Abstract:
Land degradation is one of the major challenges in Agricultural production in many parts of the world, especially in developing nations like Ethiopia. Even though a number of soil conservation methods were introduced to combat land degradation, soil conservation practice remains below expectations. This research was conducted in Ambo wereda, specifically in Sankale Faris, Amaro and Golja kebeles found in Ambo wereda. It was aimed to examine farmers’ views about soil conservation practice at the local level. Survey questionnaire, key informant interviews and FGD methods were applied to collect both qualitative and quantitative information from the households. Field survey was conducted to collect necessary data from 151 sample households selected from the three kebele associations. The household’s survey questionnaire data have been analyzed by percentages and presented by tables, bar graph and pie charts. The results shows that the total areas of plots, age of house hold heads, education of house hold heads, total number of livestock, participation and assess to extension services are among the major factors that positively and significantly influence soil conservation practices. The data showed in addition thatsoil/stone bunds, cut-off drain, Fanya juu, grass strips and water way furrow were implemented on steep land. Soil conservation practices are effective in addressing on farm flooding and erosion. They also increased productivity, vegetation cover and soil moisture content.
