The Role of Soil Conservation on Net Value of Crop Income of Farmers: Evidence from Low Rainfall Areas of West Belessa Woreda, North Gondar Zone

The study was conducted to measure the impact of soil conservation on net value of crop income for conserved plots, to evaluate crop income difference from that of non-conserved plots and to evaluate the real significance of adopting soil conservation activities on farm plots. For this purpose, the study selected two kebeles by using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. Hence, cross sectional data on socio-economic level variables to plot specific characteristics including soil conservation status was generated from 176 conserved and 176 non-conserved plots in terms of questionnaire survey and secondary data. The study used descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and mean difference), inferential statistics (chi-square and independent sample t-test) and propensity score matching method to control for self-selection and program selection bias. The research finding suggests the existence of a significant positive impact of soil conservation on net value of crop income in West Belessa woreda. From the study, soil conservation measures increased net value of crop income by about ETB 164 for stratification and ETB 299 for kernel matching methods on average to conserved plots compared to the non-conserved plots. Thus, based on the result it is possible to conclude that average net value of crop income of farmers with conserved plots is significantly higher than those with non-conserved plots.