AKSUM UNIVERSITY SHIRE CAMPUS
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
DEPARTMENT OF SOIL RESOURCE AND WATERSHED
MANAGEMENT
TITLE; SOIL EROSION IMPACTS ON CROP PRODUCTIVITY IN THE
CASE OF ETHIOPIA
A SENIOR SEMINAR SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR BSC DEGREE IN SOIL RESOURCE AND
WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
PREPARED BY [Link]
1. KIDAN MEBRAHATU ... ……….1209156
ADVISER: GEBRETNSAIE. (MSC)
FEBRUARY 2025
SHIRE, EHIOPIA
AKNOWLEDGMENT
First of all, I would like to thank God for his miraculous time to accomplish everything and for
his help to go through every event successfully up to this minute. I convey my deepest thanks to
my advisor HAILEMICHEAL T. (MSc). Completion of this work may not have been possible
without his generous devotion from the early design of the senior seminar and to the final write-
up of the seminar thus, I thank him for his genuine and energetic encouragement, suggestion;
insight and guidance to complete this seminar.
Contents
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS..................................................................................................4
ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................................................5
[Link]................................................................................................................................6
1.1 Background.......................................................................................................................................6
1.2 Objectives.........................................................................................................................................7
1.2.1 General objectives.....................................................................................................................7
1.2.2 Specific objectives.....................................................................................................................7
2. LITRATURE REVIEW........................................................................................................................8
2.1. Definition of Soil erosion................................................................................................................8
2.2. causes of Soil Erosion in Ethiopia..................................................................................................8
2.3 Natural /Geological Cause of Soil erosion.........................................................................................9
2.3.1, Human-induced/Accelerated Cause of Soil erosion...............................................................9
2.3.2 Deforestation:............................................................................................................................9
2.3.3, Consequence of Soil Erosion.................................................................................................10
2.4 Farmers perception on the impact of soil erosion.......................................................................11
2.4.1 Farmers’ perception in Ethiopia............................................................................................11
2.4.2 Impacts of Soil Erosion...........................................................................................................12
2.4.5 Soil erosion impact on crop productivity..............................................................................13
2.4.6. Adoption Trend of Soil Conservation Measures in Ethiopia..............................................13
2.4.7 Farmers’ Perception towards Adoption of Soil Conservation Measures............................14
2.4.8 Factors Affecting the Adoption and Use of Soil Conservation Practices............................14
2.4.9 Soil Conservation Practices....................................................................................................15
Soil Bunds.........................................................................................................................................15
Fanya Juu.........................................................................................................................................15
Cutoff Drains...................................................................................................................................16
Water ways.......................................................................................................................................16
3. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION..................................................................................17
3.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................................17
3.2 Recommendation.............................................................................................................................17
4. REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................20
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
FAO Food and Agricultural Organization
GDP Growth Domestic Product
GIS Geographic Information System
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
SWC Soil Water Conservation
CDE Centre for Development and Environment
EFAP Ethiopian Forestry Action Plan
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EU European Union
FFW Food for Work
NCCR National Centre of Competence in Research
UNEP United Nations Environment Program
USAID United States Agency for International Development
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
WFP World Food Program
ABSTRACT
Soil is an important resource which nourishes and provides with required needs for nature. In
spite of its importance, soil erosion is becoming one of the most serious problems affecting the
well-being of the human beings and disturbing the environmental sustainability in general. Soil
erosion is the hazard of traditional activity associated with agriculture (deforestation,
overgrazing, improper agricultural practices and others) in tropical and sub arid areas that
affect the soil productivity and agriculture. Soil erosion is the removal of soil particles by the
action of water and wind agents. In addition, Soil erosion impacts are the impact of soil that
reduces crop productivity due to the loss of soil nutrient and soil productivity. Land forms of the
study area are somewhat sloppy and highly available and susceptible to soil erosion. The
general objective of this is focus on the review of soil erosion impact on crop productivity in
Ethiopia. The study had significant to identify soil erosion impact on crop productivity and to
assess farmers’ perception on soil erosion problems. There are two causes of soil erosion
(natural and human activity). The necessary data was collected through using primary and
secondary sources of data. Moreover, soil erosion has many impacts on crop productivity (soil
nutrient depletion, reduction of crop productivity, increase food insecurity and the like). There
are some mitigation actions like (installing soil water conservation measures, use agroforestry
system an
[Link]
1.1 Background
Soil erosion is one of the series problem and degradation all over the world. It is the hazard of
traditional activity associated with agriculture (deforestation, overgrazing and the like) in tropical
and sub arid areas that affect the soil productivity and agriculture (Morgan, 2015). Soil erosion is
one of the problems in our country. Since it removes nutrient rich soil, increase natural hazard,
sedimentation in river and other water bodies and cause for flood and water bodies’ quality
problem, reduce the final result of land productivity (Doran, 2019).
