Social Perception Towards Impact of Soil Erosion and Drought on Livelihood of Smallholder Farmers in Shashemene Wereda, West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Soil erosion derived soil/land degradation is becoming the overriding agricultural problems of Shashemene woreda (table 2). Any rainfall occurrence is creating overland flow that results in loss of fertile topsoil.  The research has been intended to investigate social perception of impact on soil erosion and drought on livelihood of smallholder farmers in Shashemene Wereda, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State. Questionnaires were prepared for face to face personal interview and focus group discussion. Further data was collected through field observation to the real conditions found on the ground. Social perception data analysis has been done on Percentage bases. The climate data was analyzed using standard rainfall anomaly. Figures and tables were prepared by excelling Microsoft. Rainfall quantity of the site shows serious decline since 1997 (figure 2). The study area was vulnerable to drought to moderate risk level (figure 3) indicating prevalence of agricultural water scarcity. The subsistence farming system of smallholder farmers in the research site was explored negative impact on soil erosion and drought on their livelihood through its pressure on agricultural production. Lack of relevant education, prevalence of traditional tillage, topographic position, soil texture (sandy soil), small land holding size, absence of soil and water conservation measures, large family size, expensiveness of fertilizers versus reduction of households’ purchasing power have intensified poverty that led to food aid. Most of the time shortage of food commences in social instability. Scope of the problem is expanding timely affecting natural resources and the precious human life. To terminate such solemn and burning social problems; coordinated, relevant and focused efforts should be made through training and provision of material support to the community.

Keywords: food shortage, bad year, low rainfall, vulnerability, poverty