Soil and water conservation projects and rural livelihoods: options for design and research to enhance adoption and adaptation

This paper synthesizes the findings of a workshop which sought to consider the issues of poor uptake, adoption and adaptation of soil and water conservation techniques by farmers post-project by examining the experiences of projects which had research and extension elements. Critical factors contributing to the adoption and adaptation of soil and water conservation techniques by farmers are identified as a more flexible approach and which enables learning within projects; a process rather than output driven approach to soil and water conservation; demonstration of immediate and tangible benefits of soil and water conservation to farmers (production, income, risk-minimization); and avoiding a narrow focus on soil and water conservation—alternatives are ‘better land husbandry’ or ‘sustainable rural livelihoods’ approaches. A number of areas are identified as priorities for further research which would aid the successful adoption of sustainable agricultural techniques and which should guide future research, development and extension, bringing more sustained benefits to farmers, particularly in humid and subhumid hillside regions. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.