Connecting the farmers' knowledge and behaviors: Detection of influencing factors to sustainable cultivated land protection in Thiès Region, Senegal

Abstract

The ongoing degradation of cultivated land and the decline in soil fertility in Senegal underscore the urgent need for targeted and sustainable interventions. While existing research has predominantly focused on natural factors such as water and wind erosion and soil salinity, a significant research gap exists in understanding how farmers' knowledge and behaviors—particularly concerning land policies and titling—affect cultivated land protection efforts. Addressing this research gap, our study employs an endogenous switching model to analyze the determinants of cultivated land protection and to understand the behaviors and knowledge of farming households in the Thiès region. Our findings reveal that education and awareness of land policies play pivotal roles in determining whether farmers receive assistance, which in turn impacts both the protection of cultivated land and its size. Formal land title deeds and clear land ownership significantly influence these outcomes, highlighting the importance of legal frameworks and investment in effective land management practices. Additionally, the evolution of farmland and the practice of crop rotation emerge as key factors distinguishing those who receive help from those who do not. The study further demonstrates that the age and gender of farmers influence their perceptions of land protection, impacting the process of adopting land management practices. These results emphasize the vital roles of formal education, secure land ownership, and policy awareness in improving land management practices. Future research should extend these findings by investigating the effectiveness of specific policy interventions aimed at improving land tenure security and providing education on land management. Moreover, qualitative research could explore the underlying reasons behind farmers' perceptions and behaviors regarding land policies, offering a deeper understanding of the factors influencing cultivated land protection.