Sustainable Soil Management Practices: Adoption and Its Impact on Farm Income in Ramechhap District, Nepal

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the impact of sustainable soil management (SSM) practices in relation to technology adoption and farm income in Ramechhap district of Nepal in 2015. Total 120 sample households were taken (60 SSM practices adopters and 60 non-adopters) using random sampling technique. Primary data were collected through face-to-face interview, focus group discussion, direct observation and key informant interview to gauge the impact using with-without SSM project intervention approach. Descriptive statistics along with independent t-test, chi square test, Probit and income function multi-regression models were used for data analysis. From the cost-benefit analysis, in tomato production, all the variables were found to be significantly different except cost of planting materials. The gross margin, gross income and B: C ratio were also found to be significantly different in tomato production by SSM practices adoption. In beans, potato and cauliflower production, most of the variables were found to be significantly different. The results revealed that, farm income was higher in adopters by significant margin whereas the income from services and remittance was higher in non-adopters than adopters. Probit model revealed that type of family and trainings received were found statistically and positively significant on SSM practices adoption whereas education of household head had negative impact. Income function multi-regression model showed that SSM adoption, male of the respondent, education of the household head and farm size have positively significant on farm income whereas nuclear family type was negatively determinate on farm income. Among the variables, SSM practices adoption was major determinate factor on farm income. If farmer adopted SSM practices, farm income would be about 198 percent higher than among non-adopters. SSM technology has identified an environmentally friendly and improved rural farmers’ income in a sustainable manner in Nepal.