Assessments of the Effects of Land Degradation on Freshwater and Local Communities Participation in Essera District, Dawro Zone, South Western Ethiopia

Human activities such as pollution, habitat destruction, overexploitation and foreign plant and animal invasions are resulting in the ever-increasing loss of the freshwater resource biodiversity wealth. A natural and human induced change to freshwater resource patterns is critical for efficiently conserving and managing these highly impacted ecosystems. Water is indispensable for all forms of life. Conversion of natural forests into cultivated fields can affect water and soil. Perception of soil erosion as a hazard to agricultural production and sustainable agriculture is the most important determinant of participatory integrated watershed management practices. Land in the study area is scarce mainly due to population pressure. Spring is the source of water for drinking and other purposes. Hand dug wells, rivers, surface water, and pipe water are the sources of water in the study area. Removing silts and other dirties deposited in to water by using different materials and hand. Others plant tree and grass to keep their freshwater resource from siltation, still others use cut off drainage and diversion ditch to keep their water resource from damage caused by land degradation. Integrated activities are required to minimize land degradation and fresh water. Keywords: land degradation, fresh water, soil and water conservation, Esser