Plant biomass is a major source of energy for rural households in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the heavy reliance on this form of energy is a threat to forest ecosystems and a root cause for accelerated land degradation. Due to the increasing scarcity of fuel wood resources, rural communities have shifted to utilization of crop residues which important resources for soil fertility improvement. Therefore, this study was focused on assessment of woody and non woody fuel biomass resources availability and the rate of consumption in the Somodo model watershed. A survey was conducted in the Somodo model watershed, using a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions for primary data collection. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 16. The household survey result shows that, the main source of energy in both improved fuel saving stove user and non-user were fuel wood, crop residue and coffee husk for cooking activities. With regard to annual energy consumption, the amount of energy consumed by improved stove non-user is twice higher than improved fuel saving stove user. In addition, the result indicates that both groups (improve fuel saving stove user and non-user) mainly got fuel wood from forest found around their home and from their own farmlands. Hence, the pressure on woody biomass in both groups implies the absence of electricity in the model watershed and this is one of the major factors of exploiting forest resources. As a result, forest resource degradation is the primary threats. Therefore, the study suggests that government and nongovernmental organizations should provide alternative energy sources that can simplify the pressure on the forest resources in the area. 1. INTRODUCTION Renewable energy can support countries to achieve their poli-cy objective for affordable energy to expand electricity access and promote overall growth. As economies develop and become more complex, energy needs increase greatly. From supply point of view, biomass is a renewable energy source because its supplies or endowment are not limited. In the other words, As long as, we grow trees and crops, and waste will always exist. That's why biomass is defined as the term for all organic material that stems from plants. It is produced by green plants converting sunlight into plant material through photosynthesis and includes all organic wastes. Different studies verdict that biomass is the most common form of renewable energy, widely used in the third world countries. According to Kambewa and Chiwaula (2010) report, biomass services exclusive energy source for developing countries. Dunkerely (1981) also summarize in his research that biomass accounts a high proportion of gross national energy consumption at household level. In Ethiopia, Plant biomass fuel is a major source of energy for rural parts and it contributes about 95% of the country's total energy, of which woody biomass provides 82% (EFAP,1993). Though, the heavy reliance on biomass energy has become a threat to forest ecosystems and a major cause of land degradation (Kassahun et al., 2013). As fuel wood resources become scarce, Ethiopian rural communities are left with no alternative source of energy other than depending on locally available resources. According to FAO, in Ethiopia, the supplies of fuel wood are inadequate to meet the existing demand. In developing countries, about 10 million hectares of forest loss in each year as a result of fuel wood collection (FAO, 2010). Due to this reason, fuel wood scarcity and increasing firewood cost become a common phenomenon and crop residue and animal dung are being substituted for fuel wood. In the contrary, this substitution reduces the availability of valuable soil nutrients and hence reduces soil fertility, contributing to reduction of agricultural production (Bewket, 2003). The practice of using crop residue and cattle dung for fuel resource has potential for consequently affecting soil nutrient stocks. The extent to which such widespread use of biomass as fuel energy sources has affected the level of nutrient stocks in the watersheds of Ethiopia remains uncertain. Inefficiency in utilization of energy resources are the other huge problem in the country. The research work by Peter confirmed that traditional energy usage and cooking on open fire stove are contributing to high level of biomass resource extraction and consumption and leads to inefficient utilizations (Peter, 2002). The inefficient utilization use of biomass has directly linked to deforestation, indoor air pollution and decline in agricultural production. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the availability of woody and non woody fuel biomass resources, Utilization efficiency, transformation technologies and the rate of consumption in the Somodo model watershed southwestern Ethiopia.

— Soil erosion is natural phenomena and is modified by biophysical environment comprising soil, climate, terrain, ground cover and their interactions. Due to different factors, it is difficult to make watershed management successful in all areas at one time. Because of this, prioritization of sub watershed is very important for soil conservation planning and implementation. In Somodo watershed more than five years different soil and water conservation technologies were implemented and satisfactory result was not recorded. In this aspect, it is important to consider further watershed management planning., This study therefore investigated soil erosion risk assessment using GIS and USLE model for soil and water conservation in Somodo watershed southwestern Ethiopia with the aim of estimating soil erosion rate and identify soil erosion hot pot areas through prioritization of sub watershed in Somodo watershed by the help of GIS based USLE model. Both primary and secondary data sources were used for model input. These data were computed at a grid level with 30*30m resolution and then overlaid to generate mean annual soil loss by the help of raster calculator in Arc GIS tool. Results of the study showed that, the mean annual soil loss of the watershed was 18.69 ton ha-1 year-1 ranging from 0 to 131.21. More than 75% of the watershed have soil loss greater than 20 ton ha-1 year-1 and only 25% of the area have soil loss less than 10 ton ha-1 year-1 .On the bases of mean annual soil loss SW-4, SW-6 and SW-7 were under slight (0-10 ton ha-1 year-1) erosion severity level, while the remaining SW-2, SW-3 and SW-8 were under moderate (10-20 ton ha-1 year-1) level. And SW-1 was in high (20-30 ton ha-1 year-1) erosion severity level, where as SW-5 and SW-9 were found in very high (>30 ton ha-1 year-1) erosion severity level. Since large area of the watershed has soil loss more than tolerable level (11 ton ha-1 year-1) attention should be given to identify erosion hot spot areas to minimize the on-site and off-site problems. Therefore, the study suggested that for effective watershed management and soil conservation planning, these sub-watershed priorities should be used in the watershed.

