Abstract:
Participatory watershed management development practice have found to change the
responsibility of individuals over natural resource conservation, employment opportunities
for rural poor and finally make development effort that are socially desirable and
ecologically suitable. However, its implementation has not been successful in most cases
due to various barriers. The major challenges that faced in sustained livelihood were the
concern of this study. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of
participatory watershed management for sustainable rural livelihood in case of Gawiso
watershed in Sibu Sire Woreda of East Wollega zone. Multi-stage sampling design was
employed to conduct this study. From the Kebele found in the Woreda, three Kebeles were
selected using purposive sampling techniques, two hundred four (204) household and six (6)
key informants were selected for study. The data obtained from survey questionnaire entered
into SPSS software to analyze the data. Then descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage,
graphical tables are used. The major finding of this study shown that lack of communities
participation, non-sustainable watershed management due to lack of awareness, Biophysical, socio-economic and political challenges, little technical support and training, and
lack of coordination between government and communities. Some recommendations were
forwarded including training for development agent and other stakeholders to change the
livelihood of communities in the study area by generating income from agriculture and nonagricultural activities encouraging the community develop proper watershed management
and give them support.
