Abstract
In Ethiopia, there is scanty information on scientific evidence regarding the role of Development Agents (DA) in natural resource conservation and the linkage with farmers and challenges hindering their activities with regards to natural resources conservation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate impacts and impediments of development agents on natural resource conservation in Mertulemariam District, North Central Ethiopia. Respondents were selected based on random sampling technique, and questionnaire, interview and observations were employed to gather data. Results reveal that DAs have made great efforts to bring integrated natural resource conservation in the study area. They brought training and advice on natural resource conservation. Also, they accomplished both physical and vegetative conservation measures. However, heavy work load, low morale, low salary and unattractive career path, lack of technical knowhow, lack of disciplinary boundaries in one hand and lack of inputs, lack of logistics, farmers unwillingness and disobedience on the other hand were the inter-linked and prominent challenges hindered DAs. Finally, the study recommended that provision of in-service training, promotion, frequent follow up and technical support to DAs is very crucial. Likewise, improving logistics, increasing the number of DAs and refrain them from extra works should be given utmost attention.
Key Words: Development Agents, Natural resource, Conservation, Impacts, Impediments, Ethiopia
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