MEKDELA AMBA UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

DEPARTEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

ASSESSEMENT OF FACTORS AFFECTING ADOPTION OF WATER HARVESTING

PRACTICES IN CASE OF CHIRO KEBELE ,LEGAMBO WOREDA ,SUOTHE WOLL
ZONE ,OF ETHIOPIA

PREPAREDBY: IDNO

1. Gashaw Geletaw MAUR/1400752

2. Feleku Zinabe MAUR/1401268

3. Derbe Behaylu MAUR/1400528

4. Eyerus Mulaw MAUE/1400686

5. Demsew Niguse MAUR/1400505

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL

RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN PARTIAL FULLFILLMENT OF THE REQUIRMENT
FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR SCIENCE IN NATURAL RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT

ADVISOR:KASYIE ,SHITU (MSc)

SUBMITIONDATE

MAY 2025

TULUAWLIYA,ETHIOPIA

1
AKNOWLEDGEMENT

Above all, We would like to thank the Omniscient, Omnipotent and almighty God he gave me
courage, strength and impatience to finish the job of this study. Next to God, my special
gratitude goes to my advisor Kasyie Shitu (MSc) for his invaluable support and smooth
communication throughout the preparation of this study. We am also indebted to my honorable
family indeed my lovely brother for their moral and financial support. We would like to thanks
my friends Bruke Wendyi, Huniyalew Afesa,and bantamlak wondosen others for their valuable
comment and material support to Finally, We was very grateful to Legambo Woreda agricultural
and Natural Resource management development office and farm.

I
 ABSTRACT

The some parts southern Ethiopia is characterized by erratic and uneven distribution of rain fall.
Annual rainfall is sufficient for crop production but the highly variable distribution in time and
space frequently threatens crop production and contribute to food insecurity. Water harvesting
for supplemental irrigation is being considered by the Ethiopian government as an alternative
and have been implemented throughout the country. Farmer’s adoption of promising agricultural
technologies has been far from ubiquitous, and has remained particularly low among the poor.
The main factors constraining agriculture and rural development are low productivity and output,
the performance of rain-fed agriculture aggravated by intermittent drought arising from the
several of nature. The study is motivated by the belief that the constraints of the low productivity
leads to poverty and cannot be overcome by simply concentrating on the rain-fed agriculture.
Therefore, the water issue needs to be addressed as well. Identification of factors affecting water
harvesting practice is one of the major steps in identifying that increase crop production. In view
of this, a study well done in Chiro kebele in Leganbo Woreda of south wollo zone, Amhara
region, of Ethiopia to assess factors affecting water harvesting practice and farmers’ attitude
towards water harvesting practice. The study well conducted from March to May 2017 on 4
sample size selected from the study area. Structured questionnaire, in addition to physical
observation, were developed to collect the required information from the households,
development workers, key informants, kebele administrators and agronomy and irrigation
experts from Woreda office of agriculture to generate primary and secondary data for the study.
Descriptive statistics such as percentage and table were used to describe sampled respondents in
terms of some desirable variables.

II
ACRONYMS AND ABBERVATIONS

ADLI Agricultural Development led Industrialization

FDRE Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

FHH Farmers Household

FWH Flood Water Harvesting

GOs Governmental Organizations

NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations

RWHP Rain Water Harvesting Practice

RWHT Rain Water Harvesting Technology

RWUT Rain Water Utilization Technology

WH Water Harvesting

WWARDO Worebabo Woreda Agricultural and Rural Development Office

III
 TABLE OF CONTENTE

CONTENT PAGE

AKNOWLEDGEMENT.......................................................................................................................I
ACRONYMS AND ABBERVATIONS.................................................................................................III
[Link]...........................................................................................................................1
[Link] Ground of the Study...............................................................................................................................1
1.2. Statement of the Problem.............................................................................................................................2
1.3Objective of the Study ....................................................................................................................................2

1.3.1. General objective..............................................2

1.3.2. Specific objectives.............................................3
1.4 Propsal Questions..........................................................................................................................................3
1.5 Scope of the Study Area..................................................................................................................................3
1.6 Significance of the Study.................................................................................................................................3

