Introduction
Land degradation and soil erosion represent significant environmental challenges that jeopardize
global food security, ecosystem stability, and sustainable development. The United Nations has
recognized these issues as critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
particularly Goal 15, which focuses on life on land. Globally, approximately 1.5 billion people
are affected by land degradation, which manifests as reduced agricultural productivity, loss of
biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to climate change (United Nations Convention to
Combat Desertification, 2019). This degradation often stems from unsustainable land-use
practices, deforestation, overgrazing, and urbanization, which collectively undermine the health
of ecosystems that provide essential services to humanity.
Worldwide, land degradation is estimated to affect around 33% of the Earth's land surface,
leading to the loss of approximately 12 million hectares of productive land each year (Food and
Agriculture Organization, 2018). Soil erosion is a primary component of this degradation, caused
by water and wind that strip away topsoil, reducing land fertility and compromising agricultural
output. In many developing regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, the impacts are
pronounced due to reliance on rain-fed agriculture, which is highly susceptible to changes in
climate and weather patterns.
Africa is particularly vulnerable to land degradation and soil erosion due to its diverse
ecosystems, climatic variability, and socio-economic challenges. The continent loses about 22
million hectares of arable land annually due to land degradation, which has dire consequences
for food security and economic stability (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2014).
The interplay of rapid population growth, increasing demand for agricultural land, and climate
change exacerbates these challenges. Agricultural practices, including monoculture, inadequate
soil management, and deforestation for agricultural expansion, have contributed significantly to
soil erosion across the continent.
Ethiopia serves as a poignant example of the challenges posed by land degradation and soil
erosion in Africa. With approximately 85% of its population engaged in agriculture, the country's
economy is heavily dependent on the health of its land resources. However, Ethiopia experiences
severe soil erosion, with estimates indicating that about 42% of its land is affected by varying
degrees of degradation (Fisher et al., 2017). This erosion is primarily driven by unsustainable
agricultural practices, deforestation, and overgrazing, compounded by the country’s rugged
terrain and climatic variability.
Assessing land degradation and identifying soil erosion hotspots is essential for effective land
management, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Beshilo watershed in northeastern
Ethiopia. This watershed is characterized by its diverse ecosystems and significant agricultural
reliance, making it susceptible to the adverse effects of land degradation. Land degradation,
exacerbated by unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and climate variability, poses
a serious threat to the livelihoods of local communities and the overall ecological balance
(Alemayehu & Dejen, 2019).
In Ethiopia, where approximately 85% of the population is dependent on agriculture, the impacts
of soil erosion are pronounced. It is estimated that soil erosion in the country results in the loss of
millions of tons of fertile soil annually, severely affecting agricultural productivity and food
security (Fisher et al., 2017). The Beshilo watershed, like many areas in Ethiopia, faces the dual
challenges of land degradation and increasing population pressure, necessitating urgent
interventions to manage its natural resources sustainably.
