Farmers’ Perception of Soil and Water Conservation Practices and Profit Analysis Using PLS-SEM Model (Case of Oued Rmel Watershed—Tunisia)

The current study investigates farmers’ perception and analyzes the benefits of soil and water conservation techniques (SWC) in Oued Rmel watershed (Tunisia), where resource degradation is worsening. Despite the SWC measures put in place by the State, their adoption remains limited. The objective is to understand the efficiency of SWC installations from a human and economic point of view. The survey took place in Oued Rmel basin. The analysis combined descriptive statistics, assessment of the perception of SWC strategies via binary logistic regression, and calculation of gross margin per hectare using the PLS-SEM method. The results revealed that the majority of farmers had a primary level of education and farmed small plots. Crop diversification and the integration of olive trees were common, but land fragmentation was a problem. Only 28% had a favorable opinion of SWC facilities, influenced by land ownership and farm size. PLS-SEM model found that erosion control devices, education level, and agricultural area predicted gross margin per hectare. SWC initiatives have helped to curb erosion, but their socio-economic impact depends on the type of land, agricultural area and production systems. Farmers’ perception is linked to land ownership, and gross margin is influenced by agricultural area and production systems.