Socioeconomics of soil conservation in developing countries

Criticises the classic approach to soil conservation in developing countries, whereby when projects go wrong, farmers are blamed and also suffer the consequences. Points out that the value judgements of experts are different from those of land users in developing countries, that local society and the farming system are complex, multifaceted units, and that erosion's impacts are most devastating in the tropics and developing countries. Looks at various factors which would influence a soil conservation project: the value of money in LDCs; impacts on local society; the indigenous farming system; economic evaluation of projects; national and international costs. Gives case studies from Zimbabwe and Lesotho.