Review on Overall Status of Soil and Water Conservation System and Its Constraints in Different Agro Ecology of Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Soil erosion is one of the major challenges of Ethiopia deteriorating the productivity of land. Soil and water conservation is the only practice to reverse the threat and protect the land. Over the last three decades, different soil and water conservation activities have been undertaken. However, soil erosion still persists and become major threats of the southern regional state. This study was conducted to assess and identify major constraints existing in soil and water conservation system of the region. Lack of integrated bio-physical measures, absence of integrating indigenous practices, negative impacts of incentives, lack of considering socio-economic profile, low perception and participation of farmers, poor conservation design, mis land use, less maintenance, weak monitoring and evaluation of soil and water conservation are the major constraints exist in midlands. Synonymously, low perception, less involvement  of farmers and open grazing are the dominate constraints in lowlands. Moreover, low interest of farmers, land use change and less treatment of gully areas are major constraints at highland agro-ecology. The findings recommended that use of agronomic and integrated soil conservation measures, subsidy of agricultural inputs, efficient use of incentives, socio-economic considerations, use of effective approach in mobilizing community, adoption and dissemination of best technologies, integrating indigenous practices and policy issues should be considered in implementing soil and water conservation. In conclusion, to reduce soil erosion sustainably, different soil and water conservation options should be introduced and used considering agro ecology, socio-economic profile and climatic condition of the intervention area.

Keywords: Soil and water conservation; Agro-ecology; Soil erosion; South Ethiopia