Perception of the Farmers’ on the Existence of Soil Erosion in the Case of Sekela District, Amhara State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Soil erosion is one of the major ecological problems challenging rural agricultural production in many parts of Ethiopia. Even though a number of Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) methods (both indigenous and introduced) are practiced, however soil erosion is still a serious problem. Therefore, the objective of this research was was carried out to identify the perception of the farmers’ on the existence of soil erosion in the case of Sekela District, Amhara State, Ethiopia. Structured questionnaire survey and focus group discussion methods were applied to collect the necessary information from farm households. A total of 90 households were asked in the survey and several fields were visited during observation. The primary data were also obtained from group discussion with household heads; and interview with the District experts and Kebele Administration workers.  The qualitative data obtained through interviews, observation and focus group discussions were analyzed and interpreted through content analysis (after the collection of all the necessary data, analysis was followed). The survey result shows that in the study area there is high soil erosion.  The cause of this is associated with anthropogenic (human) and natural factors. Farmers are awarded about the existence of soil erosion in various forms that taking place on their farms as well as in the surrounding areas. The major soil erosion indicators identified by the farmers were land slide, bare land, falling of trees, formation of gullies, decreasing of spring water, stony land and red soil. The following set of recommendations were forwarded base on the findings. Action based sustainable soil management systems, area closure and tree plantation methods, applying crop residues to left on soil surface should be practiced. Training and providing information should be given to the farmers.

Keywords: Farmers’ knowledge, Soil Erosion, Soil erosion indicators, Ethiopia