Benefits And Challenges Of Adopting Soil Conservation Techniques In Goromti Watershed Central Ethiopia

Land degradation is one of the major challenges in agricultural production in many parts ofrnthe world, especially in developing nations, such as Ethiopia. A number of soil and waterrnconservation methods were introduced to combat land degradation but adoption of thesernpractices remains below expectations. The main objective of the study is to assess the benefitsrnand challenges of adopting soil conservation techniques in Goromti watershed. For thisrnpurpose household questionnaire, key informant interview and observation were used torngenerate both qualitative and quantitative data. Field survey was conducted to collect thernnecessary data from 107 sample households, which were selected via simple random samplingrnIllamu Goromti, Ya’i Chebo and Boji Bilo associations. The household survey questionnairerndata have been tabulated and summarized by utilizing the statistical package for socialrnscience (SPSS).rnThe study revealed that factors such as slope of the area, contact with extension workers,rntenure status, age, size of house hold and training influenced farmers to adopt soil and waterrnconservation methods. Soil bund, fanya juu, water way, cut off drain and grass strips are thernmajor soil conservation methods adopted in the area. Opportunities related to adoptedrnmethods of soil conservation are effective in addressing on farm flooding and soil erosion.rnThey also increased productivity, vegetation cover and soil moisture content.rnDespite the benefits the study also revealed that some farmers failed to maintain adopted methods of soil conservation. This was mainly due to the conservation methods took and reduced plot size, poor design; need more labor and lack of incentives. These short coming of the conservation structures are the major causes for lack of maintenance of structures, development and efficient control of erosion

Get Full Work

Report copyright infringement or plagiarism