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Research/Technical Note
GIS-Based Land Use and Land Cover Change Assessment Around Assosa District, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Genet Amsalu,
Yimam Mekonen*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
122-128
Received:
7 March 2024
Accepted:
23 March 2024
Published:
20 September 2024
Abstract: Land, with its intricate blend of geological, topographical, hydrological, and ecological elements, reflects the interplay of natural processes and human activities. In Ethiopia, traditional agricultural practices often lack systematic planning based on land suitability and physical characteristics, hindering agricultural productivity and economic progress. Understanding shifts in land use and cover is crucial for comprehending broader global transformations. Early studies have unveiled significant alterations in land use and cover between 2009 and 2013. Our investigation extends from 2013 to 2023, employing Landsat 8 imagery at three-year intervals (2013, 2018, and 2023) to analyze five key land cover categories: forests, farmland, built-up areas, barren land, and water bodies. Notably, farmland and built-up areas witnessed substantial expansion over these periods, juxtaposed with a significant decline in forest cover. Forests decreased by 27% from 2013 to 2018, with an additional 7% decrease from 2018 to 2023. Conversely, farmland expanded by 19% from 2013 to 2018 and by 2% from 2018 to 2023, while built-up areas saw respective increases of 4% and 10% over the same periods. These trends underscore potential environmental challenges if unaddressed. Effective land management strategies are crucial to mitigate adverse impacts on ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and overall socio-economic stability. By integrating scientific insights with sustainable practices, we can navigate the intricate dynamics of land use, paving the way for a resilient and prosperous future.
Abstract: Land, with its intricate blend of geological, topographical, hydrological, and ecological elements, reflects the interplay of natural processes and human activities. In Ethiopia, traditional agricultural practices often lack systematic planning based on land suitability and physical characteristics, hindering agricultural productivity and economic ...
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Research Article
The Influence of Climatic, Geological and Hydrodynamic Factors on Slope Stability at Kekem in the West Region of Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
129-138
Received:
12 August 2024
Accepted:
2 September 2024
Published:
23 September 2024
Abstract: This study focuses on the influence of climatic, geological and hydrodynamic factors on slope stability of Kekem located in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. The methodological approach was based on the analysis of three factors: hydrological, geological and assessment of the hydrodynamic parameters influencing the stability of slopes. The hydrological factors indicate an average annual rainfall of 1,763.04 mm, generating 248.59 mm of runoff and around 402.61 mm of infiltrated water. Geologically, the soils have a high angle of friction at all three elevations, from 25.8° at the bottom of the slope to 27.2° at mid-slope and 26.2° at the top. On the other hand, the cohesion of these soils remains low, varying from 0.325 bar at the bottom of the slope to 0.265 bar at the top and 0.225 bar at mid-slope. Permeability analysis yielded values ranging from 1 x 10-9 to 1 x 10-11 m/s, with an overall porosity of around 55%. These conditions, combined with the morphology of the environment, are the main causes of slope instability in the Kekem district.
Abstract: This study focuses on the influence of climatic, geological and hydrodynamic factors on slope stability of Kekem located in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. The methodological approach was based on the analysis of three factors: hydrological, geological and assessment of the hydrodynamic parameters influencing the stability of slopes. The hydrolo...
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Research Article
Farmers' Awareness of Land Degradation and Adoption of Soil and Water Conservation Practices in Hidebu Abote, Ethiopia
Feyisa Ararsa*,
Chala Debele
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
139-151
Received:
14 September 2024
Accepted:
6 October 2024
Published:
29 October 2024
Abstract: In Ethiopia, land degradation is a serious problem that affects both overall economic growth and agricultural output. Even while nutrient depletion, soil erosion, and deteriorating soil quality are serious issues, many land conservation initiatives today neglect to consider the expertise of farmers and local requirements. This study's primary goal was to evaluate farmers' knowledge of land degradation and their practice of soil and water conservation techniques in Ethiopia's Hidebu Abote. Data were gathered through focus groups, key informant interviews, household surveys, secondary data analysis, and focus groups. According to the findings, over 75% of the participants were aware of the factors that contribute to land degradation, such as poverty, rocky terrain, bad farming techniques, overgrazing, overcultivation, and soil erosion. Farmers used techniques such as contour farming, fallowing, fanyajuu, cut-off drains, soil bunds, and manure application in addition to more modern methods of conserving water and soil. The adoption of soil and water conservation methods by farmers was impacted by several factors such as age, gender, size of family, educational background, NGOs' incentives, farm size, land tenure, and distance from homestead. The study indicates that encouraging farmers to manage and conserve their land should be the priority for any policy or program aiming at land resource management and soil conservation. Policymakers and development professionals can use the findings as guidance to create efficient interventions to alleviate land degradation in the research area and other comparable contexts.
Abstract: In Ethiopia, land degradation is a serious problem that affects both overall economic growth and agricultural output. Even while nutrient depletion, soil erosion, and deteriorating soil quality are serious issues, many land conservation initiatives today neglect to consider the expertise of farmers and local requirements. This study's primary goal ...
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