4. Conclusion
This study demonstrates that spatially distributed models that do not require extensive data can be applied to provide a reasonable guide for identifying conservation priority areas. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model adjusted for complex terrain applied in this study showed that the rate of soil erosion in most of the studied catchments is above the rate that can be tolerated. The model adequately identifies areas of high sediment yield which need to be prioritized for management intervention. Based on the rates and spatial patterns of soil loss, it can be generalized that reservoirs located at the confluence of collapsing gullies upslope will experience high siltation risk and thus need to be conserved before constructing dams. Such simplified information should be of great value to decision makers and planners in pinpointing locations where intervention is necessary to reduce soil loss from catchments and its delivery into reservoirs. However, it generally appears that the model over predicts soil loss on areas of complex topography, which means that its performance could vary for different sites highlighting that there is no single model that can be applicable to different sites with diversified attributes. It is thus necessary to calibrate and validate before applying models to evaluate their applicability to the environmental conditions of areas under consideration.
