Assessment of Natural Resources in Ketech Watershed, East Gojjam Zone of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract:A study was conducted in Machakel wereda, East Gojjam Zone of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia to assess the current status of natural resources in Ketech watershed. Purposive sampling methods were used to select kebeles (districts), and the respondents were selected randomly. A sample of 100 respondents from three kebeles (districts) was used in the study. The result revealed that 78% of the respondents said Ketech watershed is under high pressure, but 22% of the respondents disagree. Major threats to Ketech watershed were deforestation, overgrazing, agricultural land expansion, flooding and consequent gully formation, and their combined effects. The Pearson correlation also indicated the effect one variable has on the other, indicating a possible conservation measures to be taken in the studied kebeles. Logistic regression analysis predicted two variables (income generating activities and status of exploitation of common resources) to have a significant effect on respondents' decision about the status of ketech watershed. A holistic approach to landscape conservation measures are highly needed so as to halt the ongoing environmental degradation.