Indigenous and modern soil management practices and its determinant factors in Yayo district, Ilubabor zone Southwest Ethiopia

The main objective of this study was to investigate Combination level and Role of Indigenous and Modern Soil Conservation Practices in the   case of Yayo District, Ilubabor zone, southwest Ethiopia. Cross-sectional research designs with both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were employed. Two stage sampling procedures with combination of purposive and simple random sampling procedures were used to select 210 sample household heads for the study. Household survey questionnaires, key informant interview, focus group discussion and field observation were used to collect the data. Binary logistic model was used to identify determinant factors of farmers’ decision to adopt soil conservation practices. The finding of the study showed that contour plowing, farmyard manure and traditional cut-off drain were the most practiced indigenous soil conservation practices. Improved crop seed, use of chemical fertilizer and insecticide and pesticide were the major improved/modern/ soil conservation practiced performed by household of the study areas. Insubstantial level of integration between indigenous and modern soil conservation practices were another finding of the study. The result also indicated as decrease soil erosion, improve income, improve water availability, and increase crop & livestock productivity were to the major contributions of integrating indigenous and modern soil conservation practiced in the study area.. The result of binary logistic regression analysis showed as livestock ownership, distances to farm plot, access to credit services and extension services were significantly (p<0.05) affect household decisions to adopt soil conservation practices. Therefore, farmers should be adopting profitable and sustainable soil management practice and integrate indigenous with modern soil management practices.