SWC measures practiced in the
area
Cutoff drains
The minimum used SWC measures in the study area were cutoff drains 7.7%
and with a mix of contour farming SWC practices. This structure is a
graded channel constructed mainly in moist areas to intercept and divert
the surface runoff from higher slopes and protect downstream into
cultivated land or village. It is constructed during the dry season to
avoid barriers to land preparation for the main cropping season. On the
contrary, cutoff drains in dry areas are used to divert runoff and
additional water into cultivated fields to increase soil moisture but
there is a limitation in practicing measures in the study area. The
farmers construct such structures to prevent loss of seeds, fertilizers,
and soil due to excessive run-off coming from uplands of the terrain.
This structure is constructed mainly by oxen-drawn plow, and reinforced
by stones, wood blocks of soils with grass. Here the difference is that
the structures are maintained by local materials and are not causing
serious problems in the area.
Waterways
Waterways can be natural or manmade drainage channels to receive
diverted runoff from cutoff drains in the upper slope. In the study
area, about 12.0% of the respondents (Table 3) responded that they
practice waterway with the integration of other conservation practices.
The waterway carries the excess runoff to rivers, reservoirs, or gullies
by creating more erosion damage.