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 and
water conservation methods were introduced to combat this problem adoption of conservation
practices remains below expectations. This study was conducted on the practices and
perception of farmers on soil erosion and soil conservation practices in Gumer Woreda;
Gurage zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia. It aimed to assess the soil erosion and soilconservation
practices, in Gumer Woreda area. Systematic random sampling technique was used and selects
167 sample households beside three for key informant and nine household for focus group
discussion and the total sample size became 179. Data analysis was carried out by using
quantitative analysis and qualitative description. The finding of the study indicate that decrease
in productivity of farmland, increase in size of population, lack of full cooperation between the
farmers and agricultural expert , less awareness of the farmers in soil and water conservation
the adoption of improved farmland management, less access to agricultural expert services,
less number of the development agents, inadequate attention given from Woreda’s Agricultural
and Rural Development office are the major challenges encountering the implementation of
farmland management practices. Awareness creation and continuous training for the farmers
helps the practicing of farmland management in the study area, challenge of soil conservation
practice, the method used for conservation of soil, lack of full cooperation between the farmers
and, less awareness of the farmers in soil conservation practice, less number of the
development agents.
