Assessment of Farmers’ Socioeconomic Characteristics and Conservation Practices for Watershed Management in Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Conserving watershed resources is crucial for both the environment and communities. Identifying the socioeconomics and conservation practices of farmers can help address environmental threats. The study area, which surrounds the Gilgel Gibe Reservoir I, is important regionally and nationally due to a hydroelectric dam project. This study is a cross-sectional study focused on the socioeconomic and conservation practices of 305 households in four districts of the Jimma Zone which were selected using probability proportion (proportion allocation). A semi-structured questionnaire (made up of demographic characteristics, socio-economic and watershed conservation and management practice) with open-ended and codified answers was developed in English, translated from English to Afan Oromo and vice versa by another person to assess its precision. The questionnaire was pre-tested outside the study area to assess respondents' understanding of the questions and to identify any problems encountered during interviews. The data was analysed using SPSS version 20. The study found one hundred and ten (36%) farmers were within the good practice range whereas most farmers about ninety-five (63.9%) had poor conservation practices like unwise farming, putting stress on natural resources and degrading watersheds, leading to pollution and affecting water quality. To improve their livelihoods, farmers are forced to engage in harmful practices. This underscores the urgent need for improved conservation practices among farmers to protect natural resources and highlights the importance of sustainable farming to prevent pollution and maintain water quality. These findings help policymakers prioritize farmers' needs, enhance land management, and promote best agricultural practices for sustainability. We suggest that stakeholders establish a team of elders and officials at the woreda and zonal level and set criteria, recommend technologies to promote conservation activities, income-generating activities such as conservation agriculture, at the household level and access to resources