Although foot rot disease of black pepper is becoming a serious threat in cultivation of the crop, there is no research work have been done on the pathogen; The aim of this study was to assess and detect foot rot syndrome of black pepper and to isolate and identify its causal pathogen thereby determine the prevalence and Etiology of the disease. A total of 36 fields in two regions and three zones were surveyed. The average maximum leaf infection index (LII) 16.7% was recorded in Benchmaji zone while least LII 9.2% was observed in Mejenger zone. Among the different places surveyed, maximum LII 18.24% was recorded at Benchmaji zone while the minimum (6.7%) LII was recorded from Sheka zone estate-farms. Maximum 26.87% foliar yellowing index (FYI) was observed at Sheka zone and least 21.2% FYI at Benchmaji zone of SNNPRS. The mean maximum Leaf defoliation index (LDI) 17.9%, collar infection index (CII) 18.9% and vine wilt index (VWI) 21.4% was recorded in Mejenger zone and mean minimum LDI (10.9%), CII (5.5%) and VWI (14.5%) were recorded in Sheka zone. Rainfall, number of rainy days and relative humidity, had a positive significant correlation with the disease severity whereas; temperature and sunshine hours had a significant negative correlation to disease development under natural condition. From the total of 167 fungal isolates, Phytophthora species were the most abundant 107 isolates followed by Fusarium spp. and Phythium spp. The growth patterns of the isolates were cottony, rosaceous and stellet, with the occurrence of 50, 37, and 13% respectively. Faster colony growth was found on Potato dextrose agar followed by Tomato Agar and Carrot Agar. The length breadth ratio of sporangia was ranged from 1.2 to 2.0 �m. According to the current investigation all P. capsici isolates included in the test were pathogenic on black pepper. Pathogen of foot rot of black pepper was characterized as P. capsici on the basis of Etiology and by establishing its pathogenicity on black pepper rooted cuttings.