Technical viability of physical soil and water conservation structures implemented in Lake Hawassa watershed, southern Ethiopia.

Abstract

Physical soil and water conservation measures with ultimate intention of reducing sever soil erosion and its associated impact had been implemented for the last four decades in southern Ethiopia. Yet, so far the technical viability of the implemented structures weren't studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the technical viability of the implemented physical soil and water conservation measures and its management, maintenance and appropriateness in communal and private lands of the upper catchments of Lake Hawassa watershed. The data was collected by field observation and direct measurement of the implemented structures. Moreover, focused group discussion and key informant interview was done. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. The results were compared with standards. The collected data were presented in Table and Figures. The study result showed that Level soil bund and Check dam were implemented in communal land by public participation, while Level soil bunds and Fanya-juu were found in private land. The implemented structures were appropriate for the catchment, while the layouts of most implemented structures were not as the standard. The regular maintenance and management practices were also minimal. As the result, technically deficient SWC measures were found as cause of soil erosion and witnessed that construction of SWC structure in field is not an end means by itself for effective controlling of soil erosion. To be effective the implemented SWC structures has to be appropriate for the area and technically be sound. Regular maintenance and management of the structure after implementation is also vital to achieve its very inception objective.