摘要：Soil erosion has been one of the major problems undermining agricultural production in Ethiopia. In response, efforts have been made by the government and people to tackle the adverse effect of soil erosion via Food-for-Work and Cash-for-Work programs. However, the existing literature shows that the achievements of such programs are far from the expectations. This paper explores the value that the rural households have attached to soil conservation measures using the Contingent Valuation Method. The value elicitation method used is a double bounded dichotomous choice with an open ended follow-up question, which is closer to the market scenario respondents are familiar with in Ethiopia. The paper is based on a field survey carried out among 218 smallholder farm households. The study uses Tobit model. Results from the study indicate that, age, education, farm income, perception of soil erosion, tenure security, extension contacts, total livestock units, labor shortage for farm practices, distance to the nearest market are significant factors that explain Households’ WTP. The study estimates the mean WTP to be 48.94 labor days per year with an aggregate benefit of 1,186,648 labor days per year which is equivalent to 14,239,778 Birr. Policy trust should focus on enhancing land tenure security through land certification among others.
关键词：Willingness to Pay; Contingent Valuation Method; Soil Erosion
