Constraints on Adopting Land Conservation Technologies Among Cassava Farmers in Volcanic Hillslope Prone to Landslide, Indonesia

The adoption of land conservation technologies (LCTs) in smallholder farming systems often remains limited due to diverse, context-specific constraints, highlighting the need for localized analyses. This study examines the barriers to LCTs adoption among cassava farmers residing on landslide-prone volcanic slopes in Magelang Regency, Indonesia. A qualitative approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with eight low-income farmers. The analysis identifies two key determinants of non-adoption: perceived benefits and socio-cultural dynamics. Findings indicate that LCTs are perceived as having low applicability because farmers limited investment capacity, and encounter difficulties in altering traditional cultivation practices. These results expose the shortcomings of previous intervention programs and underscore the need to foster long-term conservation practices through institutional support. Government involvement in establishing village-level environmental regulations is essential to enable the allocation of village funds for farmer investments in LCTs. The study calls for more context-sensitive strategies and policy frameworks that address the underlying causes of limited adoption among smallholder farmers in disaster-prone landscapes. © 2025 by the authors.