Soil erosion is a natural geological phenomenon resulting from the removal of soil particles by
water or wind (Gitas et al. 2019). This natural process can be accelerated by human activities in
line with creating soil loss that exceeds the soil formation rate in a given area. Human activities
that change land use from a comparatively higher form of permanent vegetation cover to a state
of lesser vegetation cover have increased soil erosion (Cabecera and Homier 2018).
In Ethiopia soil conservation has been carried out with limited success. The leading factors
causing erosion include: increased population pressure resulting in forest/woodland clearance for
wood and smallholding agriculture; traditional agricultural practices; and declining land
productivity.
Ethiopia is reported to have the highest rates of soil nutrient depletion in sub-Saharan Africa,
with soil erosion estimated to average 42 tons per hectare per year on cultivated land (Stoorvogel
and Smaling, 2019; Pender, et al, 2021. And past studies have shown that the frequency and
spatial coverage of droughts have increased over the past few decades (Lautze et al, 2003). In
addition to this, the combined effects of deforestation, overgrazing, expansion of cropland and
unsustainable use of natural resources has contributed to land degradation (Dancemaker et al,
2021). These soil-depleting activities have been exacerbated by the historical and changing
patterns of land ownership relating to ethnic groups (Berry (2009). The frequent redistribution of
land leads to tenure in security there by reducing the incentive to engage in land conservation
practices. Other studies have shown that land degradation is affected by the use of firewood and
animal dung for household energy sources (Gebre egziabher et al., 2006). The use of fuel wood
stoves has led to
deforestation, and dung and crop residues stoves remove these sources of soil fertility and
maintenance from the soil.
The cost of loss of soil and essential nutrients due to unsustainable management in Ethiopia is
estimated to be about $139 million annually (Bojo et al, 1995; Sutcliffe, 1993; Berry, 2009).
Berry (2009) stressed that this cost is about 3-4% of the agricultural GDP but where 85% of the
rapidly growing population depends on agriculture; even this small percentage is critical.
Dreschel and Gyiele (1999) estimated a range of losses through soil degradation using nutrients
studies in areas of high and low nutrient loss. The total loss per hectare in areas of low soil
nutrient loss is about 400 birr (46$) and 4,736 birr ($544) per hectare in areas of high soil
nutrient loss or about 10-11% of the agricultural GDP.
On the other hand,(Sonneveld, 2002) simulated several scenarios for the potential production
from agricultural land in Ethiopia. Sonneveld found that the loss of agricultural value due to land
degradation between 2000-2011 is about $7 billion (or increased by about 12.62%). These
previous studies relied on crop simulations with very limited data on farm and farming practices
and only measured the direct costs of soil erosion on yield. Moreover, the wide range of
estimates reflects substantial uncertainty of the impact of land degradation on agricultural
production. Nevertheless, these studies illustrate the magnitude of the problem (Berry, 2009).
1.2 Objectives
1.2.1 General objectives
- review on soil erosion impact on crop productivity in the case of Ethiopia.
1.2.2 Specific objectives
-Review on causes of soil erosion in Ethiopia.
