Impact of Scio - Economic Factors on Adoption of Soil and Water Conservation Practices in Kenya : A Case Study of Kyogong Catchment in Bomet District, Rift Valley Province

Abstract

This study was directed at investigating the impacts of socio-economic factors on adoption of soil and water conservation programmes in Kenya, through a case study of Kyogong Catchment in Bomet District, Rift Valley Province. Data was collected using questionnaires which were administered to 120 households around Kyogong catchment selected using simple random sampling method. Data was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics and Microsoft Excel and SPSS computer software packages. The study established that the socio-economic challenges affecting soil and water conservation practices in the area were overgrazing, low education level of the residents, small farm size, lack of extension officers and destruction of conservation practices by livest ock. The study recommended effective participation of farmers and other stakeholders in SWC planning and implementation process, as well as the introduction of alternative biological and agronomic conservation measures.