Abstract:
The study was conducted in Soddo Zuria District, Wolita Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia. Soil erosion,
over grazing and over cultivation was the most common problem in the study area. The objective
of the study is assessment of soil and water conservation practices .Cross sectional study design
was used and purposive sampling technique used to select the study area .The Kebeles stratified
into two based on their agro ecology. Two kebeles were selected by simple random sampling.
324 households were selected. For house hold survey through Household survey, FGD, key
informant interview and field observation were used to get primary data. And also different
documents, journal articles and reports were used as secondary data. In the study area farmers
used both traditional and improved swc measures i.e. physical measures like soil bund, contour
farming, as well as biological methods like planting trees, grass strips, area closure and
agronomic measures like leaving crop residues in the field/mulching. Lack of knowledge to apply
swc methods, narrow farm size, and crop destroy pests in the structural swc measures and
technical challenges at selection of technology were challenges of swc works in the study area.
Farmers get extension education from public meetings, peer group farmers, kebele extension
agents, development agents and electronic media. Chi-squre and t-test were used to measure the
association between the variables and swc practices. According to the t-test and chi-square- test
result, the sex, education level, farm size and extension contact was significantly affects the
adoption of swc technologies at less than 1% significant level. Age, family size and marital status
of the the house hold head was no significant at 0.286, 0.545 and 0.387siginificacnt levels. To
sustain swc works select best technology that favorable for the agro ecology of the area, give
attention for structural swc works and maintain regularly and give lessons about swc practices
was important to manage soil and water in Dega kebele and protect community level swc works
like planted trees, community ponds,water diversion canals with regular maintainance is
important in Woina Dega keble.