CHAPTER TWO............................................................................................................................... 5
[Link] REVIEW................................................................................................................... 5
2.1. Water Harvesting Concepts...........................................................................................................................5
2.2. Water Harvesting Techniques........................................................................................................................5
2.3 Flood water harvesting method......................................................................................................................6

2.3.1 Micro catchments WH......................................6

2.3.2. Macro catchment water harvesting..................6
....................................................................................7
2.3.3. Roof water harvesting......................................7
2.4. Factors affecting water harvesting practice...................................................................................................7
 2.4.1. Review of Empirical Studies on Factors
Affecting WHP in Ethiopia.................................................7
2.4.2. Technical factors...............................................8
2.4.3. Economic factors..............................................9
2.4.4. Psychological factors...................................................................................................9

[Link]. Farmers' Attitude towards Water Harvesting Practice.............................................9

2.4.5. Physical factors...............................................10

[Link]. Topography, Slope and Soil depth..........................................................................10

[Link]. Amount and distribution of rainfall........................................................................10

CHAPTER THREE........................................................................................................................... 11
3. METHODS AND MATERIALS.....................................................................................................11
3.1 Description of the study area........................................................................................................................11

3.1.1 Physical characteristics....................................11

3.1.2 Population, religion and culture......................11
3.1.3 Climate and socio-economic profile................12
3.1.4 Soil Type of the Study Area..............................12
3.2 Data Collection Methods..............................................................................................................................13
3.3 Sampling Techniques and Sample Size.........................................................................................................13
3.4. Method of Data Analysis..............................................................................................................................14

3.4.1 Descriptive Statistics........................................15

3.4.2 Inferential statistical methods.........................15
CHAPTER FOUR............................................................................................................................ 16
4. SCEDULING AND BUDGETING..................................................................................................16
4.1 Calendar Of Work Plan..................................................................................................................................16
4.2Budget frame.................................................................................................................................................17

REFERENCE...................................................................................................................................18
[Link]

[Link] Ground of the Study

Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa with an estimated population of approximately 90
million. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Ethiopian economy provided 60% of the Gross
Domestic Product. It generates about 88% export earnings and provides the majority of the
employment Wagayehu, (2003). According to Temsgen, (2007), Rain-fed agriculture in Ethiopia
is suffering from moisture stress, which is a major limiting factor for successful crop production.
Many of Ethiopian small holder’s depending on rain-fed agriculture are food insecure. In many
places, the amount of rainfall and the duration of rainy season are highly variable frequently
resulting in low crop yields and associated low incomes Desta, (2004). Because of
largdifferences in rainfall distribution between years and within years coupled with short rainy
seasons, rain-fed agriculture is very susceptible to water shortage Jansen,( 2009).

Surprisingly, Ethiopian is well-endowed with water resources Sileshi, et al., (2003). The total
annual runoff is at 122 billion m3; however, much of which are carried away by trans-boundaries
Rivers. Ground water reserves are estimated at 2.6 billion m3. These natural resource bases have
a potential for supporting a far great number of people that the current population Seyoum,
(2003). Even though Ethiopia is considered as the “water tower” of Eastern Africa, only about
17% of the population of the country has access to clean and safe water. The potential irrigable
land area of the country is estimated at 3.7 million hectares. Despite its abundant water resources
and irrigable potential, so far only 300,000 hectares of the potential irrigable land is believed to
have been developed. Most of our famers are unable to benefit from the county’s water
resources. Vast area of potentially agriculture area is not irrigated owing to the unavailable of the
necessary infrastructures and facilities for irrigation. Ministry of Water Resource (MOWR,
2007).

