An Analysis of Returns to Integrated Soil Conservation Practices in the Lake Naivasha Basin, Kenya

The current study seeks to assess the private benefits associated with integrated soil conservation practices (ISCPs) by estimating the marginal value of crop production that can be attributed to such practices. In areas where land degradation associated with soil erosion causes serious agri-environmental challenges such as loss of land fertility, siltation and eutrophication, an integrated approach to soil conservation is necessary. However, notwithstanding efforts to encourage adoption of such practices, their uptake remains generally low. Understanding this deplorable status therefore warrants keen investigations on the effect of ISCPs on crop productivity. To achieve the objective, the current study applied propensity score matching and exogenous switching regression techniques to cross-sectional data collected from a random sample of farm households located in Lake Naivasha basin, Kenya. Results indicate that there is a significant positive effect of implementing integrated soil conservation practices on crop productivity. However, we note that whether the additional benefits will cover the opportunity costs associated with the implementation of these practices will depend on farm specific attributes. In cases where marginal benefits are not substantial to over private incentives for implementation of soil conservation practices, intrinsic or external incentives could be necessary.