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.