[Objective] Farmer participation behavior has significant impacts on soil erosion control. The paper analyzed the level and the stage features of involvement in soil conservation project, and also the main factors affecting the participation in the Three Gorges reservoir area in order to provide decision-making reference for soil conservation and ecological environment construction in the study area. [Methods] We investigated 113 households inhabited in the soil conservation project region of the Three Gorges Reservoir area by using the questionnaire method, and as far as possible to understand some significant contents, such as the farmers' expectations by in-depth interview. Then the main affecting factors on farmers' participation behavior were analyzed by the binary logistic model. [Results] (1) Few farmers were familiar with the national soil conservation policy and were satisfied with the soil conservation projects in the area. (2) Farmers often participated in the projects for labor fees; the degree and the proportion of farmer participation were both low. According to the interview, households with no or less participation accounted for 88% of the total local households, those with middle and high degree participation were only 12%. Regarding the project stages, the involved farmers were 19%, 42% and 2%, respectively for planning, construction and latter maintenance. (3) The dominant factors affecting farmers' participation enthusiasm included cash earning and cognition in soil conservation policy. The more money the farmers can earn from the conservation project, the higher awareness of soil conservation they can get, and the higher degree they will participate in the soil conservation project. [Conclusion] Farmers in the Three Gorges reservoir area are less aware of soil conservation and less involved in the soil conservation project.