.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Global Research Program - Resilient Farm and Food Systems Research Program : East & Southern Africa
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Soil and water conservation, Economic return, Food security, Sustainable development, Community-based cost-sharing, Livelihood
Subjects:	Others > Livelihoods Others > Sustainable Development Others > Food Security Others > Water Conservation
Depositing User:	Mr Nagaraju T
Date Deposited:	13 Sep 2024 04:06
Last Modified:	13 Sep 2024 04:06
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/12813
Official URL:	https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/...
Projects:	UNSPECIFIED
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Acknowledgement:	UNSPECIFIED
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