The unstable distribution pattern of rainfall and moisture stress problem from year to years
results in uncertain and often uneconomic condition for agricultural production in arid and semi-
arid parts of Ethiopia. Each year, drought adversely affects agricultural production somewhere in
the country. The region receives lower rainfall than crop water requirements Acil, (2003). In

1
Ethiopia the government has already taken initiatives towards different types of water harvesting
practice. Through many kind of interventions which has been exerted to promote water

2
harvesting practice to mitigate the erratic nature of rainfall in the arid and semi-arid parts of the
country, a national food security strategy based on the development and implementation of water
harvest technologies at a village or household level was adopted Amha, (2006). As a result, the
attempt made for water harvesting practice in various localities of the study area to attain
increased food production in sustainable manner didn’t yield the expected result. This study is
aiming at analyzing factors affecting water harvesting practice among smallholder farmers
through identifying factors affecting water harvesting practice currently introduced in the study
area and farmers' attitude towards the technology being promoted.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

The mainstay of the livelihood of the people in the study area is mixed agriculture where crop
production and animal husbandry plays significant role (main income) for the people. The area
faces many problems among which are soil erosion, high population density, and unreliable
rainfall. The erratic rainfall nature, together with the recently declining in the length of the rainy
period, unpredictable occurrence of dry spells, lack of sufficient water resource has resulted in
low agricultural productivity and consequently increased the food insecurity.

To solve the problem the government will introduced water harvesting program through water
harvesting practice to supplement the moisture from rainfall with objective of improving crop
productivity/yields. Some farmers who adopted the technology in their farms have got an
advantage of yield increment. However, the majority of the farmers are not able to implement the
technology due to unknown reasons. Therefore, need to search any aspect hindering back the
implementation of the technology is our setback we dealt with.

1.3Objective of the Study

1.3.1. General objective

The main objective of the study was to assess factors affecting water harvesting practices

3
1.3.2. Specific objectives

To Identify factors affecting water harvesting practices in the study area,

To assess farmer's perception towards the introduction of water harvesting practice in the study
area.

1.4 Propsal Questions

The following are the major questions that the researcher wills addressee.

a) What is the role of factors affecting adoption of water harvesting practices ?

b) What is the effect of factors affecting adoption of water harvesting practices ?

c) What are the major determinants of factors affecting adoption of water harvesting practices?

1.5 Scope of the Study Area

This study will be conducted in Legambo Woreda, located in the South Wollo Zone of the
Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Legambo is characterized by a highland agro-
ecological zone, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 meters above sea level. The area
experiences erratic and unreliable rainfall patterns, with an average annual rainfall between 800
mm and 1,200 mm (BoFED, 2020; CSA, 2021). Frequent droughts and water scarcity will made
water harvesting a crucial practice for enhancing agricultural productivity and securing
household [Link] Scope: Selected rural kebeles within Legambo Woreda where
water harvesting practices — such as rooftop rainwater collection, micro-dams, ponds, and soil-
water conservation structures — will promoted.

1.6 Significance of the Study

Water harvesting is taken as one of the means to expand small-scale irrigation and to alleviate
moisture stress problem there by improving the productivity of agriculture. In an endeavor of
introducing and promoting any new technology for beneficiary farmers, basic information about
technical, institutional, cultural, socio-economic constraints and opportunities, as well as on
farmer's attitude in relation to water harvesting practice, is too important for the success of
different GOs and NGOs who are working for the well-being of our farmers. Therefore, the
results are expected to be useful for agricultural researchers, extension specialists, policy makers

4
and donors who are involved in the promotion of water harvesting activities and implementing
institutions in the region and at national level to take measures to remove or at least to alleviate
the constraints and further use of opportunities available. Hence, the outcome of this study may
help the farmers to design their best strategies by focusing on resolving their major limiting
factors. Furthermore, the study also assists as a base for further study in the area of moisture
stress area.

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CHAPTER TWO

[Link] REVIEW

2.1. Water Harvesting Concepts

As water harvesting is an ancient tradition and will used for millennia in most dry lands of the
world, many different techniques have been developed. However, the same techniques
sometimes will different name in different regions and others have similar names but, in practice
are completely different Oweis, (2004).

“Water harvesting technology package” including household-based rain water harvesting system
provides water for humans, livestock and home garden horticultural crops Desta, (2004). The
rain water harvesting techniques most commonly practiced in Ethiopia are run-off irrigation,
flood spreading (Spate irrigation), in-situ water harvesting (ridges, micro basin), roof water
harvesting Alem, (2006).Birkas in Somalia region and different runoff in Konso Amha, (2006)
shallow wells Soriano, (2007), Elea and Haffirs Girma, (2009).

