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Economics of Soil Conservation: The Upper Mahaweli Watershed of Sir Lanka

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  • Gary R. Vieth
  • Herath Gunatilake
  • Linda J. Cox

Abstract

This paper estimates the benefits and costs of soil conservation in the Upper Mahaweli Watershed of Sir Lanka. The costs of soil erosion control include the implementation costs of control measures, while the benefits are reductions in the costs of soil erosion. In contrast to many studies in developed countries, the on‐site benefit of soil erosion control in Sri Lanka is estimated to be greater than the off‐site benefit While a social benefit‐cost analysis demonstrates that it is socially desirable to implement conservation measures, the private financial analyses indicate that it is feasible for individual farmers to adopt the conservation measures. Despite private economic feasibility, programs addressing farmers' reluctance to adopt soil conservation measures may be preferable to public intervention in soil conservation activities when the on‐site benefits are greater than the off‐site benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Gary R. Vieth & Herath Gunatilake & Linda J. Cox, 2001. "Economics of Soil Conservation: The Upper Mahaweli Watershed of Sir Lanka," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(1), pages 139-152, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jageco:v:52:y:2001:i:1:p:139-152
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1477-9552.2001.tb00914.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. World Bank, 2010. "Sri Lanka - Valuation of Environmental Services in Sri Lanka : A Case Study of Soil and Watershed Benefits in the Southern Province," World Bank Publications - Reports 12488, The World Bank Group.

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