Research Article
Mapping Soil Erosion Hotspot Areas in the Bwabwata Watershed North Central Highlands of Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
114-129
Received:
6 May 2025
Accepted:
27 May 2025
Published:
4 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijema.20251304.11
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Abstract: Soil erosion produces major environmental problems in Ethiopian highlands while continuing to affect the Bwabwata watershed as an ecological issue. Effective control of soil erosion in watersheds necessitates the identification of erosion hotspots. The identification of such hotspots has been missing from past research investigations within this area. A GIS-based RUSLE model implementation helps estimate soil loss and determine the order of priority for sub-watersheds in terms of soil and water conservation planning. Mean annual precipitation, together with digital soil data and digital elevation models combined with slope steepness measurements, allowed the computation of RUSLE output values. The RUSLE model incorporated into a GIS platform evaluated soil erosion effects resulting from land use and land cover changes in three specific periods. The quantitative evaluation shows both cropland and settlement areas extended from 2004 to 2024, but forest and shrubland decreased because of their conversion to different land uses. The watershed experienced a significant elevation of mean annual soil erosion rate from 28.63 t/ha/yr in 2004 to 32.99 t/ha/yr in 2014, with a subsequent minor erosion reduction to 30.93 t/ha/yr in 2024. Currently, the total soil loss in the study area amounts to 117,545.25 tons from 3,800 hectares. The soil loss tolerance threshold exceeds in 42% of the study area, which spreads across 1,595.76 hectares, resulting in high erosion risk areas. A successful approach to safeguarding watershed resources requires specific allocation of SWC efforts toward high-risk sub-watersheds, along with planned LULC management.
Abstract: Soil erosion produces major environmental problems in Ethiopian highlands while continuing to affect the Bwabwata watershed as an ecological issue. Effective control of soil erosion in watersheds necessitates the identification of erosion hotspots. The identification of such hotspots has been missing from past research investigations within this ar...
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Research Article
Spatiotemporal Variability and Characterization of Seasonal and Annual Rainfall in Gojjam, Ethiopia
Tilahun Sewagegn*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
130-143
Received:
3 May 2025
Accepted:
21 May 2025
Published:
7 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijema.20251304.12
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Abstract: Identifying the spatiotemporal variability and characterization of rainfall in a given area is essential for effective water resource management, agricultural planning, and disaster preparedness. This study used ENACTS data to assess the variability of rainfall and characterize seasonal rainfall in Gojjam from 1991-2020. The results indicated that Gojjam had received mostly on Bega, Belg, Kiremt, and annually 120-200 mm, 200-450mm, 1000-1300 mm, and 1300-1700 mm rainfall respectively. The mean annual rainfall is 1395.1 mm. The results show that the main rainy seasonal rainfall starts on average from 24 May to 3 June and ceases averagely around 13-27 September. The mean length of the growing season was 120 days. It also indicated that high rainfall variability was observed over the study area. The result stated that most parts of the study area are under strong precipitation concentration during all seasons. Characterization and identified variability of seasonal rainfall were important especially for rain-fed agriculture and hydrological advisory at the zone level to support the community. These findings highlight the need for adaptation strategies to mitigate the potential impacts of changing rainfall patterns on agriculture and water resources in Gojjam.
Abstract: Identifying the spatiotemporal variability and characterization of rainfall in a given area is essential for effective water resource management, agricultural planning, and disaster preparedness. This study used ENACTS data to assess the variability of rainfall and characterize seasonal rainfall in Gojjam from 1991-2020. The results indicated that ...
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