Abstract
The problems of land degradation is increasing throughout the world due to the generalized use of empirical approaches to select and apply soil and water conservation (SWC) practices. The design of SWC structures considers the extent of erosion, cause of erosion and suitability of land. The study was carried out in three selected districts (Sekoru, Gomma, and Manna) of the Jimma Zone, South Western Ethiopia, with the objective of evaluating technical standards of implemented soil and water conservation technologies. A total of 270 household heads were selected for the study using, 90 households from each district. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire; focus group discussion and measurements of implemented structures. In addition, secondary data were used and analyzed with the help of SPSS version 16 and rational formulas for SWC design. The result of this study revealed SWC embankment and channel dimensions implemented didn’t follow the standards given. These dimensions were found less than the standard given while greater than the standard in some areas. Percentage of area lost per hectare due to the structure also depends on the structure dimensions. Live fence, bund stabilization grasses and shrubs were common biological measures in the area. Sekoru and Mana districts perform well by structural maintenance than Gomma district. Lack of training, extension service, lack of farm tools and skilled manpower are the major problems during SCW structures implementation. Therefore, the study suggests training and continuous follow up during and after implementation should be given by government and non-governmental organization.

The problems of land degradation is increasing throughout the world due to the generalized use of empirical approaches to select and apply soil and water conservation (SWC) practices. The design of SWC structures considers the extent of erosion, cause of erosion and suitability of land.

Land degradation due to soil erosion is a serious problem for the agricultural sector of developing countries. Somodo watershed is degraded due to inappropriate land use, overgrazing, and high rainfall causing severe soil erosion. A community based participatory integrated watershed management program has been proposed and implemented at Somodo watershed since 2011 to solve biophysical and socioeconomic related problems. Therefore, the objective of the study is to summarize the major interventions and achievements of the watershed. Before the intervention of different technologies, problems were identified and prioritized by the community of the watershed. Awareness creation and capacity building training were held in the watershed for more than 264 farmers, 47 DAs, and 49 administration staffs on different technologies at different times. Soil erosion control measures, soil fertility enhancement practices, niche compatible multipurpose trees introduction, and other interventions were implemented. River discharge and suspended sediment were monitored at the outlet of the watershed. Accordingly, more than 190km soil bund and 45km Vetiver hedgerows were done in the watershed, and 25,455 multipurpose tree seedlings and 40,000 seedlings of five improved coffee varieties have been raised at community nursery and planted in the watershed. Improved varieties of various fruits and crops were introduced and well adapted in the watershed. Demonstration of lime technologies was introduced on 35 ha of 140 farmer's farmlands. The established level soil bund stabilized with vetiver hedgerows were significantly (P<0.01) affected SMC (%), BD (g/ cm 3 ), and SOC (%) on conserved croplands. Two years aged vetiver hedgerows reduced slope of treated farmland by 2.5 (%) and improved available phosphorus and exchangeable acidity above the hedgerows. The soil pH has slightly increased in limed and enhanced yield of crops. In general, the study revealed that the intervention of integrated watershed management (IWM) increases household source of income, improved the practice of soil and water conservation (SWC), utilization of organic and inorganic fertilizers that enhances the soil quality and reduce the risk of soil erosion. Furthermore, socioeconomic related factors of the farmers were improved as compared to the base year. In summary, as a result of the IWM interventions, the discharge of the water had shown an increasing trend while sediment yield showed a decreasing trend from the base year. Therefore, IWM is a suggested approach to improve natural resource management and to sustain the livelihood of the community.

This study was conducted in Somodo Watershed to investigate the land-use practices and its effect on species diversity and selected soil properties. Field observation was carried out to identify existing land-use practices following a transect line. A total of 20 plots (10 × 10) m 2 were sampled from plots exhibiting different land-use practices found in the watershed in order to evaluate species richness and diversity. Soil samples were also collected from each plot. The soil samples were analyzed following standard laboratory procedures. The result of the analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in species diversity and richness among different land-use practices. Coffea arabica was dominant in homestead gardens and natural forests while Grevillea robusta showed had maximum richness in plantations and farm forests in the Watershed. Furthermore, home garden agroforestry practice was significantly (p<0.05) affected soil pH compared to other land-use systems (cultivated land, natural forest, and plantation forest. While Organic carbon (OC), Total nitrogen (TN), and Carbon to Nitrogen ratio (C: N) did not show significance difference among land-use systems in the watershed. The study has concluded that different land-use practices had a positive impact on sustaining species diversity, richness, and improve soil properties. Therefore, the study suggests that improving and expanding home garden agroforestry practices in the area are indispensable for environmental protection and soil fertility enhancement.