The performance of selected soil and water conservation measures—case studies from Ethiopia and Eritrea

This paper investigates the performance of selected soil and water conservation measures in the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea, namely Fanya Juu, soil/stone bund, grass strips and double ditches. The impact of these techniques on runoff, soil loss, crop yield and biomass production is measured at on-farm experimental sites in seven research sites under different agro-ecological conditions. On one hand, most measures brought about a considerable reduction in soil loss and runoff. The latter, however, increases the waterlogging hazard, particularly in sub-humid environments. On the other hand, crop yield and biomass production did not increase, as it would have been necessary to compensate for the high costs of soil conservation. Thus, the measures tested only partially fulfil their requirements. To enhance their adaptability to local conditions, they must be supplemented with biological and agronomic measures that help improve production.