Evaluate the Quality of Physical Soil and Water Conservation Structures in Wyebla Watershed, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was carried out in the Wyebla watershed Goncha Siso Enesie Woreda, Northwestern Ethiopia. Similar to the other highland areas in the country Wyebla watershed is characterized, by severe soil erosion and acute water scarcity problems. Hence, the objective of the current investigation was to identify and evaluate the quality of constructed physical soil and water conservation (SWC) structures in Wyebla Watershed, Northwest Ethiopia. The quality of physical SWC structures was compared based on the package standard set by Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture.  To identify the specifications of physical SWC structures field measurements were done by transect walk.  Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Most of the existing physical SWC structures were not constructed according to the standards.  From 17 plots where SWC structures were constructed, only 20.58% (bund gradient and vertical intervals) were designed based on the package specifications. The problem was serious mainly on bund spacing and vertical intervals. Creating awareness, capacity building and application of SWC practices based on the package specifications are the critical areas looked in depth. To achieve these goals, it needs work with concerned experts in planning, selecting the desired SWC structures, implementing and maintaining of soil conservation measures to save its effect on the life of community.

Keywords: Chemo Keble, SWC,  Wyebla watershed