-Consequence of Soil Erosion in Ethiopia
-Soil erosion impact on crop productivity in Ethiopia
2. LITRATURE REVIEW
2.1. Definition of Soil erosion
Soil is the basic natural resource for sustenance of life on the planet Earth. The use of this
resource should not cause its degradation or destruction because the existence of human kind
depends on the continued productivity of the soil, but the problem is that an over exploitation of
resources without due attention to the management aspects. According to Hurni (1993), over
90% of all human food and livestock feed is produced on land, on soils of varying quality and
extent. Hence, our well-being is highly dependent on the potential of soils throughout the world
and the way we manage them.
Soil erosion is a natural geological phenomenon resulting from the removal of soil particles by
water or wind (Gitas et al. 2009). This natural process can be accelerated by human activities
creating soil loss that exceeds the soil formation rate in a given area. Human activities that
change land use from a comparatively higher form of permanent vegetation cover, to a state of
lesser vegetation cover, have increased soil erosion (Cebecauer and Hofierka 2008).
Soil erosion is not a new phenomenon, it has been a problem ever since human beings started
cultivating the land; in other words, soil erosion is as old as human history (De Roo, 1993). It has
been and is a particular problem associated with exploitative types of agriculture on steep slopes
and undulating landscapes. However, the critical problem in all cases is that processes of soil
erosion usually undermine the soil resource and remain un observed until the last stage. This is
because erosion is noticed when crop production starts to decline and this usually happens at a
very critical phase of soil erosion. Soil erosion has a great effect on the economies of developing
countries to which Ethiopia is not an exception. Agriculture, which is the basis of Ethiopian
economy, is dominated by subsistence production and widespread poverty (Ministry of
Agriculture, 2001)
2.2. causes of Soil Erosion in Ethiopia
Natural resource degradation is the main environmental problem in Ethiopia. The degradation
mainly manifests itself in terms of lands where the soil has either been eroded away and/or
whose nutrients have been taken out to exhaustion without any replenishment (Million and Kasi,
2014).
Soil degradation is one of the most serious environmental problems in Ethiopia (Hurni, 1993).
In Ethiopia, erosion averages 42 metric tons per hectare per year on currently cultivated lands
and 70 metric tons per hectare per year on formerly cultivated degraded lands (Hurni, 1988) with
losses as high as 300 tons/hectare/year (USAID, 2020). About 45% of the total annual soil loss in
the country occurs from cultivated fields, which accounts for only 15.3% of the total area (EPA,
2003).
Soil erosion is one of the biggest global environmental hazards causing severe land degradation.
Population explosion, deforestation, unsustainable agricultural cultivation, and overgrazing are
among the main factors causing soil erosion hazards (FAO, 1990; Reusing et al., 2000). Soil
erosion is more acute in tropical areas where rainfall is more intense and soils are highly erodible
due to the relatively shallow depth and low structural stability of the soil (Eaton, 1996).
Through its effect on soil fertility and productivity, soil erosion is often associated with heavy
loss in agricultural productivity (Morgan, 2005). Ethiopia is one of those countries whose soil
erosion and their effect on the land are almost disastrous and occurrence drought and famine
cause related to soil erosion (Atakiltie, 2003). The major cause of soil erosion is deforestation
and removal of natural vegetation due to overgrazing 29%, 24% is caused by improper
management of the agricultural land and 4% is the result of over exploitation of the natural
vegetation (Morgan, 2005). Generally, the causes of soil erosion are both natural and human
causes (Penndel 1980)
2.3 Natural /Geological Cause of Soil erosion
Soil structure: -Soil structure influences on the soil which it can be eroded. Soils with medium to
fine texture, low organic matter content and weak structural developments are most easily eroded
(Bajra, 1992). Typically, these soils have low water infiltration rates and therefore subjected to
high rates of water erosion and soil particles are easily displaced by wind energy.
2.3.1, Human-induced/Accelerated Cause of Soil erosion
2.3.2 Deforestation:
Deforestation causes increased erosion rates due to exposure of mineral soil by removing the
humus and litter layers from the soil surface, removing vegetation cover that binds soil together
and causing heavy soil compaction from logging equipment (Sands, Roger, 2005).
Population pressure: -Population pressure in many semi-arid tropical regions has degraded plant
cover and impoverished soil in organic material, nutrients, and fine particles. Sterile areas which
are non-productive, but give rise to considerable runoff, then causes gully problem on good
arable land further downstream (Roose, 1977).
