Prioritization of Sub-Watersheds to Sediment Yield and Evaluation of Best Management Practices in Highland Ethiopia, Finchaa Catchment

Excessive soil loss and sediment yield in the highlands of Ethiopia are primary factors that accelerate decline land productivity, water resources, operation function existing infrastructure, as well management practices. This study was conducted at Finchaa catchment Upper Blue Nile basin to estimate rate erosion prioritize most sensitive sub-watersheds using Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The SWAT model calibrated validated observed streamflow data. average annual (SY) for period 1990–2015 36.47 ton ha?1 yr?1 with varying from negligible about 107.2 yr?1. Five sub-basins which account 24.83% area were predicted suffer severely risks, SY excess 50 Only 15.05% within tolerable (below 11 ha?1yr?1) considered least prioritized areas maintenance crop production. Despite reasonable reduction yields by scenarios, contour farming, slope terracing, zero free grazing reforestation still above loss. Vegetative strips bund significant reducing below loss, is equivalent 63.9% 64.8% reduction, respectively. In general, effective sustainable requires not only prioritizations hotspots but also We believe results provided new updated insights enable a proactive approach preserve reduce degradation risks could allow resource regeneration.