The impact of watershed development and management practices on rural
livelihoods outcome: A structural equation modeling study in central
highlands of Ethiopia
Abstract
The Ethiopian government increasingly recognized the watershed
development and management practices as an integral part of rural
livelihood development. However, studies associated with the impact of
watershed development and management practices on livelihoods are often
ambiguous. This study investigated the impact of WDMP on the rural
livelihoods outcomes; in terms of income and employment generation,
agricultural productivity, and social service and infrastructure. This
was a study of cross-sectional design. Structured Equation Modeling
(SEM) and Livelihood Approach (LA) were used to identify the impact of
WDMP and to assess the status of the livelihood assets, respectively.
The study found out that due to the implemented watershed development
and management practices, the agricultural productivity and incomes of
the community increased, employment opportunities were generated, and
social service and infrastructure improved in the study area. However,
there is no significant difference between the livelihood status of the
treated and untreated watersheds. The study suggests that improving
livelihood capital is needed to enhance agricultural productivity,
income and employment generation, as well as social service and
infrastructure through WDMP.
