Farmers' willingness-to-pay towards soil and water conservation measures in agro-ecosystems of Chotanagpur Plateau, India

作者：Gulati Aastha^*; Rai Suresh Chand

来源：Water and Environment Journal, 2015, 29(4): 523-532.

DOI：10.1111/wej.12151

• agriculture
• contingent valuation
• soil conservation
• water conservation
• willingness-to-pay

Lack of importance given to farmers' knowledge and perceptions towards soil and water conservation (SWC) is a major factor responsible for failure of conservation programs. The study explores farmers understanding of SWC and further adds to the limited empirical evidence towards farmers' willingness-to-pay (WTP) for SWC. Contingent valuation survey conducted to elicit the WTP (cash and labor days) for SWC draws attention to the importance of adopting SWC to ensure year-round water availability. The willing households of the area could generate US$1302.2 and/or 1207 labor days monthly. The WTP (cash) showed strong positive influence by qualification, total income, off-farm income and previous irrigation farming experience; while WTP (labor days) showed strong negative influence by age, qualification, dependency ratio, market access and livestock holding. The study will be useful for decision makers regarding investments and policy purposes for soil-water conservation measures in agricultural lands of developing countries.

• 出版日期2015-12