LANDSLIDE HAZARD, IMPACTS AND ITS MITIGATION STRATEGIES: THE CASE OF KINDO DIDAYE WOREDA, WOLAITA ZONE, SNNPR, ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

Kindo Didaye woreda along Omo basin, Southwestern Ethiopia is one of the most landslide prone regions. The general objective of this study was aimed to examine landslide hazard, impact and its mitigation strategies of landslides in Kindo Didaye Woreda. This study has total sample of 350 HHs representing 5024 households was selected randomly from four landslide suffered kebeles. In order to achieve the objective of the study both primary and secondary data were generated. Primary data were generated through questionnaire, FGD, key informant interview and personal observation. Then, the collected data was organized, analyzed and interpreted by the descriptive statistics, Cross tabulation Chi-square test, SPSS v 20 combined with ms excel were conducted. Also content analysis was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative (mixed) approach. The landslide inventory mapping for this study has been prepared using through field investigation and Google earth image interpretation. From the study findings, it was established that the main factors responsible for causing landslides in Kindo Didaye Woreda were heavy rainfall, human developmental activities and steep gradient of slope. The socio-economic losses and environmental impact were great due to slope failures, ranging from loss of human life, displacement of residence, loss of property, death of livestock. The study examined the mitigation action to overcome this hazard and mechanisms that farmers have adopted. Some responses in regard to landslides such as afforestation programmers, and adhering to warnings given by local government to re-locate to a safer ground, support from nongovernment organizations and government. From the findings, the study recommends that there should be slope rehabilitation, sustainable communication and education to farmers, implementation of policies on settlements, penalties curbing deforestation, Community participation in the management of natural resources, public awareness campaigns and outreach programmes are recommended. KEY TERMS: landslide, Hazard, Impacts, m