This paper assessed the impact of soil and water conservation practices on farm productivity and risk exposure using data from 1204 plots in the semiarid tropics of India. A probit model was used to assess the determinants of adoption of soil bunds. We employed a moment-based approach for estimating crop revenue, its variability and downside risk exposure, i.e., crop failure. Furthermore, we also used a doubly robust method for assessing the impact of soil bunds on crop revenue, its variability and downside risk. Matching and propensity-based methods were also used to check robustness. The results show that training, access to credit and extension services are key determinants of adoption of soil bunds. Furthermore, the results also suggest that soil bunds not only improve the crop revenue but also reduce its variability. Most interestingly, we show that soil bunds also reduce the chances of downside risk, i.e., crop failure. Therefore, in view of increasing climate change and variability in the semiarid tropics, it can be suggested that soil bunds could be an important adaptation strategy for improving productivity and reducing risk exposure. This paper supports the investment in soil and water conservation technologies for sustaining the livelihood of resource-poor farmers of ecologically fragile regions such as the semiarid tropics.

Background: Semi-arid regions (SARs) of India are characterized by limited rainfall and often prone to droughts. These regions typically receive moderate to low levels of precipitation, making agriculture and water availability significantly challenging. In India, 55% of population is engaged in agriculture and its allied activities. Despite making a significant contribution to livelihoods, the sector continues to face challenges as soil degradation and resource depletion have reduced crop and livestock outputs. To mitigate the effects of land degradation and conserve rainwater, government has taken significant measures to make natural resource conservation a priority throughout the country. To conserve the natural resources, women are always playing an important role as they are always involved in agricultural activities. Methods: The study was undertaken to investigate the role of women in Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) in 3 SARs of India. The purposive sampling was done as watershed beneficiaries were selected as sample respondents. Result: The results revealed that majority of women (55%) had a medium level of technology adoption. Multiple regression analysis revealed that women’s age, education, farming experience, risk bearing, social participation and cost-effectiveness were influencing the adoption of SWC technologies in watersheds. The correlation analysis reflected that out of sixteen factors, eleven factors namely age, education, farming experience, land holding, risk bearing, social participation, agro advisory and weather advisory, skill development, ease of use and cost effectiveness significantly affected the adoption of SWC technologies.

In Karnataka state, land degradation, climate change and its variability are the major threats to agricultural sustainability. Under such conditions, the adoption of soil and water conservation measures is of prime importance due to their multiple synergetic positive effects on natural resources. The main objective of the study is to identify the constraints and problems in adoption and repair and maintenance of soil and water conservation measures in the drought prone areas of Karnataka State. Following multistage proportionate simple random sampling, primary data from 593 farmers were collected for this study. Garrett's ranking technique was used to prioritize the farmers’ response on constraints. It was found that major constraints in adoption of soil and water conservation measures were waiting for watershed programme on their fields, lack technical support and lack of interest of land owners. Major constraints in repair and maintenance of soil and water conservation measures were lack of technical support, non-utilization of watershed fund and fragmented land holdings. Involvement in multiple schemes, merging of watershed department with agriculture department, short window for implementation, difficult in community mobilization, mismatch between the fund requirement and its release, lack of convergence of resources from different schemes and shortage of technical resource persons were identified as major problems faced by watershed implementation agencies in the State. Therefore, concerted efforts are need to be made to overcome these constraints for an effective and efficient implementation of soil and water conservation programmes.