Land Degradation And Farmers Perception The Case Of Limo Woreda Hadya Zone Of Snnpr Ethiopia

Lack of appreciating farmers’ knowledge and their perceptions of soil degradation and soilrnconservation measures was the reason for low adoption of recommended technologies. Thisrnresearch was carried out to evaluate farmers’ perceptions of soil degradation and theirrnknowledge of the existing soil and water conservation measures in Limo woreda of thernSouthern Ethiopian Highlands. Field observations, focus group discussion and semistructuredrnhousehold surveys were carried out in two selected kebeles, with 112 households.rnThe results indicate that farmers were aware of the on-going soil degradation and of severalrnerosion control measure and land husbandry practices. They perceive soil degradationrnmainly by reduced yields, soil changing in appearance and becoming stony or coarse. Thernmost frequently mentioned soil erosion indicators were rill and gully formation followed byrnexposed underground rocks, soil becoming coarse and stony, and topsoil removal. The mostrnimportant perceived indicator of soil fertility loss was reduced crop yield, followed by poorrncrop performance and yellowing of the crop. Majority of farmers preferred water diversionrnditch, ridges and counter ploughing for soil and water conservation and chemical fertilizer,rncrop rotation and mixed cropping for soil fertility amendment while they did not recognisernagroforestry and farm yard manure as a conservation and fertility amendment measure.rnFarmers faced several constraints in adopting SWC measures: decrease in farm size, itsrninconvenience during for free movement of oxen plough, and multiplication of rats in thernstone bunds. Any programme designed to address soil degradation should consider thosernfarmers criteria for adoption.rnKey words: Soil degradation, Erosion, fertility, Farmer perception

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