Mengistu Meresa*, Menfese Tadesse, Negussie Zeray
Ethiopia including the study area are faced with deforestation, land degradation, soil erosion problems primarily caused by anthropogenic activities such as clearing vegetation for the purpose of agricultural use, fuel wood, Charcoal, construction and the reaction of conservation measures to restore deforested vegetation is too weak. The aim of the study was to investigate theeffect of Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) measures on plant species diversity by comparing between treated plot areas and non-treated plot areas. The data collection method was mainly drawn through plant measurements, inventory, GPS, household servey, key informant interview, focus group discussion, Office reports. To analyze the collected data, Shannon – wiener diversity index (H1 ) and Sorensen similarity coefficient indices (Is) calculation methods was employed. Based on the interview, direct observation, shannon’s diversity analysis and GPS results, the findings revealed that noticeable vegetation cover and plant species diversity have been observed in treated plot areas than non-treated plot areas in the last 10 years period. This implies that well managed and protected homegardens and area exclosures have better plant species diversity than open grazing fields and communal lands. With these findings, it is rational to conclude that SWC measures have a positive effect on vegetation cover, Plant species diversity, richness and restoration. Thus, it is worth to recommend that conservation priority should be given to the more affected open grazing and communal lands