Watershed management in Ethiopia and its effects on soil quality and productivity

Abstract

Indigenous peoples have utilized watershed management techniques for ages. It has substantial ramifications for improved productivity and improved soil management. This essay examined Ethiopia’s soil quality and production improvements as they relate to watershed management strategies. In particular, the roles of the government and other partners who started soil and water conservation initiatives are described. These initiatives had unsatisfactory or unsuccessful results because the community was not involved, the land was held insecurely, there were disincentives, and the planning units were too large. Ethiopia’s Federal Democratic Republic has copied community-based participatory watershed management. It has had a great impact on the restoration of highly damaged areas and provided local populations with a source of income. For instance, Amhara, the Oromia, and Tigray Regional States’ well-managed watersheds of the Abraha Atsbaha, Gerebshelela, Bechyti, Goho Cheri, Kereba, and Bedesa Kela rivers have boosted agricultural incomes and food security. Additionally, the environmental soundness, commercial feasibility, and social acceptability of watershed management must be assessed.