Perception and Constraints in Adoption of Soil and Water Conservation Practices Among the Sujala Watershed Project Beneficiaries of Northern Karnataka

The study was conducted during 2012-2013 in the Sujala Watershed Project implemented in Haveri and Dharwad districts of Karnataka state. Sample consisting of 80 beneficiaries of project area and 80 nonbeneficiaries were personally interviewed through well structured interview schedule. The results revealed that high perception about the usefulness and appropriateness was noticed with more number of beneficiaries (56.25%) as compared to non-beneficiaries (40.00%). The usefulness of nala bund, contour bund and contour strip was highly perceived by beneficiaries (97.50%, 85.00% and 77.50%, respectively) than non-beneficiaries (81.25%, 58.75% and 61.25%, respectively). Similarly, appropriateness of constructing check dam, nala bund and dugout was highly perceived by beneficiaries (91.25%, 85.00% and 82.50%, respectively) as compared to non-beneficiaries (42.50%, 58.75% and 57.50%, respectively). Non-availability of suitable implements was expressed by 63.75 per cent non-beneficiaries and 48.75 per cent beneficiaries. Similarly, lack of technical guidance and training was observed with more of non-beneficiaries (58.75% and 56.25%, respectively) as compared to beneficiaries (35.00% and 31.25%, respectively).