Abstract:
Soil and water conservation in Ethiopia is mandatory to the sustainable growth of agricultural
sectors and over-all economy development at large. Different soil and water conservation
activities have been undertaken throughout the country including the study area. The main
objective of the study was to assess the practices and challenges of soil and water conservation
campaigns in Tachgaynint woreda of south Gondar zone, Ethiopia. The study used mixed cross
sectional design. The targets populations of the study were 1442 farmer households of whom 313
were selected as a sample size using systematic random sampilng technique. The study was
based on both primary and secondary sources. The questionnaire was distributed to farmer
Households; focus group discussion and interview were also used to collect relevant data from
concerned officers. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were employed
.Quantitative data were computed in computer software, SPSS. The overall results of the study
indicated that 258 (89.3%) households involved in the major SWC on the techniques practiced to
control soil erosion were practicing contour plowing, terracing, making stone or vegetation
barriers. The major challenges to SWC are the presence low participation of the community in
conservation campaigns, unable to construct proper conservation structures, over grazing and
over cultivation which were found causing soil erosion and affecting the conservation practices.
Therefore, we can conclude that in the campaign of SWC, the community practiced different
campaigns though there were some challenges. On the basis of the findings of the study, it has
been recommended that soil and water conservation practices might be assured of full and active
participation of the local community and local government. So strategies should be planned and
designed to mobilize the whole public to actively participate.