Improper agricultural practice: -Unsustainable agricultural practices are the single greatest
contributor to the global increase in erosion rates. The tillage of agricultural lands which breaks
up soil into finer particle is one of the primary factors. The problem has been exacerbated in
modern time, due to mechanized agricultural equipment that allows for deep plowing, which
severely increases the amount of soil that available for transport by water erosion (Labb.D.A. A,
2011). Tillage also increases wind erosion rate by dehydrating the soil and breaking it up into
smaller particles that can be picked up by the wind ([Link], 1983).
2.3.3, Consequence of Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is one of the biggest global environmental problems resulting in both on-site and
off-site effects. Soil erosion has accelerated in most parts of the world, especially in developing
countries, due to different socio-economic and demographic factors and limited resources
(Bayramin et al., 2003).
Soil erosion which manifests itself in the form of gullies, rills and sheet wash is an immensely
complicated process involving the interaction of many biological, social, economic,
environmental and political factors. It varies in its occurrence both spatially and temporally. The
ultimate result of soil erosion is that it reduces crop yields and ruins agriculture, though the exact
extent of soil erosion and land degradation is not known (Gamira and Makwara, 2012).
Soil erosion creates severe limitations to sustainable agricultural land use, as it reduces on-farm
soil productivity and causes food insecurity (Alonal, 2008). Erosion results in the degradation of
a soil’s productivity in a number of ways: it reduces the efficiency of plant nutrient use, damages
seedlings, decreases plants’ rooting depth, reduces the soil’s water-holding capacity, decreases
its permeability, increases runoff, and reduces its infiltration rate (Davis and Lawrence, 2006).
The problem of soil erosion has been a problem ever since land was first cultivated. The
consequence of soil erosion occurs both on- site and off-site. In Ethiopia, the on-site impacts of
soil erosion are most frequently studied, typically by estimating the productivity losses as
economic cost of soil erosion. Less well known and documented are the off-site costs of soil
erosion (Eyasu, 2003).
2.4 Farmers perception on the impact of soil erosion
2.4.1 Farmers’ perception in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, soil degradation due to erosion is recognized as a major problem for agriculture
productivity and food security (Betru, 2002; Tesfaye, 2003; Woldeamlak, 2007). Farming in
Ethiopia is practiced under diverse farming systems and cultural contexts, and farmers’ varieties
play a very vital role in the agricultural productivity as a whole. As a matter of fact, the highest
portion of the country’s genetic resource wealth essential for food and agriculture is still being
conserved and improved on small-scale farmers’ fields, and farmers’ practices in these regards
are essential to meet their livelihood needs (Regassa, 2006).
Farmers’ perception of land degradation by erosion is a key social factor that is also important in
deciding options for controlling soil losses. Understanding farmers’ knowledge and their
perception and factors that influence their land management practices are of paramount
importance for promoting sustainable land management (Alonal, 2008). Understanding farmers’
perception of soil erosion and its impact is important in promoting soil and water conservation
technologies (Chizana and Albrechi, 2006).
Perception is the process whereby sensory stimulation is translated into organized experience.
That perception is the joint product of stimulation and of the process itself. In most empirical
studies, perception is defined as an attitudinal process explained by the psychological state of an
individual that is determined by individual characteristics, socio-economic, institutional and
physical factors. The main prerequisite for attaining sustainable land management is the
formulation of appropriate resource management policies, which are supported by the farming
communities and to which they are willing and able to respond.
The responses, commitments and responsibilities required for the success of such policies still
depend on the knowledge and perception of the problem by smallholder farmers. To identify
changes, which occur in the state of nature, it is valuable to get insights on the awareness of the
physical processes and the changes of land management systems and visions and sense of control
over the land that the local people have becomes paramount important with regard to this,
(Atakiltie, 2003).
In considering farmers’ perception on soil erosion is necessary to evaluate whether they
distinguish indicator of erosion hazard and soil fertility loss. Farmers perception to the problem
of soil erosion does not only vary across cultures through time, they also differ among various
ethnic groups with in communities, religion and cities (Alzamigrio, 1998). Farmers suggested
that gully development and stoniness of soil were main indicators to soil erosion on their land.
