ASSESSMENT OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES: THE CASE OF ALETA CHUKO WOREDA, SIDAMA ZONE, SNNPR, ETHIOPIA

ABSTRACT The aim of this research is to assess the soil and water conservation measures in specific three kebeles of Aleta Chuko Woreda, Sidama Zone, SNNP region, Ethiopia. The major tools used for data gathering were questionnaire, interview, focus group discussion and observation. A total of 333 household heads were selected using systematic sampling techniques for survey questionnaires. About 27 and 13 participants were selected purposively for focus group discussion and interview participation respectively. The research was conducted using mixed research method. Descriptive research design with survey and observational studies was used. The data collected was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The finding of the study illustrated that the factors affecting the implementation of soil and water conservation measures in the study area are: awareness, access to credit, land tenure security, access to information, income, age, education, training, possession of livestock. Agro-forestry and intercropping are the major soil and water conservation measures widely implemented in the study area. The study also identified that the implementation of other measures of SWC was low in the study area. The SWC measures being implemented in the study area were sustainable. Finally, based on the findings of the study, it has been recommended that creating awareness to farmers concerning soil and water conservation measures, expanding local financial institutions to facilitate access to credit to farmers for better investment on soil and water conservation, improving the quality and reach ability of extension services. Expanding enclosure, drainage ditches, stone bunds, mulching, contour trenches, water harvesting, composting and other SWC measures. The government should carefully supervise and maintain the structures installed for water and soil conservation. The practices of water and soil conservation campaign which was conducted once a year should be enhanced both in its frequency and scope to increase areal coverage under SWC practices.