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Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of tenure security and other factors on investment in soil
and water conservation (SWC) in Kenya. Factor analysis, step-wise regression and reduced
form model approaches are used to explain the willingness, likelihood and intensity of
adoption of SWC investments. The results confirm the importance of tenure security and
development domain dimensions in determining the likelihood and intensity of adoption and
suggest that to ensure land tenure policy is pro-SWC/environment, it is important to consider
whether household plots are owned, rented out or rented in. The impact of household assets
implies a poverty environment link. Similar factors affect the decision whether or not to invest
in SWC and also the level of investment. The results suggest the need for region specific
SWC practices and for broad policies that provide incentives for environmental conservation
and poverty reduction.