The Impact of Soil and Water Conservation Structures on Ecological Restoration and Crop Productivity: In the Case of Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Tigray’s severe land degradation has caused poverty and recurring drought. Individual and community-level soil and water conservation (SWC) intervention strategies were used. Since the 1970s, at least six national SWC-related initiatives have been launched, and their emphasis has changed from food assistance to land conservation to livelihoods. Several attempts have been made to report the accomplishments and on large size. Studies were carried out on experimental plots or small catchment scales. To summarize the effects of SWC practices on crop yield, surface runoff, soil and nutrient loss, economic viability, and as well as to discuss the implications for an integrated approach and ecosystem services, a thorough review was carried out by carefully analyzing the facts and evidence from the literature. Tigray's damaged landscapes have been substantially recovered, with notable improvements in soil fertility, water availability, and the productivity of rain-fed and irrigated crops during the past 20 years. When Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) was implemented, changes in the environment, ecology, and microeconomics have been noted. The low survival rate of tree seedlings and the absence of revenue from enclosures might be seen as hazards that could compromise the sustainability of the accomplishments. One key factor is active involvement of all stakeholders as well as a strong sense of commitment and ownership by the local government and people.