2.2. Water Harvesting Techniques

Before selecting a specific technique, due to consideration must be given to the social and
cultural aspect prevailing in the area of concern as they are paramount and will affect the success
or failure of the technique implemented. This particularly important in the arid and semi-arid
regions of Africa and may help to explain the failure of so many projects that did not take in to
account the peoples priorities. In arid and semi-arid Africa most of the population has
experienced basic subsistence regimes which resulted over the centuries in setting priorities for
survival along with checking the sequence of priorities compared with WH in coast and in the
risk involved the comparison must take in to account the water quality required, where alternate
water is of better quality, is cheaper to develop, either to obtain or involves less risk, it should be
given priority Yitebitum, (2004).

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2.3 Flood water harvesting method
Run-off farming with flood water harvesting comprised with catchment being many square
kilometer in size, from which runoff water flow through a major wide bed of on ephemeral
system, river, and necessity more complex structure of dams and distribution networks .It is also
called large catchments water harvesting system. This technique can be characterized as a size
with greater than 20 hectare, channel flow structure need, catchment area to cropping areas100:1
to 10,000:1, the amount of precipitation is 100 to 600 mm per annual, the cropping area are
terraced or in flat terrain (Prinz, 2001).

2.3.1 Micro catchments WH

Involves a distinct division of a runoff-generating catchment area, and a cultivated basin where
runoff is concentrated and stored in the root zone and productively used by plants Mbilinyi et al.
(2005). There are multiple advantages to this RWH system than the others in that the design is
simple and cheap, there is higher runoff efficiency than larger scale WH systems. They often
prevent or reduce soil erosion and, finally, can be implemented on almost any slope and many
level planes Prinz (2001). Micro-catchments vary in size, method and technique from region to
region. A micro catchment system in Ethiopia, for example, may be completely different in style
and operation from a micro-catchment system found in Western Asia. Although there are little
variations, there is a basic principle used within the micro-catchment category, they include;
pitting, contour ridges, negarim, semi-circular bunds, contour bench terraces, and eye brow
terraces or hill slope micro-catchments Prinz (2001).

2.3.2. Macro catchment water harvesting

Macro-Catchments sometimes called medium sized catchments are characterized by large flood
zones that are situated outside of the cropping area. Often farmers must use structures such as
dams or bunds to divert, transfer, collect and store the runoff. Such systems are often difficult to
differentiate from conventional irrigation systems and are considered FWH as long as the
harvested water is available year round. Mbilinyi et al. (2005). Examples of macro catchments
include stone dams, large semi-circular hoops, trapezoidal bunds, hillside conduit systems, and
cultivated reservoirs, all of which have a scale of between 0.1 ha to 200 ha Prinz (2001)

7
.

2.3.3. Roof water harvesting

Roof water harvesting, is generally practiced as a way to obtain relatively clean drinking water as
well as water for domestic purposes. This method involves a relatively small catchment area, the
size of the individual’s roof of their house, with gutters and pipes to guide the water into a tank
on the ground. Often a tap is attached to the tank for individuals to access this water Mbilinyi
etal. (2005). There is concern over whether or not the water is clean enough for drinking, as
pollutants in the atmosphere will known to be present in rainfall. Today water harvesters must be
wary of pesticide contamination, high mineral levels, bacteria and other impurities in their runoff
water” Palmback (2004). Most roof catchment systems have screens and purification

systems built into the infrastructure to remove leaves and twigs from the water as well as to
purify the water prior to use Palmback (2004).

The amount and quality of rainwater collected from roof catchment depends on the area and type
of roofing material. Reasonably pure rainwater can be collected from roofs constructed with
galvanized corrugated iron, aluminum or cement sheets, tiles and slates, although thatched roofs
tied with bamboo gutters and laid in proper slopes can produce almost the same amount of runoff
less expensively Gould (2008).

