BIOPHYSICAL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES: THE CASE OF THREE SELECTED WATERSHEDS IN BOLOSO BOMBE WORADA, WOLAITA ZONE, SNNPRS, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Soil erosion is one of the biggest global environmental problem aggravated by nutrient mining by crops, extended farming to sloping areas, shortened fallow system, and decreased vegetative cover, depletion of soil organic matter and miss management of crop lands. Biophysical SWC practices plays important role for soil and water conservation. The objectives of the study is to examine the adoption of farmers to Biophysical SWC practices, The researcher used Descriptive research design, specifically the survey. The findings of the thesis are derived from qualitative and quantitative data collected from 160 rural householdheads through questionnaire, interview, FGD and field observations conducted in three study sites, Wolaita Zone, SNNPR-Ethiopia. Data was presented in descriptive statistical techniques like frequency distribution, percentages and Excel program. The main types of crops produce in the study area include ginger, enset, banana and avocado, mango and cassava, maize, sweet potatoes, 'teff', Irish potato,haricot bean etc. based on this farmers of the study area have good awareness of Biophysical SWC practices. Biophysical soil and water conservation practices is characterized by traditional and modern soil and water conservation, but still practicing both traditional and modern method. The households of the study area were involved to conserve Biophysical SWC practices. As it was indicated in the study Biophysical SWC was the main way of soil and water conservation which included both Biological and Physical SWC. Therefore the results of this study shows that: farm size, lack of awareness, farmers perception of benefit from soil and water conservation practices positively and significantly affect farmers decision to Biophysical SWC practices. Where as availability of off farm income, institutional and policy factors, lack of technology, perception of erosion problems, household characteristics and land characteristics were found to be negatively and significantly influences farmers on Biophysical SWC practices. Several recommendations were made for improvement in the future interventions. These were to enable farmers willingness maintain and continue use of Biophysical SWC practices, effective participation of farmers in planning and implementation process is indispensable, the introduction of alternative Biological and Physical conservation practices is also important. more research, extension demonstration and training that help increase farmers technical know-how are imperative.