4.4. Integrated Watershed Management as an Option to Combat Erosion and
Sedimentation
Integrated Watershed Management is a method of handling human activities and natural resources on a watershed
basis. The method allows the conservation and development of water and other land resources in an integrated
way in a specific delineated area of land (Figure 1).
A number integrated watershed management principles can be adopted based on the specific settings of watershed,
but the general ones could include the following.
Agronomic management methods integrated with sound soil and water conservation and development
techniques can reduce the impact of the erosion and sedimentation processes. This could also help to maximize
the infiltration potentials of the soil. The agronomic activities can include crop and vegetation management, crop
rotation, shifting cultivation, grazing land management, etc. [7].
In terms of cost, the agronomic measures of soil and water management are less costly and demands less labour
in terms of reducing raindrop impact on soil detachment process, increasing infiltration capacity, reducing
runoff volume, increasing productivity of the land and decreasing wind and water velocities in an integrated way.
This method, however, requires time to get well established [8].
Mechanical methods of water and soil conservation are not productive by their own as the physical structures
can’t stop the detachment and loosening of soil particles. They are, however, effective when used in an integrated
way with the agronomic practices where they will be effective in controlling excessive runoff and wind.
The establishment cost of mechanical methods is also labour and cost demanding and can be associated with
negative impacts like rats, narrowing farmable field size, etc.
5. Concluding Remarks
Watershed soil erosion and reservoir sedimentation are some of the major environmental problems that reduce
the productivity of land resources in Ethiopia. The Integrated Watershed Management approach, as evolved in
recent years, should be employed to harmonize the comprehensive objectives of increasing agricultural productivity
and production. Therefore, the proper designing of integrated watershed management and conservation
strategies is a crucial element to reduce the current rate of environmental degradation and boost up agricultural
production in the country.