DMU Publishing
Choke Journal of Science and Technology
Choke Journal of Science and Technology, vol. 1, issue 2, (2021), PRINT ISSN: 2789-2565, ONLINE ISSN: 2789-2575
Soil Conservation Practices in Hulet Eju Enese District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia: A Case Study in Tiru Selam Kebele
Lingerew Simachew1,3, Yushika Subedi2, and Alemayehu Kefalew*,3
1Motta Preparatory School, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
2Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Tribhuvan University, Nepal,
3Department of Biology, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia,
- O. Box: 419
*Corresponding author: alemayehu_kefalew@dmu.edu.et
Accepted for publication: June 30, 2021
Published: July 20, 2021
ABSTRACT
Land degradation, specifically soil erosion is one of the major challenges in agricultural production in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries including Ethiopia. Like elsewhere in the country the problem of land degradation has also been a major environmental challenge in Hulet Eju Enese District of the Amhara region. Tiru Selam Kebele, which is the current study area, is found in Hulet Eju Enese and is known for being fragile in terms of the problem of soil erosion. Even though a number of soil conservation methods were practiced in the study area, the outcomes remain below expectations. In addition, perceptions of the farmers towards soil conservation, which is thought to be an important element in designing appropriate soil conservation practices, has not been addressed so far. Thus, this study was conducted in Tiru Selam Kebele to assess the existing practices and perceptions of farmers towards soil conservation. For this purpose, 183 sample respondents were selected. Data were collected through open and close-ended questionnaires, key informant interview, FGD, and field observation; and they were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results indicate that the challenges of soil conservation practice in the study area were mainly related to lack of awareness about modern soil conservation practices and farmers’ poor perception for them. Thus, it is recommended that raising awareness and continuous training on updated soil conservation practices would help farmers to alleviate the problem of soil erosion.
Keywords: Erosivity, Hulet Eju, Kebele, Land degradation, Soil conservation measures
