농업환경보전프로그램 성과분석 및 제언

The Agricultural Environment Conservation Program (AECP) has been implemented in South Korea to mitigate environmental pollution from agricultural activities and enhance ecosystem services. This study evaluates the effectiveness of AECP by analyzing changes in soil and water quality and farmers’ perceptions in 25 participating villages over a 4-5 year period. The analysis was conducted using soil test results from the RDA Soil Information System, water quality monitoring data from farm reservoirs, and survey responses from program participants. The results indicate that while no consistent trends were observed across all sites, certain positive outcomes were identified, such as a reduction in available phosphorus concentrations in soil and improvements in water quality in some reservoirs where both soil erosion prevention and nutrient runoff reduction activities were implemented. Effectiveness of AECP activities was not consistent because of conventional farming practices and external environmental factors. Participation rates were higher for less complex and more familiar activities, while participation in technically challenging or labor-intensive activities was relatively low. However, positive aspect is that farmers directly involved in AECP activities reported high levels of satisfaction and increased environmental awareness. To enhance the impact of AECP, detailed guidelines, periodic farmer education, and payment adjustments based on activity difficulty should be considered.