Research Article
Participatory Integrated Low-Cost measures Gully Rehabilitation and Reclamation for Sustainable Land Management in Ilasa Watershed of Goba Distinct Bale Zone
Mulugeta Eshetu*,
Daniel Abegeja,
Tesfaye Ketama,
Girma Getachow,
Regassa Gosa
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
1-8
Received:
17 December 2023
Accepted:
15 January 2024
Published:
5 February 2024
Abstract: Since gully erosion is generated by surface runoff and further enhanced by rough terrain and human-induced variables, it poses a severe danger to the World. The severe and enduring problems for the environment and livelihood in the study area were gully extension and land degradation. The aim of the study was to characterize gulley morphology and evaluate participatory integrated low-cost gully rehabilitation and reclamation techniques for sustainable land management in the Ilasa watershed of Goba distinct Bale highland. The study was carried out in collaboration with the local community to ensure reduced expenses associated with gully reclamation and improved efficacy of gully rehabilitation strategies. Several gully morphological characterizations and reshaping were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the structures. Finally, based on standard soil and water conservation measures physical structures integrated with biological measures were implemented, with various materials readily available locally to reduce the severity of the gulley. The results showed that as gully morphologies classifications standards, the study's area was moderately to severely deteriorate. Prioritizing the rehabilitation and restoration of gullies through morphological assessment, perception collection of data, identification of locally available, low-cost materials, and slope-based implement structures might greatly minimize sediment losses. Reshaping gullies and constructing a check dam with a cut-off drain at the head of the gully to reduce sediment loss and another gullies' branch developments aid in reclamation were more successful strategies. The participatory working with local communities to reclaim gullies could help change farmers' perceptions and uses of low-cost locally available materials to enhance the effectiveness of gully rehabilitation measures which supports farmers' implementation at early stages. Further study on alternative gulley rehabilitation through discharge monitoring and sediment loss in the watershed from different perspectives is advisable to sustainably satisfy the benefits of the community and the viability of natural resources.
Abstract: Since gully erosion is generated by surface runoff and further enhanced by rough terrain and human-induced variables, it poses a severe danger to the World. The severe and enduring problems for the environment and livelihood in the study area were gully extension and land degradation. The aim of the study was to characterize gulley morphology and e...
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Research Article
Characterization of Cattle Production System in East Gojjam Zone of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Bainesagn Worku*,
Mezgebu Getnet,
Anduamlak Assaye
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
9-19
Received:
28 January 2024
Accepted:
12 February 2024
Published:
7 March 2024
Abstract: Survey was conducted in four Districts of East Gojjam Zone Amhara Regional state of Ethiopia (Sinan, Dejen, Gozamen and Machakel). The objectives of the survey were to characterize cattle production systems, asses feed resources of cattle in eastern Gojjam and identify major constraint of cattle production in the zone. A total of 160 household heads were randomly selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The study revealed that the average cattle herd size was 7.55 ± 0.31 heads per household and were significantly different (P<0.01) among districts. In the study districts, cattle are primarily kept for draught power followed by income source and milk production. According to the respondents, crop residue, hay and local brewery by-products are the main feed resources ranked in order of importance as first, second and third, respectively in dry season. Similarly, crop residue, cut and curry system and communal grazing are important feed sources in wet season (ranked as first, second and third, respectively). The study also shows that feed shortage was the main constraint affecting livestock production and productivity across the districts. In availability of appropriate cattle genotype and disease were identified as second and third important constraints. Due to shrinkage of grazing areas, farmers are shifting cattle rearing from permanent free grazing into tethering and semi-grazing systems. The total livestock number in the zone was estimated to be 7.55 TLU unit which is directly related to carrying capacity of the grazing feed resources in the area. Thus, the study implies that there is a need to improve fodder production, crop residue utilization, efficiency and utilization of artificial insemination to increase the number of improved cattle genotype and improve delivery of veterinary services in a smallholder cattle production system of the zone.
Abstract: Survey was conducted in four Districts of East Gojjam Zone Amhara Regional state of Ethiopia (Sinan, Dejen, Gozamen and Machakel). The objectives of the survey were to characterize cattle production systems, asses feed resources of cattle in eastern Gojjam and identify major constraint of cattle production in the zone. A total of 160 household head...
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