Determinants of farmers’ adoption of rainwater harvesting technologies in Boricha woreda of Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

In arid and semi-arid areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, the smallholder farming community's livelihood is critically influenced by water scarcity. Rainwater harvesting has been widely promoted in Ethiopia by the government and development partners to increase the coping options since 2002. However, its adoption rate is rarely documented in different farming situations. This paper aimed to identify the determinants that affect rainwater harvesting technologies (RWHTs). A total of 196 (102 adopters and 94 non-adopters of RWHT) farm households of three rural kebeles, namely, Hanja Chafa, Gonowa Bulano and Aldada Dela of Boricha woreda, Sidama Regional State, were considered. Data was collected using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. In addition, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were carried out. Using SPSS version 20 computer software, descriptive and binary logistic models were employed for analysis. The results have shown that water shortage is a critically important problem affecting agriculture and other economic and social aspects in the area. About 52% of the farmers participate in rainwater harvesting techniques. Rainwater harvesting is considered as an important tool to support their livelihood. Traditional ponds and introduced technologies were implemented in the area. About 75% of the farmers use ponds for water harvesting.  The majority of the farmers had participated in awareness creation-related training about RWHTs, implying the effort to scale up the technology. Although most of the respondents have access to training, credit, and information, they have been practicing traditional rainwater harvesting systems. Family size, income, access to training, and perceived benefit of the technology were found to be positively and significantly determine adoption of the technology. The socio-economic condition of the farmer affects the adoption of the RWHT. To reduce the challenges of water scarcity, planners should integrate water harvesting technology by considering the local economic, biophysical, and social conditions.