SOIL CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES BY SMALL HOLDER FARMERS: THE CASE OF MOJAN WEDERA WOREDA, NORTH SHOA ZONE, AMHARA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study was conducted on soil conservation and management practices by small holder farmers in the case of Mojana WederaWoreda, North Shoa Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. The data for this study was collected from both primary and secondary data sources .The primary data sources was collected through questionnaires ,interview ,field observation and focus group discussion.232 sample households for questionnaires and 6 key informative interview and 9 participant of focus group discussion were used. Descriptive survey research design was used. The obtained quantitative data were analyzed by basic Statistical Package foe Social Science version 20. Descriptive analysis was employed. The result indicated that, major factor influencing farmers’ soil conservation and management practices were found to be physical, socio-economic, cultural and instructional factors. The research results also showed that farm size, age, educational status of households, lack of information, degree of contact with DAs and distance of farm land from residents, lake of farm land influences conservation practices in the study area. Therefore, it is recommended that in the future soil conservation and management practices should follow a real farmers commitment approach in the study area .Furthermore, DAs, experts of natural resources management as well as non-governmental organization should advice and train farmers on soil conservation and management practices to control soil erosion. The government should implement clear policy and strategies about soil conservation and management practices as well as communities should take the responsibility to natural resources in protection involvement soil conservation and management practices.