They also perceived will the cause of soil erosion in their land as slope steepness of cultivation
fields, ceaseless cultivation and absence of fallowing with many time preparation of soil for
cropping; still other cause has roles (Vargas Roias, 2004).
2.4.2 Impacts of Soil Erosion
Soil erosion impacts are the main causes and consequences of nutrient loss, soil compaction loss,
reduced land values, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity and ecological distraction (Eruing,
1982). Soil erosion creates sever limitation to sustainable agricultural land use as it reduces on
farm soil productivity and causes food insecurity (Taddese, 2001). Therefore, some of the major
soil erosion impacts are discussed below:
Nutrient Loss: When nutrients are depleted by erosion, plant growth is stunted and overall
productivity declined (Lan and Steward, 1990). Nutrient deficient soil produces 15-30% lower
crop yield than uneroded soils (Olson, 1988). To offset the nutrient losses erosion inflicts on crop
production, large quantities of fertilizer are often applied (Troeh, 1991).
Loss of water availability: The amount of rain off significantly increases with less water entering
to the soil and less water available to support the growing vegetation. In contrast to uneroded soil
moderately eroded soil absorbs from 10-30mm less water per hectare per year from rain fall.
This represents a decrease of 7-44% in the amount of water available for vegetation growth
(Wendt et al, 1986). When soil availability for agricultural system is reduced from 20-40% in the
soil, plants biomass productivity is reduced from 10-25% depending on total rain fall, soil type,
slope and other factors (Evans et al, 1997).
Sedimentation of aquatic ecosystems: Soil erosion especially from agricultural activity is
considered to be the leading global causes of water pollution, due to the effects of excess
sediments flowing into the world's water ways. The sediments themselves act as pollutants as
well as being carriers for other pollutants such us attached pesticides molecule or heavy metals
(Dacunha.L,1991).The biodiversity of aquatic plants algae life reduced and invertebrates are also
unable to survive and reduced. While the sedimentation event itself might be relatively short
lived, the ecological distraction caused by the mass distraction often persists long into the future
(Merrington. Graham, 2002).
2.4.5 Soil erosion impact on crop productivity
According to FAO’s (2000) prediction, if soil losses continue unchecked in Africa, the potential
rain-cc In Ethiopia, soil erosion, its severity being pronounced in the highland areas of the
country, has long been a serious problem in Ethiopia; often associated with widespread
ecological and socio-economic damage (Abate, 2011). It has been estimated that out of the
estimated 60 million ha of agriculturally productive land, about 27 million ha are significantly
eroded, 14 million ha are seriously eroded and 2 million ha have reached the point of no return,
with an estimated total loss of 2 billion cubic meters of top soil per annum (Fikru, 1990). Soil
erosion affects about 50% of the agricultural area and 88% of the total population of Ethiopia
(Sonneveld, 1999).
The average crop yield from a piece of land in Ethiopia is very low according to international
standards mainly due to soil fertility decline associated with removal of topsoil by erosion (Sertu,
2000). This upper part of the soil removal always implies nutrient loss, loss of water by runoff,
reduction of rooting depth, and water and nutrient storage capacity and sooner or later reduced
crop production (Abate, 2011). As per to Taddese (2001) report, Ethiopia loses over 1.5 million
metric tons of soil each year from the highlands by erosion resulting in the reduction of about 1.5
million metric tons of grain from the country’s annual harvest.
2.4.6. Adoption Trend of Soil Conservation Measures in Ethiopia
Prior to the 1974 revolution, soil degradation did not get policy attention it deserved (Hurni,
1986). The famines of 1973 and 1985 provided a momentum for conservation work through
large increase in food aid (imported grain and oil). Following these severe famines, the then
government launched an ambitious program of soil and water conservation supported by donor
and non-governmental organizations (Hoben, 1996). The use of food aid as a payment for labor
replaced voluntary labor for conservation campaigns (Campbell, 1991).