2.4. Factors affecting water harvesting practice

2.4.1. Review of Empirical Studies on Factors Affecting WHP in

Ethiopia

Most people working in the field of water harvesting argue that most of the constructed water
harvest structures do not perform as planned. A number of studies will constructed by the
government and Academia. According to the progressive evaluation report on the
implementation of water harvest in Oromiya (Chala, et al. 2003), 98 % of sampled beneficiaries
responding high seepage. The amount of collected water was not sufficient to meet the intended

8
purpose according to 53% of the farmers in East Shoa and 22 % in Welega. The report conclude
that the status of the constructed ponds was not good owing to various problems like the
unavailability of plastic sheet to reduce seepage losses, lack of coordination and facilities during
implementation, while community and land holding size were not taken in to account during
design and implementation. These are related to economic and technical factors. Similarly
conclusion were drawn by Alamerew (2006) who summarized the various constraints in
implementing the water harvest projects including in adequate public awareness and ownership
of local communities, lack of adequate knowledge and skills in management of water harvesting
schemes.

The cropping pattern in the studied area changed and farm households started to grow cash crops
which were not previously grown in the area. However, benefits depend on market and
infrastructure access and crop diversification to minimize risk. Despite its potential adoption of
rain water harvest practice is slow. Some reasons for the low adoption were poor quality of the
construction resulting in cracks in the cemented floor and loss of water, improper site selection
and fear of malaria spread. The water harvesting structure in Amhara and Tigray face many
problems, many of which originate from the speed and scale of implementation Among the
identified problems were poor site selections, leakage due to lack of skilled labor during
construction Rami (2003).

2.4.2. Technical factors

In many cases marginally productive and subsistence farming practices in Ethiopia were linked
to a lack of knowledge among individuals. This was attributed to the unavailability of adequate
training and support at both an individual and group level within the farming sector. Similarly,
poor performance of agriculture in other developing countries associated with the loss of
traditional knowledge regarding optimal farming practice has led to a reduction in use of RWHP
due to the reluctance of farmers to invest in activities where returns are UN reliable. Boyd and
Turton, (2000).

9
2.4.3. Economic factors

A lack of resources, including finances, skills, labor and land, was acknowledged within the
literature to be a key constraint to the WHP by the poorest farmers and although government
schemes in Ethiopia were unsuccessful, the provision of grants and assistance from governments
or NGOs will shown to reduce the barriers to technology uptake Pachpute et al. (2009). Sampled
farmers in our study area explain that, the constraints for implementing the current RWHP
Structure were finance, Know-how, technical, and labor, respectively. As compared to rain fed
agriculture and livestock, respondents believed that RWHP was better in terms of generating
income that avoids risk & uncertainties, but rain fed is preferred in terms of labor requirements.
Farmers reported a number of problems associated with RWHP activities, lack of capital,
technology, lack of skill, labor, and market problem .

2.4.4. Psychological factors

[Link]. Farmers' Attitude towards Water Harvesting Practice

Apart from bio-physical, institutional, technical and economic factors, farmers' attitude towards
the technology is important requirement for technology dissemination and adoption. Attitude is a
disposition to respond favorably or unfavorably to an object, person or institution or event. The
characteristic attribute of attitude is its evaluation that must reflect a positive or genitive
evaluation of the attribute object. Accordingly, there are three response categories that help us to
infer about attitude. These are cognitive, affective, and co-native responses Tesfaye (2003).

According to Abad (2006), attitude is a mental state of readiness, organized through experience,
exerting an influence upon an individual's response to an object and the situations with which it
is related. Formation and change of attitude are not two separate things, they are interwoven.
People are always adopting, modifying and relinquishing attitudes to fit with the ever changing
situation of the attitude object. Attitude cannot be changed by simple education. If the
technology is perceived by farmers as incompatible with the resource and other means available
to them, then farmers will tend to develop negative attitude towards the object, or at least show

10
lack of enthusiasm to try the technology despite their knowledge about the importance of the
technology.

2.4.5. Physical factors

[Link]. Topography, Slope and Soil depth

Topography is an important aspect of RWHP as the slope will greatly impact the size and type of
catchment area of the RWHP system Prinz and Singh (2001). In addition to the factors of
topography and terrain profile, there is an important factor such as soil type and depth that can
help judge the potential for runoff and storage potential of water within the soil itself Prinz and
Singh (2000).

