A framework for targeting soil conservation policy

This paper presents a comprehensive framework and methodology in an attempt to direct policy solutions to soil and water degradation from water-related soil erosion. The perspective adopted by this research is social science in nature. Past research on the adoption of soil conservation practices has tended to concentrate on the micro (individual) level of inquiry and has tended to ignore environmental (i.e. biophysical) factors. Previous models of the adoption of soil conservation practices are reviewed and critiqued. Based on the strengths and limitations of these approaches, a comprehensive analytical framework that identifies and relates micro (e.g. farm and farmer characteristics) and macro (e.g. institutional arrangements, fiscal and monetary policies, agricultural policies) factors influencing the adoption and continued use of soil conservation measures is proposed. It is hypothesized that economic and institutional constraints will exert the greatest influence on decisions to use land stewardship practices when problem awareness exists at the micro level. Based on this framework, a research methodology is developed to classify the farm population into relatively homogeneous sub-groups based on farmers' receptivity to the adoption and use of currently available and prospective conservation practices. These groupings could then form the basis for targeting a range of policies, programs, and other measures appropriate for each group.