The conservation measures were in most cases physical measures and undertaken through
campaign using Food-for-Work or Cash-for-Work as an instrument to motivate farmers to
putting up the conservation structures both on communal holdings as well as on their own plots
(Abera, 2003). Supporting this inspiration, Pender (2004) stated that soil conservation measures
have relied largely on food-for-work programs as an incentive and have been oriented toward
labor-intensive activities such as terracing, bund construction and tree planting.
2.4.7 Farmers’ Perception towards Adoption of Soil Conservation Measures
Soil erosion is a dangerous and slow process therefore farmers need to perceive its severity and
the associated yield loss before they can consider implementing soil and water conservation
(SWC) practices (Chizana et al., 2007).
Perception of soil erosion as a hazard to agricultural production and sustainable environment is
the most important determinant of effort at adoption of conservation measures. Theoretically,
those farmers who perceive soil erosion as a problem having negative impacts on productivity
and who expect positive returns from conservation are likely to decide in favor of adopting
available conservation technologies (Semgalawe and Folmer, 2000; Berhanu and Swinton,
2003). On the other hand, when farmers do not acknowledge soil erosion as a problem, they will
not expect benefits from controlling erosion and it is highly likely that they will decide against
adopting any conservation technologies (Mebrahten, 2014)
2.4.8 Factors Affecting the Adoption and Use of Soil Conservation Practices
The whole context in which decisions are made, from individual farmers and even at higher
levels varies, spatially and temporally, considerably so between societies to the extent of
frustrating generalizations in terms of explanation or conservation recommendations from one
place to another (Enock and Baxter, 2010).
Adoption of structural soil conservation technologies is affected by various factors, usually
categorized into; farm specific characteristics, technology specific attributes, and farmer’s socio-
economic characteristics. Examples of such variables that have been found to influence
technology adoption include: farm size, farmer’s age, education, social networks (e.g.
membership of association), dependency ratio, gender, access to agricultural advice and
information, land tenure security, soil fertility, soil type, income, input availability, access to
markets, risk aversion behavior, technology awareness, farming experience, adequacy of farm
tools, technical and economic feasibility of using the technology, agro-ecological conditions,
access to credit and presence of enabling policies (Boyd and Turton, 2000;).
Young (1999) indicated in studied various factors that influence on-farm adoption of soil
conservation practices, including socio-demographic characteristics of farm operators and
physical features of the farm. Physical and environmental characteristics such as farm size, slope
length, degree of slope, and soil erodibility also affect the adoption of conservation practices.
2.4.9 Soil Conservation Practices
Primarily, conservation structures are introduced with the objectives of conserving, developing
and rehabilitating degraded agricultural lands and as well increasing food security through
increased food crop production (Adbacho, 1991). Major conservation structures are:
Soil Bunds
Soil bunds are constructed during the dry season that do not interfere land preparation for
cropping. The construction is aimed on reduction and stopping velocity of runoff. It increases
soil productivity by capturing moisture and crop yields over time. Soil bunds can easily be
integrated with grasses, legume shrubs, growing cash crops such as tomatoes after their
development. Grazing animals on bunds damage the structures. Construction of soil bunds is
always started from the top of the watershed area/slope and from the waterway. If the bund
construction is started from the bottom of the watershed area and if it is not completed in one
season, then all water from the top of watershed area will destroy the lower one (Taffa, 1983).
Fanya Juu
This is an embankment constructed by throwing the soil dug from basin to uphill and the term
was coined from Swahili language; meaning “throwing up-hill (Woldeamlak, 2003). This
conservation structure is also constructed during dry season. The aim is to reduce and stop
erosion and increase water holding capacity of the soil so as to enhance crop yield. The main
benefit of fanya juu is its capacity to become bench terrace within few years than soil bunds, yet
it has overtopping and breakages (Lakew et al. 2005).
Integration with grasses and composting is suitable in fanya juu soil conservation measure. The
construction of fanya juu takes less space than soil bunds and accelerate bench development,
thus, complaint about space can be greatly reduced with fanya juu terraces (WFP, 2005).
