Assessing Community-Based Watershed Management: Technical Quality of Soil Conservation Structures and Their Impacts on Soil Properties in Belo-Chikle Micro-Watershed, Elfeta District, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Soil erosion is one of the major causes of food insecurity and environmental degradation in Ethiopia. In recent years, a community-based watershed management program has been introduced in Ethiopia. In Elfeta District, there is a lack of tangible scientific information on the performance of soil conservation practices implemented through this program. The aim of this study was to assess the technical fitness of physical soil conservation structures implemented via a community-based watershed management program, its effect on soil physicochemical properties, and the extent of farmers’ participation in the program. Field observation and physical structure component measurements were used to assess the technical fitness. Whereas, composite soil samples were collected from steep, moderate, and gentle slope classes to evaluate the effects of conservation practices on soil properties. A structured questionnaire was used to assess farmers’ participation in soil conservation. As compared to the nationally established specification of graded soil bund for areas similar to Elfeta District, technical errors were found in bund spacing and vertical interval. The soil moisture content, bulk density, clay content, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, total nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by slope gradient. These properties become better as the slope gradient decreases. To ensure the sustainability of watershed management practices and minimize observed technical faults on conservation structures, continued technical support, trainings, and follow-ups are required from the districts' experts and extension services in the study area.