A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITY, ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Soil and water conservation measures are activities which maintain or enhance the productive capacity of the soil through conservation of soil moisture, and maintenance or improvement of soil fertility. This study was aimed to assess the status of soil and water conservation in Chencha Zuria Woreda, in Gamo Zone. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were generated by using structured interview, non-participatory observation and questionnaire, while secondary data were collected from books, Journal article and thesis. Three Kebeles were selected by using purposive sampling technique, in which a total of 135 households were selected by using systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed by employing descriptive statistics using SPSS version 25. The status of adoption of SWC decision of household was analyzed by binary logistic regression model. The study result has shown that the status of soil and water conservation practice was limited, The major causes of less status of SWC were less commitment by farmers in SWCP, the failure to integrate using of physical measure with a biological and agronomic measure, demographic factors, lack of awareness about proper implementation SWC, and poor networking between the farmers and extension workers. Based on the result, extension service, credit service, sex and age were influencing household decision in adoption of SWC, while variables like, farm size, family size and education are not influencing the household decision on adoption of SWC. Conservation measure practiced in study areas including hill side terracing, soil bund, runoff diversion, grass strip and planting of trees. For better implementation of SWC, all stakeholders’ commitment, effective plan and rehabilitations measures are very important in Chencha Woreda, Southern Ethiopia.