Abstract:
Abstract
In Ethiopia soil degradation has become a serious problem affecting all spheres of social, economic and
political life of the population. It was one of the major challenges to agricultural development and food
security of the country. In order to solve the problem of soil degradation, a lot of efforts have been made
since 1968s. Thus, identification of challenges in relation to soil degradation management practices was
paramount importance. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of the soil degradation on the rain
fed agriculture in Dembia Woreda, Amhara region. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative
research methods in extent, magnitude and frequency of soil degradation on the rain fed agriculture. The
farmers used contour farming, traditional ditches, grass and tree planting for soil conservation purposes.
The study concluded that as the extent of soil erosion was highly variable spatially, plot and location
specific soil conservation measures that were designed by considering farmers’ indigenous knowledge
would be required to control soil loss in the study area. This study demonstrates that participatory plot
level tree root exposure assessment provides useful information for soil conservation planning.
The survey was conducted in three selected sample kebeles, i.e, Atekeltteleft, Sufankara Merewa Gubia
and Fenja Barcha, kebeles. A total of 191 copies of questionnaires were distributed and return rate was
95%. The data obtained through questionnaire were statistically (quantitative) analyzed using SPSS. For
the qualitative analysis (for the data obtained through focus group discussions and observations)
discussions were made. The findings of the study also showed that the impacts of the soil degradation on
the rain fed agricultural practices were very high in areas around Atekeltteleft kebele. The impact was
severe in Atekeltteleft kebele than Sufankara Merewa Gubia and Fenja Barcha kebeles. Therefore, the
overall impacts soil degradation on the rainfed agriculture was found to be high in the study area. The
conservation and management strategies of the respondents were took measures to prevent of the soil
degradation. Several possible management options were also suggested by the respondents. Awareness
about the soil degradation as well as its impacts on the rain fed agricultural practices would help to
motivate farmers to use conservation and management practices.
