Landscape scale Soil Erosion Modeling and Risk Mapping of Mountainous areas in Eastern Escarpment of Wondo Genet Watershed, Ethiopia

Soil erosion is a common phenomenon in Ethiopia, causing severe land degradation and/or desertification, especially in the dryland areas of the country. It is more acute in the highland areas, and is often associated with heavy loss in agricultural productivity. Cognizant of the severity of soil erosion and its impact, it is necessary to undertake appropriate management measures before it is too late. The Abaro–medeo area, a mountainous landscape in Wondo Genet Watershed, is among the highland erosion–prone areas in Ethiopia which received little conservation attention while soil loss from erosion is expectedly higher. A study was, thus, initiated to develop a landscape–based soil erosion model and show the risk level of the area, which could be an input for further sustainable management measures. The study employed RUSLE model together with GIS to develop soil erosion model. Based on the level of soil erosion rates, seven different priority categories were identified for further conservation interventions. The results show that nearly 39% of the study area suffer from a severe or very severe to extremely severe erosion risk (contributing to about 81% of the annual soil loss), mainly in the steeper slope banks of drainage areas where inappropriate cultivation practices occur, and in areas that are covered with sparse vegetation. The total annual soil loss potential of the study area was estimated at 64,014 tons from an area of 2,472 hectares. This urges for timely and integrated conservation endeavors from all stakeholders by taking the priority areas into the forefront.