THE EXTENT, CAUSE, IMPACT AND CONSERVATION METHOD OF LAND DEGRADATION:THE CASE OF AGARFA WOREDA, BALE ZONE, OROMIA REGION, SOUTH EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the extent, cause, impact and conservation methods of land degradation in Agarfa Woreda. To achieve this objective, both primary and secondary data were incorporated. The primary data were collected through survey questionnaires, key informant interview, focus group discussion (FGD) and filed observation. Secondary data was collected from different published and unpublished data sources which are relevant to the study at hand. Three kebeles from three agro-ecological zones (Kolla, woinadega and dega) from which 318 respondents were selected by simple random sampling. Furthermore 12 key informants and 3 FGDs were conducted at selected sample kebeles to incorporate in depth information on the issue under study, The collected data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. According to the respondents of the study areas the major causes of land degradation were deforestation, soil erosion, overgrazing, Poor farming practices and over population. Majority of the respondents (96.2%) recognized the loss of top soil. This is manifested by the yield decline, the loss of vegetation, the gully formation and the need of much input. So, the degree of land degradation in the farmland is severe in the study areas. As the majority of respondents indicated the major effects of land degradation in the study area are lack of farm land and grazing field, reduction in yield over time, loss of soil. Most of the respondents (94.0 %) responded that they can practice land conservation methods, however, they can practiced land conservation methods traditionally. In order to alleviate the challenges of land degradation and its impacts, forests resource should be managed by the stakeholders, in order to ensure environmental sustainability 7