ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTION ON SOIL EROSION, CONSERVATION CHALLENGES, AND SOIL PROPERTIES IN THE LAKE KELALE CATCHMENT, BURJI ZONE, SOUTH ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The severity of erosion is a significant factor prompting various efforts to mitigate unsustainable agricultural practices. However, these efforts have often been unsuccessful due to several challenges, including the need for incentives, labour-intensive technologies, and a lack of awareness. Additionally, understanding the characteristics of soils is essential for developing effective management strategies tailored to the Lake Kelale catchment ecosystem, promoting sustainable development. Therefore, this study explores community perceptions of soil erosionand conservation challenges in the Lake Kelale catchment in southern Ethiopia, alongside analysing soil physicochemical properties. A multi-stage sampling design identified 131 respondents from two kebeles, using household interviews, focus groups, key informant interviews, and field observations for data collection. Soil samples were taken from various landscape positions, land use types, and depths. Results showed that 95.42% of respondents engage in crop production, essential for family income. The average landholding was 3.94 hectares, with significant barriers including poor soil fertility (63.33%) and yield reduction (17.78%). A majority (87.79%) reported declining soil fertility due to factors like over-cultivation (43.51%) and unreliable rainfall (3.05%). Community concerns included land degradation (53.4% perceive it as prevalent) and soil erosion vulnerability (60.3%). There was a strong call for urgent conservation efforts (68.7%) and community participation (75.6%). Laboratory analyses revealed that upper and middle landscape positions have predominantly sand particles, while soil bulk density varied by land use type. Significant differences in soil electrical conductivity were noted based on landscape and land use. Soil organic carbon levels showed little variation, but total nitrogen was highest in lower landscape positions (0.19 ± 0.02), and organic matter content varied with land use (p<0.05). Available phosphorus varied by landscape position, and cation exchange capacity ranged from 26.5 to 32.33 cmol (+) kg-1. The study emphasizes the need for environmental concerns to be addressed through community involvement and sustainable practices.