Community Perception on Land Degradation Problems and Management Practices in Begi Woreda, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
[1]
Tamrat Sinore, Department of Natural Resource Management, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
[2]
Obsa Adugna, Department of Natural Resource Management, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
[3]
Tesfaw Melkamu, Department of Natural Resource Management, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In Begi Woreda land degradation became an ecological and agricultural productivity problem. To overcome this problem differentl and management practices such as soil and water conservation practices implemented through community mobilization. Therefore, this study assessed community perception on land degradation problems and its management practices in Begi Woreda. Randomly, 110respondents selected using survey, focus group discussion with community and field observation was employed to generate the data. The result indicated that communities were acknowledged the prevalence of land degradation (89.5%) and affecting their livelihoods while10.5% of respondents replied there is no land degradation problem on their plot of land. Respondents repeatedly mentioned causes of land degradation in the Begi Woreda were 78.3% uncontrolled grazing, 81.2% population pressure and intensive cultivation, 79.6% deforestation, 65.1% inappropriate conservation practices,64.7% topographic nature of land,62.8% indigenous farming practices and 48.4% land fragmentation. Therefore, majority of respondents agreed that land management practices are important to minimize the rate of land degradation. This reflected respondents had good perception towards the importance of land management practices. According to the survey results soil bund, fanyajuu, cutoff drain, check dam, trenches and eyebrow, area exclosure, agroforestry practices and grasses with and without physical soil and water conservation structures were common practices in the Begi Woreda. Most of respondents replied we need technical support and close contact with different stakeholders for experience sharing. Community believed practice was benefit based and site specific. In conclusion, consideration for land management practices not only for the study area also for the other parts of Ethiopia at great through identifying and integrating technical as well as site specific and benefit based land management practices help to benefit and cope degradation hence increase benefits obtained from the practice.
Community Perception, Land Degradation, Land Management Practices
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