Abstract:
oil is very important natural resource for the growth of plants. But because ,<Jj lack of appropriate
conservation techniques, soil in Ethiopia is severely degraded. This study was aimed to evaluate the
design/layout of soil conservation structures on field; and to analyze socio-economic, institutional, physical,
attitudinal, and demographic factors that determine sustainability of soil conservation structures on
cultivated field in Debre Elias district. To address the objective of the study both primary and secondary
data were collected. Survey questionnaire, focus group discussion, key informants interview, field
observation and measurement were means of collecting primary data. About 129 sample households were
selected randomly in 3 kebeles (smaller administrative units) and measurement on existing soil conservation
structures were done from 9 small catchments from those 3 sample kebeles. T-test, chi-square test, and
binary logistic regression model were used to analyze factors that affect soil conservation sustainability in
Debre Elias district. The measurement result was compared with design/layout of technical standards. The
result of this study indicated that of all 16 variables 11 were found to have relationship with sustainability of·
soil conservation structures. However binary logistic regression result revealed 8 variables; level of
education, farm land size, off-farm activity, design perception, slope, distance, training, and perception were
fozgid to influence the sustainability of soil conservation structures significantly. On the other hdnd, of all
measurement and observation of soil conservation structures in the study area all design/layout parameters
except slope gradient of soil!fanyaajuu bunds and channel depth of cut-off drains were found incompatible
with technical standards. Thus the important recommendations which are found to be paramount
importance from the findings of this study include: (i) Educational opportunities should be strengthen
through facilitating the functionality of farmers training centers and their efficient operation in rural
kebeles. (ii) Farmers have to be provided with adequate and relevant information to visualize them about
soij,,erosion problem through pamphlet, posters and other accessible media.tiiiilt is a necessary condition to ·
er41ince farmers' understanding about erosion problems and benefits and techniques of soil conservation
structures through practical training.iiv )There should be establishment of demonstration sites in every
farmer training centre focusing on installing different soil conservation structures in line with the
design/layout of working guideline. (V) There should be alternative off-farm activities like wavering and
other handicrafts as means of income generating systems in rural areas. This income can compensate the
opportunity cost incurred due to farm land consumed for soil conservation structures. (vi) farmers ought to
grow suitable crops or forage plants on top of soil embankment (Vii) there should be conducting community
forum focusing on sustainability of soil conservation structures so that there will be community consensus on
how to sustain and use conservation structures and on controlling free grazing and free movement of
animals on cultivable land.
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