Considerations for targeting soil conservation investments in southern Honduras

Amy P. Thurow, Thomas L. Thurow and Hector R. Santos

Environment and Development Economics, 2004, vol. 9, issue 06, pages 781-802

Abstract: Honduras is vulnerable to catastrophic losses associated with landslides and flooding in the aftermath of hurricanes (Fifi in 1974 and Mitch in 1998, most recently). Taking a watershed-scale approach to targeting conservation programs to promote stability on cropped steeplands in rural southern Honduras would reduce landslide and flooding risks, thus protecting export-earning downstream industries and investments. A case study of the Land Use and Productivity Enhancement project (1990 1998) was conducted to estimate the costs of extension programming to promote three conservation technologies mulching, vetiver grass barriers, and rock walls and to assess their efficacy (i.e., cost per ton of soil saved). Geographic Information System mapping tools were applied to suggest conservation priorities for steepland sites that are the most prone to landslides, both to maximize the soil saved per hectare protected and to minimize downstream damages.

Date: 2004

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