Stakeholder Perceptions on Multiple Ecosystem Services of Soil Conservation Practices in Tiwa Watershed, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Understanding stakeholders’ perceptions and preferences regarding different soil conservation practices (SCPs) are essential for addressing short-term ecosystem service (ES) values from a particular field. Demand for multiple ESs of SCPs has received limited attention. This study aimed to examine stakeholders’ perceptions on multiple ESs of SCPs in Tiwa watershed, Northwest highlands of Ethiopia. Results of the multi-criteria analysis method indicated that the combination of vegetation stabilised terracing, compost and crop residue under the legume-cereal crop rotation (LCCR) system was the most preferred conservation method for enhanced provisional, regulating and social ESs. Soil bunds stabilised with Sesbania sesban shrubs were the second preferred by providing more ESs. Subsequently, the inclusion of crop residue into the soil under the LCCR system, followed by compost use was perceived to regulate soil fertility and increase crop yields, and reduce the cost of chemical fertiliser in the short term. Hence, it is recommended that a combination of terraces stabilised with Sesbania sesban, and compost under the LCCR system can be the best alternative approach for multiple ESs in the highland of Ethiopia.