Land Management Practices and their Contribution to Crop Production and Soil Erosion Control in the Bale Eco-Region, South-eastern Ethiopia

In our study, the impact of adoption of improved land management practices on crop productivity and soil erosion control in the Bale Eco-Region, South Eastern Ethiopia. Both purposive and stratified sampling techniques were used to collect primary data. Secondary data were also collected from government offices report, Kebeles Level reports and Oromia region land administration proclamation. The study area was stratified into three strata, based on distinct agro-ecologies, i.e., highland-, mid-altitude-and lowland area and then, one District from each agro-ecology were purposively selected. Two Kebeles from each District were purposively selected based on land management practices. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 165 households. A household survey, group discussions and key informant interviews were carried out. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and mean comparison were used for data analysis. The results show that inter-cropping, crop rotation, mulching, animal manure, traditional rotational grazing and traditional terracing were the most common indigenous land management practices in the study area. Improved terracing, composting, application of inorganic fertilizers, improved crop seed, agroforestry and cutting and carrying system were observed as improved land management practices. The results show a significant difference in crop productivity and soil erosion control between so-called adopters of improved land management practices and non-adopters.