IMPACT OF LAND REHABILITATION PRACTICES ON INCOME GENERATION AND LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION IN GERESIE WOREDA, GAMO ZONE, SOUTH ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Land degradation is a critical issue affecting many regions, including Geresie Woreda in the Gamo Zone. The degradation of land not only hampers agricultural productivity but also threatens the livelihoods of the residents. In response to these challenges, various land rehabilitation practices have been introduced to restore degraded lands and improve the overall socio-economic conditions of the community. This study is carried out to assess the impact of land rehabilitation practices on the income generation and livelihood diversification of the community in Gerese Woreda, Gamo Zone. Both primary and secondary data were collected using qualitative and quantitative method. A total of 192 households were selected from two kebeles by using systematic random sampling. To collect the required information from selected respondents, questionnaire, key informants interviews, personal observation and focus group discussion were conducted. Descriptive statics, chi-square and multinomial logistic model were used to analyze the data. By analyzing primary data collected through surveys, interviews, and field observations, the study aims to provide insights into the correlation between land rehabilitation efforts and the socio-economic status of the community. The results of the study showed that on-farm, off-farm and non-farm activities were the major income sources of sample households, and after the adoption of different rehabilitation programs the level of income change increased. The study indicates that, land rehabilitation initiatives has a vital role on rural household livelihood diversification through direct effects on annual improved income and indirect effect of generating off-farm and non-farm employment opportunities. The study revealed that from different land rehabilitation initiatives agroforestry and soil and water conservation are frequently contribute the livelihood diversification among local population. Steeply sloped topography, less vegetation cover, high rainfall, lack of sense of ownership, luck of knowledge, limited support of government/NGOs, poor training on technologies and poor monitoring and evaluation of degraded land rehabilitation practices were the major challenges. Emergence of different institution works on natural resource, support of NGOs, good government policy and the active community involvement in soil and water conservation were identified as prospective grounds to practice more effective degraded land rehabilitation practices.