[Link]. Amount and distribution of rainfall

RWHP depends on limited and uncertain rainfall, and thus understanding the dynamics of
precipitation within the environment can influence the method of RWHP that would fit best in
each context Qadir etal., (2007). According to Prinz and Singh (2000), the various factors which
should be taken into account include: The number of days in which the rain exceeds the
threshold rainfall of the catchment, on a weekly or monthly basis, probability and occurrence (in
years) for the mean monthly rainfall, probability and reoccurrence for the minimum and
maximum monthly rainfall, and frequency distribution of storms of different specific intensities.

11
CHAPTER THREE

3. METHODS AND MATERIALS

3.1 Description of the study area

3.1.1 Physical characteristics

Legambo wereda is found in Amhara regional adiminsitrative state in South wollo zone and
located at 469km from Addis Ababa, which is capital city of Ethiopia and located about 79 km
from west of Dessie. Legambo is borderd on the south by Legahida and Kelala, on the south west
by Wegde, on the west by Debre sina, on the west by sayint, on the northest by Dessie Zuria, on
the south east by Wereilu. It is located at 11°00′0.00"N latitude and 39°00'0.00"E longtuide
respectively with an elevation from 1500m to 3700 meters above sea level. (Ethiopian Mapping
Agency ,2020).

3.1.2 Population, religion and culture

The 2007 national census reported a total population for this district of 165,026, of whom 81,268
were men and 83,758 were women; 7,327or 4.44% of its population were urban dwellers. The
majority of the inhabitants said they were Muslim, with 93.34% of the population reporting they
observed this belief, while 6.5% of the population practised Ethiopian Orthodox [Link]
Legambo Woreda, which is part of the Debub Wollo Zone in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia,
there are a total of 39,078 households. Kebeles typically comprise around 20 smaller
[Link] Wollo Zone Agriculture Office (2021).

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3.1.3 Climate and socio-economic profile

Legambo Woreda has the total of 38 kebele which are 4 urban kebeles and 34 rural kebeles with
total population of 167500. Most of the kebeles, including those selected for this study, are
considered highland and mid-land. Although the amount and pattern vary locally, rainfall is
bimodal in distribution; a short season from March to May is known as belg, and a longer rainy
reason from July to September is known as meher. Although endowed with high underground
water, the woreda is characterized by frequent drought, crop failure, severe land degradation, and
increasing vulnerability to chronic food insecurity. The opportunity to access irrigation for the
households that could afford the irrigation infrastructure. (Central Statistical Agency ,2021).

The study will be conducted in Legambo district, wich is found in south Wollo zone, Ethiopia.
Legambo is in Amhara regional state, in south Wollo zone at about 501km to north away from
Addis Ababa, (11 degree East and 39 degree North), latitude and longitude. Legambo district is
located in mid altitude from 1500-3700 m a.s.l humid zone of the northern part of Ethiopia.
Legambo district is bordered by Lagahida and Kalala in the south, Borena in the west, Dessie
Zuria in the northeast and WaraIlu in the southeast. The administrative center of the Legambo
woreda is Akesta Nurilign etal (2017).

3.1.4 Soil Type of the Study Area

Legambo Woreda is predominantly composed of highland soils, mainly classified as Nitisols,

Vertisols, and [Link] are well-drained, deep, and fertile soils, typically found in
sloping [Link] are heavy clay soils with poor drainage, commonly located in valley
bottoms and flat areas. Cambisols are young, less developed soils, often shallow and found in
mountainous and rugged [Link] variation in soil types significantly affects the
suitability and adoption of different water harvesting practices. For example:Farmers on
Vertisols often prefer raised-bed farming and water diversion structures to manage excess water
during the rainy season. On Nitisols, farmers are more likely to adopt in-situ water conservation
methods like terraces and trenches due to better natural drainage. In areas dominated by
Cambisols, shallow soil depth limits the construction of large ponds or reservoirs, influencing
farmers' choices toward smaller-scale or surface-based harvesting methods. Understanding soil

13
types is crucial for designing and implementing appropriate water harvesting technologies
tailored to local [Link] Wollo Zone Agriculture Office (2020).

