Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Participation by Farm Households in Soil Erosion Management in Chepareria Ward, West Pokot County, Kenya

Abstract

Soil is a vital resource for survival for many rural populations. However, soil erosion negates the ecosystem function, productivity, livelihoods and national economy. To enable sustainable functioning of the ecosystem, it necessitates a need for proper management. There is a need for understanding socio-economic dynamics in soil erosion management. Therefore, this study sought to test the hypothesis that socio-economic factors significantly influence the participation of farm households in management of soil erosionin Chepareria Ward, West Pokot County. Thestudy was anchored within theDiffusion of Innovationand Social-ecological Systemtheory which supports socialand economic capitalassessmentsunderlyingindividual decisioninconserrationplanstoattainsustainable cosystemservices.A household survey was undertaken and a total of 100 households were sampled. Data was analyzed in descriptive and binary logit regression model using the SPSS software. The results obtained indicate that age, education level of the respondent,cost of technology and landacreage werethe possible predictor factors that showed significant influence at p<0.05 level of significance, hence supports the hypothesis tested. Thestudy findingsand recommendationswillimmensely helpthelanduseplannersandpolicymakerstoencourage community participationandexecutesitesustainablemanagementpracticestoimprove ecosystem functioningatnational and local environment thus improving participation of rural community as the primary stakeholder and achievement of sustainable development on naturalresource management