In the drier farming regions of the world, where crop production is constrained by short growing period, unpredictable and short rainfall with sporadic run-off, in-situ rainwater harvesting is vital for successful crop production. In connection to this, a study was conducted in Fedis district of Oromia region during the main rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the effects of in-situ rainwater harvesting techniques (Ridge Furrow (RF), Contour Ridge (CR), and Tied Ridge (TR)) on soil moisture conservation and grain yield of maize. A spilt-plot design was used and soil moisture content was measured at three growth stages of the crop to a depth of 60 cm with 20 cm interval. The results showed that water harvesting techniques significantly increased moisture conservation compared to the control, which was flat bed preparation. Averaged over the three stages, the TR, CR and RF treatments increased soil moisture storage by 134.59, 128.57, and 121.87%, respectively, compared to the control. The study also revealed that the in-situ rainwater harvesting techniques, due to the improved soil moisture storage, significantly affected grain yield of the maize. Averaged over the two years, the TR, CR, and FR increased the grain yield 143.14, 131.47 and 121.16%, respectively, over the control treatment. Therefore, in drier environments, such as Fedis, in-situ rainwater harvesting techniques can be recommended for better moisture conservation and subsequent improvement in crop production.

Understanding land use land cover (LULC) change drivers at local scale is vital for development of management strategies to tackle further decline of natural resources. In connection to this, a study was conducted in Dire Dawa administration, Ethiopia to investigate the drivers for change in land use land cover and its impact on above ground biomass and regenerations of woody plants. A total of 160 respondents were selected randomly to collect data on drivers of LULC change. A multistage stratified cluster sampling was used for above ground biomass assessment. Nine sample plots of 10 m × 10 m size in each cluster and a total of 36 sample plots in all clusters were randomly established. In all sample plots, woody plants having >5 cm diameter were measured for their diameter at breast height (DBH), and biomass estimated using allometric equation. The study revealed that, cutting of woody plants for fuel wood and making charcoal, population growth, expansion of cultivated land, drought, settlement areas and livestock ranching are the major six important drivers of LULC change. The study also revealed that, the mean above ground biomass of woody plants in Dire Dawa Administration was 4.94 ton/ha, with maximum and minimum above ground biomass of 6.27 ton/ha and 3.90 ton/ha, respectively. The number of regenerants of tree species was low and only 36% of the plots had tree regenerants. Thus, proper woodland management strategies implementation, land use planning, afforestation and reforestation activities are recommended to minimize unprecedented LULC change in the study area.