L CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES IN ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY;THE CASE OF AWADA KEBELE DALE WOREDA SIDAMA REGION-ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Land degradation was a significant global issue during the 20th century and remains of high importance in the 21st century as it affects the environment, agronomic productivity, food security, and quality of life. About 99.7% of food is produced from the soil; thus, food security depends directly on soil productivity.Accelerated soil erosion is among the principal causes of the decrease in soil productivity and the increase in risks of global food insecurity.This study aimed to analyze the role of soil conservation practices in household food security in Awada Kebele, Dale Woreda-Sidama Region, Ethiopia. A research methodology, a cross-sectional and descriptive survey involving a qualitative and quantitative approach, was used by the researchers. Using the simple random sampling technique employed for this study,85 respondents were selected as the sample size. The primary data were obtained through a questionnaire, personal observation, a focus discussion group,and an interview. Secondary sources of data were collected from different published as well as unpublished documents, the internet, and reports available in the study area. The quantitative data were presented through the use of percentages, frequencies, tabulations, distributions, figures, and simple descriptive methods, and the qualitative data were interpreted using different words in order to achieve the end objectives of the study and answer the formulated research questions. The study confirmed that the predominant activities commonly identified as contributing to land resource degradation through anthropogenic and topographic factors. Even though soil conservation has many challenges, including the severity of soil erosion due to climatic factors, a lack of management skills and technical support, the steep topography of the land, and the lack of capital for practicing SCT, this study finally recommends that soil conservation is a multidimensional impact worthy of consideration to be incorporated into policy interventions by NGOs or government-designed projects. Development agents of the woreda or other project officers should give maximum attention to the dissemination of information about soil conservation technology to combat food insecurity.