The degradation of soil nutrients by water erosion is the main cause of crop yield reduction. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of soil and water conservation measures on finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) yield and yield components. The experiment was conducted in farmers' fields by dividing sites into three parts based on slope gradient: soil bunds, soil bunds stabilized with grass, and unconserved sites as controls, within 1m × 1m (1m²) net plot areas using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). A total of 135 plots (45 plots from each site) were laid out on the experimental sites. The highest plant height (73.24cm), biomass yield (2.50 tonha-1), and grain yield (1.57 tonha-1) were recorded from treatments conserved with soil bund stabilized with grass. The interaction of soil and water conservation with slope gradient showed positive effects on plant height, biomass, and grain yield. The highest plant height, biomass and grain yield (3.08 and 1.57ton/ha) were obtained from biological soil conservation practices + foot slope as 79.71cm, 3.08 and 1.57tonha-1 respectively. Appropriate soil and water conservation practices should be implemented based on the slope gradient to enhance crop yield and address food security issues.

Keywords: Soil conservation; slope gradient; crop productivity