Prioritization of Erosion Hotspot Microwatersheds for Conservation Planning Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques in Antsokia-Gemiza District of North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Soil erosion is one of the most severe forms land degradation, which has a wide range adverse on-site and off-site impacts in highlands Ethiopia general study area particular. The objective this was to estimate soil erosion, identify prioritize hotspot microwatersheds Antsokia-Gemiza district. Revised Universal Loss Equation (RUSLE) used potential annual loss. Geographic Information System (GIS) remote sensing techniques were delineate microwatersheds, produce spatial map all parameters outputs, microwatersheds. Based on analysis, loss district ranges from 0 240 t·ha−1year−1 with mean 43.21 t·ha−1year−1. About 12442.86 ha (33.18%) falls under low moderate severity classes, it total not exceeding 11 (which an acceptable or tolerable loss). rest land, covers 25046.32 (66.82%) area, high extremely classes need prime attention), amounts ranging 11.01 For prioritization purposes, estimated reclassified into 12 amount across each microwatershed, MW10, MW9, MW11 ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd percentage 96.3%, 94.36%, 89.28%, respectively. On other hand, covered by existing water conservation practices 5606.10 ha, 3808.06 physical measures, 1305.67 biological measures 492.37 closure. Most implemented classes. higher percentages will get priority for intervention. Hence, integrated results provide useful information decision-making process concerning susceptibility Besides, GIS approaches identification using RUSLE are found be more appropriate.