CONCLUSION

The study assesses the status of selected watersheds in the Gumara watershed to understand the approaches adopted to implement watershed development practices. These practices were annual governmental campaigns through community mobilization. Though farmers believe in the significance of installing SWCP at the watershed level, the performance of the practices was not as expected. Currently, farmers complaining about the approach followed by the government and the time they invested in conservation programs creates untrusted by the community. The campaign just considered the number of participating farmers regardless of the quality and standards of installed measures. As a result, farmers have withdrawn from active participation and tied up in the enforcement. In addition, experts were unable to provide technical support to the whole sub-watersheds during the campaign. Finally, the community should carry out maintenance of previously constructed structures and the decision-makers must evaluate the status of measures for the long-term sustainability of efforts. Further study on alternative watershed development and management modality of programs from different perspectives is advisable to sustainably satisfy the needs of the community and viability of natural resources.