Abstract:
Land degradation is a negative trend in land condition, caused by direct or indirect human –
induced processes, expressed as long term reduction in biological productivity, ecological
integrity, or value to humans. It is the common environmental problem in Ethiopia as well as in
Meta Wol- Kite woreda since the study area is a part of Ethiopia. In addition, land degradation
directly affects socio-economic activities. The major causes of land degradations are rapid
population increases, sever soil loss, deforestation, low vegetation cover, over grazing and
unsustainable land use. Efforts to combat land degradation is focused on physical conservation
structures such as agro forestry, contour framing, afforestation, reafforestation, sustainable land
use management .The general objective of the study was Land degradation assessment and its
socio-economic impacts in Meta Wol-Kite woreda. Specifically the study were to identify the
causes of land degradation, determine the magnitude, rate and extent of land degradation in the
study area, identify the effects of land degradation and finally, to identify strategies to reduce
land degradation in the study area specifically in three selected kebeles .Necessary information
was collected through questionnaire, interview, focus group discussion, key formant interview
from sample of 192, households. In order to address the stated objective, the researcher used
both qualitative and quantitative research approaches .For this study, necessary data were
collected through primary and secondary data sources and the collected data were analyzed by
using descriptive statistics. From field observation and data obtained from farmers of the study
area, there were widespread of land degradation that results affect socio economic activity in the
study area. The results of this study show that, land degradation is a serious problem which
negatively affects the socio economic condition of the study area. About 96.87% of respondents
replied that, there was land degradation in the study area and the problems of land degradation
is increasing from time to time .The study area would have improving soil fertility status and
sustainable forest-land management through introduction of soil and water conservation
strategies. Prohibit excess number of livestock with limited grazing land that results in over
grazing which leads to land degradation in addition to poor productivity from the sector and
protection of the land against over grazing
