Practices And Challenges Of Agricultural Land Management In Sinan Woreda, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

The main concern of this study was assessing practices, and challenges of agricultural land management in Sinan Woreda. The research aimed at investigating the types of agricultural land management practices, the challenges that impede the practice of more effective agricultural land management and the role of development agents in agricultural land management. In order to achieve the above stated objectives both primary and secondary data were generated. The techniques of collecting primary data sources includes semi-structured household survey questionnaires with farm households, group discussion with farmers, field observations and indepth interview with development agents, agriculture office officers and individual farmers. Secondary data were collected from published and unpublished materials like research reports, journals, books and electronic documents. The study used purposive sampling technique to select Sinan (the study woreda) and five sample Kebeles of the woreda. The selection of the woreda and the sample Kebeles was done purposively because it is a Woreda most affected by degradation. The country has been hampered by wide range of degraded land in many parts, especially in Amhara National Regional State. Simple random sampling technique was also employed to select 357 farm household participants from the sample Kebeles. The data collected was analyzed using both statistical tools such as percentage, mean, value, and frequency and qualitative approach. The finding of the study revealed that, farmers have widely practiced only agricultural land management options that are more associated with their agricultural practices like contour plowing, crop rotation, use of improved crop and diversion ditches. Additionally, farmers’ use of organic sources fertilizer and their indigenous soil fertility management practices were found to be limited. The agricultural land in the study area was found to be under serious degradation problem indicted by the development of rill and gully areas over crop farm fields and communal grazing fields. It was identified that institutional capacity related constraints, technical gaps, unsuitable agricultural fields and the attitude of local farmers were among the major challenges that impede the practice of more effective agricultural land management options in the study area. Finally, in light of these findings, wider range of support and awareness creation, the provision of practical based trainings, urgent intervention to expand biological management practices and institutional capacity development help the practice of effective agricultural land management in the study area.