Pre-Extension Demonstration of Integration of Both Mechanical and Biological Soil and Water Conservation Practices in Kofele District, West Arsi Zone, Oromia

Soil erosion is one of the major challenges of Ethiopia deteriorating the productivity of land. Soil and water conservation (SWC) is the only practice to reverse the threat and protect the land. Over the last three decades, different soil and water conservation activities have been undertaken. However, soil erosion still persists and become major threats of Ethiopian farmers. Despite the massive mobilization of resources for SWC, only very few farmers have been practicing integrated soil and water conservation measures for restoration of degraded agricultural land. In addition, there is lack of information among farmers on the impact of SWC on soil fertility improvement and soil nutrient content dynamics. This study was conducted in Kofele district, which is one of AGP district, in West Arsi Zones of Oromia. The study was aimed to demonstrate the impact of integrated Soil and water conservation measures in restoring degraded agricultural land. Dasho and Elephant grasses were planted on graded soil bund as an integration measures at four farmers field. Farmer’s field visit was arranged two times in two years to share practical experiences among the farmers and DA. It was also identified that soil nutrient contents in terms of total nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium and soil organic carbon content showed an increasing trend since establishment (2016). On the other hand, this kind of soil and water conservation practices on agricultural land showed promising way of carbon sequestration as the climate change mitigation strategy. The study recommended the use of integrated soil and water conservation measures as strategy of rehabilitating degraded agricultural land as apart of integrated water shed management.