Sustainability of the long-term indigenous soil and water conservation practices in the UNESCO designated cultural landscapes of Konso, Ethiopia

Abstract

The role of sociocultural values and indigenous institutions in the sustainability of soil and water conservation (SWC) practices has not been well addressed in previous studies. Therefore, this study explores the role of sociocultural values and indigenous institutions in the sustainability of SWC practices in Konso, Ethiopia. The study used key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations to collect data. The data were coded and analyzed thematically. The study shows that sociocultural values, cooperative labor groups, and indigenous institutions served as the backbone for the sustainability of indigenous SWC practices for many years. However, recent trends in urbanization and the introduction of modern administration have led to a gradual weakening of Konso indigenous institutions and sociocultural values. The introduction of modern administration and urbanization significantly reduced the role of indigenous sociocultural and political institutions. The study also indicates that a persistent decline in farmland productivity due to erratic rainfall is threatening the sustainability of SWC practices as it has forced the youth to engage in off-farm activities. When crops fail due to unreliable rainfall, some family members temporarily migrate to some towns in southern Ethiopia in search of jobs. Consequently, SWC structures remain unmaintained on some farmland for a season. Weakening of indigenous political institutions and sociocultural values, erratic rainfall, and recurrent droughts lead to the deterioration of SWC practices. Therefore, to ensure the long-term sustainability of indigenous SWC practices in Konso, the government and conservation NGOs should support socio-cultural institutions to restore and promote social norms, values, and indigenous conservation measures.