3.2 Data Collection Methods

Primary data

In the study area primary data was collected by household survey interviews and questionnaires
to get appropriate information on the perception of farmers on factor affecting of water
harvesting measures. Critically open ended and closed questions are used for the household and
development agents and office of the agricultural workers. Besides, the primary data were collect
by general observation and questionnaires.

Secondary data

The secondary data source obtained from both published and unpublished materials from
Agricultural office and development bureaus and other relevant books, journals that would
support for the collection of the data.

3.3 Sampling Techniques and Sample Size

Sampling Techniques

A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select the sample households for the study.
First, Legambo Woreda was purposively selected because of its high vulnerability to drought,
land degradation, and the presence of various water harvesting interventions introduced by
government and non-government organizations South Wollo Zone Agriculture Office (2022). In
the second stage, a number of kebeles were randomly selected from among those representing
both highland and midland agro-ecological zones, to capture the diversity of climatic and
topographic conditions affecting water harvesting adoption. Priority was given to kebeles where
water harvesting practices (e.g., ponds, terraces, roof water collection) had been promoted
through extension programs. MoA (2021).

Sample Size Determination

The sample size was determined based on Yamane’s (1967) simplified formula for sample size
calculation at a 95% confidence level:

n= N/1+N(e) 2

14
where:

n = sample size,

N = total number of households in selected kebeles,

e = level of precision (assumed 7% or 0.07 for this study).

Assuming that the total number of households in the selected kebeles is approximately 3,500, the
sample size is calculated as follows:

N = 3500/1+3500(0.07)2

N =3500/1+17.15

N =3500/18.15

≈193

Thus, a total of 193 sample households were selected to participate in the study.

This sample size is considered sufficient to make statistically valid generalizations about factors
affecting the adoption of water harvesting practices in the study area. (Ministry of
Agriculture ,2021)

3.4. Method of Data Analysis

The data collected from the sample households were analyzed using both descriptive and
inferential statistical methods.

3.4.1 Descriptive Statistics

Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and cross-
tabulations were used to summarize and describe the socio-economic characteristics of
respondents, the level of adoption of water harvesting practices, and other key variables. Tables,
charts, and graphs were used to present the descriptive results in a clear and understandable
manner (CSA, 2021).

15
3.4.2 Inferential statistical methods

To identify the factors influencing the adoption of water harvesting practices, an econometric
model was applied. Specifically, a binary logistic regression model was employed, as the
dependent variable (adoption of water harvesting practices) is dichotomous (i.e., adopter = 1,
non-adopter = 0). The binary logistic regression model is appropriate because it estimates the
probability of adoption based on various independent variables such as: Age of household head,
Education level, Farm size, Access to extension services, Credit availability, Training on water
harvesting, Distance from water sources MoA (2021).

16
CHAPTER FOUR

4. SCEDULING AND BUDGETING

4.1 Calendar Of Work Plan

s t a g e A c t i v i t i e s p e r f o r m e d Months

March A p r i l M a y J u n e

1 T o p i c s e l e c t i o n 

2 Proposal development 

3 Advisor comment on proposal 

4 Submission of final proposal 

5 Starting the main researc h 

6 Conducting collected questionnaire 

7 C o l l e c t d a t a 

8 Analysis the collected data 

9 Interpret the collected data 

1 0 Submission of the first draft 

1 1 Submission of the final draft 

17
1 2 Research presentation and defence 

4.2Budget frame
The successful implementation of this research requires a carefully planned budget to cover the
costs associated with data collection, transportation,flash, data analysis, and report writing. The
estimated budget frame for conducting the study in Legambo Woreda is summarized below:

NO Item Quantity Unit Total cost

prices(birr)

1 Flash 1 500 500

2 Print 1 3 69

3 Binder 80 page 4 320

4 Transport&food - - 350

Total 1219

Notes;Transportation costs account for hiring vehicles or using public transport to reach rural
kebeles. Enumerators are local data collectors hired and trained for household surveys. Data
analysis costs include software license (SPSS, STATA) and professional consultation if needed.
Miscellaneous costs cover any unforeseen expenses during fieldwork. The budget will be
covered through personal funding, support from academic institutions, and, where available,
small grants from local development organizations operating in South Wollo Zone.

18
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