Effects of soil and water conservation techniques on crop yield, runoff and soil loss in Sub-Saharan Africa: A review

Wolka, Kebede; Mulder, Jan; Biazin, Birhanu

doi:10.1016/j.agwat.2018.05.016

Cited by 166 publications

(115 citation statements)

References 110 publications

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“…There have been reviews of the effectiveness of erosion control for agricultural hillslopes or farm plots (Maetens et al ., 2012; Rickson, 2014; Wolka et al ., 2018), grass buffer strips in agricultural areas (Dillaha et al ., 1989; Hickey and Doran, 2004; Verstraeten et al ., 2006; Yuan et al ., 2009), soil compaction (Chamen et al ., 2015), landscape sediment trapping (Mekonnen et al ., 2015), best management practices (BMPs) for improved hydrology and water quality in agricultural areas (Liu et al ., 2017) and for urban areas (Ahiablame et al ., 2012). Similarly, reviews have been undertaken on the effectiveness of rehabilitation strategies to reduce nitrogen (Melland et al ., 2018) and phosphorus (Schoumans et al ., 2014) losses.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of the magnitude and response times for sediment yield reductions following the rehabilitation of gullied landscapes

Bartley

Poesen

Wilkinson

et al. 2020

Earth Surf Processes Landf

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Gully erosion is a major driver of elevated sediment yields across many areas of the globe, and considerable rehabilitation has occurred to reduce the amount of sediment eroded from gullies. However, compared to other forms of erosion, there has been little systematic review of the effectiveness of gully rehabilitation on reducing sediment yields. This study reviewed the global literature to provide an understanding of the potential sediment yield reductions that can occur following the rehabilitation of gullied landscapes. We focused on studies reporting a measured response on how gully and catchment sediment yield has changed since treatment. A total of 37 studies were found that met this criterion. The studies were partitioned into three broad categories, including those focused on: (i) treating the catchment above the gully; (ii) installing treatments in the actual gully channel; and (iii) a combination of approaches which include treating both the catchment and the gully channel. All the studies demonstrated a reduction in sediment yield following gully rehabilitation, with reported values ranging between 12 and 94%. The timeframes associated with the reductions in sediment yield varied considerably (2-80years). Applying a variety of rehabilitation measures, which generally includes treating both the hillslope above the gully, and trapping sediment within the gully, appears to result in shorter (median) timescales for sediment yield reduction. Overall, this review indicates that gully rehabilitation strategies combining both engineering and vegetation measures are often the most successful. Engineering measures such as check dams are important for stabilizing sites in the early phases to support the revegetation of gullies and adjacent hillslopes. However, vegetation is the key to the long-term success of gully rehabilitation. This is because many engineering structures eventually fail, or they have a limited life span as an active sediment trap.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of the magnitude and response times for sediment yield reductions following the rehabilitation of gullied landscapes

Bartley

Poesen

Wilkinson

et al. 2020

Earth Surf Processes Landf

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“…According to Sartori et al (2019), soil erosion is a huge problem to agricultural soil productivity. The agricultural productivity loss resulting from soil erosion in the European Union is projected at about €300 million (Panagos et al, 2018), while a similar projection of yearly crop yield loses in the African continent is about 280 million tonnes (Wolka et al, 2018). In a study, titled 'FAO calls for actions to reduce global soil erosion' by Panagos et al (2019), it was stated that soil erosion represents the most global challenge to soil functions, putting food security at great risk.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption Decision-making Regarding Soil Erosion Control on Food Security in South Africa

Ighodaro

Lewu

Omoruyi

2020

IJARe

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Background: The objective of this paper was to evaluate how smallholder farmers’ adoption decision-making regarding the control of soil erosion influence food security in South Africa, using the case of farming at Upper and Lower Areas of Didimana, South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 60 randomly selected farmers. Farmers’ total income was used as a proxy for food security. Data were analysed using the multiple linear regression analysis, because the dependent variable was continuous. Result: As expected, farmers who had increases in quality of produce had higher probabilities for increased total income. Also, farmers who preferred their traditional erosion-control methods as against extension-recommended, had higher potentials for increased overall income, which was unexpected. Further, farmers whose sustainability was impacted the most by soil erosion had lesser probabilities for increases in their overall income. The conclusion is that the adoption of soil erosion-control measures is significant in increasing farmers’ food security potentials in the study area.

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“…Chi-square results and ecological conditions are fragile because of the soil quality and soil water availability which are limiting factors (Wolka et al, 2018). Considering the improved yields achieved following the adoption of water and soil conservation techniques, the expectation was that a high proportion of surveyed households would be less vulnerable to food insecurity; however the reverse was the case.…”

Section: Prevalence Of Food Insecurity (%)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The plausible reason might be that the increase in crop productivity resulting from the use of water and soil conservation techniques was insufficient to offset food insecurity. The effect of water and soil conservation techniques on improving crop yield to an extent as to achieve food security was found to be dependent on rainfall characteristics, types of crop, slope, and soil type (Sawadogo, 2011;Wolka et al, 2018). Then it is suggested to combine the water and soil conservation techniques with other management activities to enhance crop yields.…”

Section: Prevalence Of Food Insecurity (%)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Water and soil conservation techniques and food security in the northern region of Burkina Faso

Sanou¹,

Ayantunde²,

Nianogo³

2018

Afr. J. Agric. Res.

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Food insecurity is a major challenge facing the rapidly growing population in the sub-Saharan Africa and it is a common feature in the northern region of Burkina Faso. The focus of this study was to investigate the prevalence of food insecurity in the northern region of Burkina Faso after many years of implementation of water and soil conservation techniques. A survey was carried out in six villages in the Northern Region of Burkina Faso involving 300 households to assess water and soil conservation techniques, and to examine the prevalence of food insecurity. The study was conducted between June and July 2015. Data collected was analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors influencing food insecurity in the study areas. The results also showed a high level of food insecurity affecting a large proportion of the population even during the post-harvest period when food was supposed to be available. Results showed that water and soil conservation techniques and household head education level were important factors in determining household food insecurity status. Despite the application of these techniques, food insecurity is still persistent, which raised questions about the efficiency of current agricultural production systems. In addressing food insecurity in the study area, it is necessary to reinforce the practice of combining stone bunds and inter-row ridges techniques along with proper use of fertilizer and manure. Given the persistent problem of water scarcity in Burkina Faso, and the relationship between water and food security, there is need to increase investment in water management infrastructures.

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Effects of soil and water conservation techniques on crop yield, runoff and soil loss in Sub-Saharan Africa: A review

Cited by 166 publications

References 110 publications

A review of the magnitude and response times for sediment yield reductions following the rehabilitation of gullied landscapes

A review of the magnitude and response times for sediment yield reductions following the rehabilitation of gullied landscapes

Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption Decision-making Regarding Soil Erosion Control on Food Security in South Africa

Water and soil conservation techniques and food security in the northern region of Burkina Faso

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