Farmers’ Perception on Soil Erosion and Biological Soil and Water Conservation Practices. In Case of Assosa Woreda, Benshangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Soil erosion is one of the major causes for low agricultural productivity in Ethiopia and particularly in Assosa Woreda. The study was carried out in Assosa Woreda, in Benshangul Gumuz Regional state to assess farmers’ perception on soil erosion and biological soil and water conservation practices. In this study, both primary and secondary data collection techniques were used. These include interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, and questionnaires were the source of this research. The sampling technique employed in this study were stratified, purposive and simple random were applied to select sample kebele and representative households heads. A sample of 150 heads of households was used to gain insight into soil erosion perceived by farmers and conservation practices in the study area. The finding of the study shows that almost all farmers of the study area had good perception on the causes, indicators and problems of soil erosion. The main causes of soil erosion perceived by farmers in the study area were high intensity of rainfall, continuous cultivation, topography and inappropriate soil conservation practices. The major biological soil and water conservation practices implemented by farmers in the study area were vetivers grass, elephant grass, desho grass, savanna grass, bamboo plantation and other local grasses. This research finding also concludes that the main constraints to implement biological soil and water conservations in Assosa Woreda were mainly related to socioeconomic and biophysical factors such as uncontrolled (free) grazing, distance between homestead and their farm land and farmers’ low level of the economic capacity. Therefore, any concerned bodies need to investigate the issue and take appropriate measures.

Keywords: Farmers’ perception, soil erosion and biological soil and water conservation practices