Debre-Yacob watershed is found in Amhara region West Gojam zone, Mecha wereda specifically in Felege-Hiwot and partly in Sira Betigel Kebeles. The watershed shares boundaries with Midre Genet kebelle to the North, Amarakanti hill to the south, Lumamie watershed to the west and Koga river to the North East. The watershed has area coverage of 325 ha. 

The topography of Debre Yakob watershed is characterized as undulating with some hills and flood plain that form heterogeneity in landscape and considered as representative of the surrounding environment. The aspect of the watershed is aligned from South West to North East, dissected by two small depressions. The heterogeneity in topography mainly containing undulating and hilly terrain makes the watershed vulnerable to soil erosion. As a result rill formation and gully development is prominent in many part of the watershed. In Debre Yakob watershed around 4% of the watershed is considered as flat. On the contrary around 6% of the watershed is very steep and totally unfavorable for crop cultivation.  The remaining (90%) of the watershed is sloping (gentle to moderate) and makes the watershed unsuitable for crop cultivation without SWC measures. 

Basic Information of the watershed

Biophysical Information

• Total Area: 325ha
• Altitude: 2074-2262m a.s.l
• Agroecology: Woyna Dega
• Average Rainfall: 1300mm/yr
• Average Temperature: 200C

Socio-economic Information

• Total Population: 975, Male: 497, Female: 478
• Average family  Size: 4.6
• Livelihood: Mixed farming
• Homestead: Poor homestead  management
• Major Crops:  Teff, Maize, sorghum and millet
• Productivity: 12qu/ha for Teff, 16qu/ha for Millet, and 30qu/ha for Maize

Major Challenges

• Shortage of forage source
• Lack of alternative livelihood options and limited diversification opportunities and limited income generating activities
• Land degradation  and huge gully formation

Opportunities

• Homestead development package for multiple and productive use(i.e. Apiculture, cultivation of cash crops)
• Possible and potential surface water development opportunities
• Livestock development especially fattening