A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ART IN GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

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.