Abstract:
The Tigray regional state is highly affected by land degradation through soil erosion. To reverse
the severity of the problem, soil and water conservation practice were introduced in different
parts of the region including the study areas (Adiwesen and Medhaniyalem ) . Even though a
number of soil and water conservation methods were introduced to combat land degradation,
and water conservation of these practices remains below expectation. This research was
conducted in Adiwesen and Medhaniyalem Kebele , Tselemet Woreda , Tigray Region . The
main objective of the study is examining factors that affect famer’s perception on SWC activities.
Mixed research designs were applied to conduct the research and data were collected through
questionnaire and interview. The total of 135 target population, 120 were taken from the two
kebeles purposely (60 model farmers from the two kebele ) and (5- extension workers were
taken purposely. 10 experts also taken to interview question.. Data was analyzed by SPSS
version 20.0. The result showed that the majority of the respondent model farmers have good
good perception on the SWC practice. The majority of sampled farmers believed that soil and
water conservation practice controlled with proper soil conservation measures by indigenous
knowledge. In Adiwesen kebele , 28.3% of model farmers were reported that they were
commonly used terracing to soil and water conservation practice and contrary 3.3% of the
model farmers were poorly practiced contour ploughing and crop rotation where as in
Medhaniyalem kebele , 36.7 % of respondent scored that the farmers commonly used contour
plough and crop rotation to soil and water conservation practice. Logistic regression result also
showed the major factor affects SWC practice, except land tenure security all factors
significantly predict soil and water conservation practice in Adiwesen kebele where as in
Medhaniyalem kebele farm plot holding and extension contact were predict SWC practice . The t
–test result also showed there is a significant relationship between farmers of perception among
two kebeles. Based on these findings, it is recommended that agricultural sector agricultural
experts and extension workers and model farmers must develop these practice of soil and water
conservation practice at the two kebeles.
