Seifu Kebede - Corresponding author: Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jimma Institute of Technology, Jimma University, P.O. Box ۳۷۸, Ethiopia
Fekadu Fufa - Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jimma Institute of Technology, Jimma University, P.O. Box ۳۷۸, Ethiopia

Background: Because of natural and anthropogenic phenomena, most mountain areas experience significant soil loss. It is critical for watershed management to identify high soil loss rates and prone areas. Therefore, the present research aimed to estimate spatial annual soil loss rates and prioritize soil erosion prone areas of the Finca’aa watershed at sub-watershed level. Methods: The revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model, the extension of geographic information system based on five parameters: rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), slope length and slope steepness (LS), vegetation cover (C), and conservation techniques (P), was applied. This study also used weather data, a soil type map, a digital elevation model (DEM), and land use land cover, which were all analyzed using ArcGIS ۱۰.۴. Results: Annual soil loss rates ranged from negligible to ۲۳۴ t ha-۱ yr-۱. The average rates of soil loss was ۳۳.۳ t ha-۱ yr-۱. Approximately ۶۳.۳۶% of the catchment was within and ۳۶.۶۴% of the catchment was above the maximum permissible level, respectively. Approximately ۱.۹۶% were in critical condition. Agricultural practices were the primary cause in the watershed’s mountain and hilly areas. Conclusion: The outcome is critical for planners and resource managers interested in long-term watershed management. Also, it is very important for sustainable growth development of ۲۰۳۰ agendas.

Geographic information system, Prone area, Soil erosion, Water movement