| This study was conducted to provide a sociological understanding of issues related to Policy Incentives for Soil and Water Conservation in the Eramosa/Speed Watershed, a sub-watershed of the Grand River Watershed.;Through the organisation of two focus groups and a postal survey to farmers and non-farmers randomly selected within the region, this study sort to ascertain the environmental, social and economical issues that contribute to the rural quality of life in the watershed. Additionally, opinions regarding government intervention into agriculture and environmental issues were assessed. The analysis was conducted using standard inferential statistics.;The findings showed that non-farmers in the region were supportive of the farming community although they voiced a desire to see an increase in government intervention to protect the environment, which is very important to their quality of life. Farmers were also concerned for the environment but felt that voluntary programs and continued funding would be sufficient for environmental protection.;Family relationships and a steady income were, on average, ranked as the most important aspects to both farmers' and non-farmers' quality of life. |
