This study evaluated different soil conservation measures (level and graded bunds, level and graded fanya juu and grass strips in soil conservation, soil nutrient retention and crop yields) in the Harerge highlands of Ethiopia. The soil conservation measures showed varied performance in controlling soil loss, retention of different soil properties and crop yields. Level bund and level fanya juu were significantly (P = 0.05) different from the control in controlling runoff and soil loss. The grass strips were intermediate between the level and graded structures in controlling soil loss. There was a general increase in both organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN) percentage after the establishment of the soil conservation measures. An average increase of 0.28% in OC and 0.16% in TN was observed in 1997, as compared to the initial soil nutrient content determined before the establishment of the trials in 1983. Grain yield was increased by 12.3%, on level bund, 4.2% on level fanya juu, 14.9% on graded bund and 6.5% on graded fanya juu as compared to the control plots. However, the yields were 4.35% less from the grass strips than from the control. The level bund showed relatively better overall performance than other techniques tested in the area in terms of erosion control, nutrient retention and crop yields.