Cutoff Drains
As many of other structural soil conservation measures, cutoff drains are constructed during dry
season to avoid impediment to land preparation for main cropping season. This structure is a
graded channel constructed mainly in moist area to intercept and divert the surface runoff from
higher slopes and protect downstream cultivated land or village. On the contrary, cutoff drains in
dry area are used to divert runoff and additional water into cultivated fields to increase soil
moisture.
Water ways
Waterways can be natural or man-made drainage channel to receive diverted runoff from cutoff
drains in upper slope. The waterway carries the excess runoff to rivers, reservoirs, or a gully
safely without causing more erosion damages.A vegetative waterway construction has better
attention where the stone is absent. This is applicable in all agro-ecological conditions, especially
in moist area and area prone to water-logging (Lakew et al., 2005).
3. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
3.1 Conclusion
Soil erosion is the removal of soil particles by the action of water and wind agents. Soil erosion
is one of the most serious environmental problems that affect the wellbeing of community and
the sustainability of the ecosystem. Soil erosion is a major contributor to the prevailing food
insecurity in Ethiopia. It is also to understand the natural and social relations influencing land
resource management choices. Soil erosion impacts are the impact of soil that reduces crop
productivity due to the loss of soil nutrient and soil productivity. The major causes of soil
erosion in the study area are population pressure, deforestation, settlement, overgrazing,
topography, rainfall and others. The effect of soil erosion on agricultural productivity is loss of
soil nutrient, reduction of crop product and increase food insecurity. Soil erosion has a
significant impact on crop production. The loss of soil and soil nutrient depletion decrease crop
product and it brings a serious agricultural problem on both human and animal. The large
number of respondents (44.45%) said that soil erosion hazard has the serious effect on soil
nutrient losses, on the other hand 23 respondents (31.95%) said that soil erosion hazard
contributes to the crop product reduction. In addition to this soil erosion hazard leads to increase
problem of water resource and other resource problems. Farmers have high perception (22.22%),
medium perception (27.07%), and low perception (50%) about soil erosion impact on
agricultural productivity and major effect of soil erosion. The indicator of soil erosion on
agricultural farm includes when runoff creates, the soil transported by runoff, reduction of crop
product and other. The solution of soil erosion hazard includes; construction of physical soil and
water conservation measures, like soil bund, terrace, stone bund, fanyaju and other biological
measures are recommended to reduce soil erosion.
3.2 Recommendation
Based on the review, the following recommendations are forwarded:
Each farmer should better properly be managing their farm land by using different soil
and water conservation measures
Farmers should better use multipurpose tree on their farm land to reduce soil erosion and
to increase soil organic matter.
Agricultural expert shall create awareness for local community about soil erosion cause
and effects on crop productivity and also controlling measure.
The developed soil and water conservation structure should better renew each year to
increase its performance.
The government better to create and implement the policy and strategy about family
planning, resource management, and land use system for the community.
The nature and extent of soil erosion problem is rising, therefore, special emphasis should
be placed on it in order to address the soil erosion challenges and limited adoption
practices. Factors such as socio-economical, institutional and physiographical constraints
have to be examined in order to understand their role either in promoting or impeding the
adoption of soil conservation innovations.
Extension services are a major source of technical information in monitoring and
evaluation of conservation activities and this need to be done together with the farmers. If
nothing is done to correct the existing situation, more land will become unsuitable for
crop production and put even more strain on the existing resources. Therefore,
sustainable soil management systems must be developed to reduce further degradation
and restore the productivity of the eroded land.
To overcome the problem of soil erosion and degradation, the planning, designing and
implementation process of conservation activities should ensure farmers’ participation
and make use of the existing local knowledge. The introduced soil conservation measures
also need be monitored regularly together with farmers, so that problems can be easily
sort-out and appropriate improvements can be forwarded.
Alternative technologies in soil and water conservation measures should be explored by
national research institutes. These technologies should be simple, affordable and
adaptable to the diverse conditions which is tested and disseminated taking into account
the environmental problems; like practicing of soil bunds are completely not affordable to
the area.
A successful soil and water conservation system requires a multidisciplinary approach
and the participation of all concerned stakeholders. Therefore, detailed investigation
should be undertaken through the collaboration of stakeholders to identify better
management options that decrease soil erosion and improve food productivity.
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