Your search found 21 records
1 Adimassu, Zenebe; Langan, Simon; Johnston, Robyn. 2015. Understanding determinants of farmers’ investments in, and impacts of, soil and water conservation in Ethiopia: review and synthesis [Abstract only] In Langan, Simon; Kebede, H.; Tadesse, Desalegne; Terefe, B. (Eds.). Proceedings of the Launching Workshop of the Agricultural Water Management Platform, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 15-16 January 2015. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). pp.27.
Water conservation ; Soil conservation ; Farmers ; Investment ; Ecosystem services ; Incentives ; Erosion ; Land productivity / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H047034)
(0.14 MB)
Although there has been a considerable effort to reduce soil erosion and improve land productivity in Ethiopia, farmers’ investments in SWC remain limited. There is a long and rich tradition of empirical research that seeks to identify the determinants that affect farmers’ investments in SWC practices. Nevertheless, the results regarding these determinants have been inconsistent and scattered. Moreover, the impacts of different SWC practices have not been reviewed and synthesized. Thus, this paper reviews and synthesizes past research in order to dentify determinants that affect farmers’ investments in SWC practices, and to also assess the impact of SWC practices within the framework of ecosystem services, particularly in relation to provisioning and regulating ecosystem services. The review identified several determinants that affect farmers’ investments in SWC practices, which are categorized into two groups: (i) factors that are related to farmers’ capacity to invest in SWC practices, and (ii) farmers’ incentives to invest in such practices. Farmers’ investments in SWC are limited by both the capacity to invest and incentives from their investments related to land improvement. The review also showed that farmers’ capacities to invest in SWC practices and their incentives for making such investments have been influenced by external factors, such as institutional support and policies. This suggests that creating enabling conditions for enhancing farmers’ investment capacities in SWC practices, and increasing their incentives for making such investments, is crucial. The review and synthesis showed that the impact of most SWC practices on provisioning ecosystem services (e.g., crop yield) is negative, which is mainly due to the reduction of effective cultivable area due to soil/stone bunds. However, these practices were very effective in regulating ecosystem services, such as soil erosion control, soil fertility improvement and surface runoff reduction.
2 Adimassu, Zenebe; Kessler, A. 2015. Impact of the productive safety net program on farmers 'investments in sustainable land management in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Environmental Development, 16:54-62. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2015.06.015]
Land management ; Sustainability ; Farmers ; Investment ; Food security ; Productivity ; Households ; Soil fertility ; Erosion ; Inorganic fertilizers ; Composts ; Capacity building ; Labor ; Case studies / Ethiopia / Central Rift Valley
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047113)
(0.79 MB)
This study assesses the impact of the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) on farmers' investments in sustainable land management (SLM) practices in the Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia. Primary data were collected using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire for a sample of 159 households (82 PSNP participants and 77 non-participants) in four kebeles (the lowest administrative unit in Ethiopia) of two weredas (districts). Using a cross-sectional household survey, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to assess the impact of PSNP on households' investments in soil erosion control and soil fertility management. The PSM results show that the control group of households (non-participants in PSNP) invested more in soil erosion control measures as compared to the treated group of households (participants in PSNP). On the contrary, however, the treated group of households significantly invested more in soil fertility management practices (e.g. inorganic fertilizer and compost) as compared to the control group of households. The negative impact of PSNP on households’ investments in soil erosion control in the treated group of farmers is related to their high labor investment in public works, which is not the case for the non-participants in PSNP. This implies that PSNP should pay more attention to capacity building and awareness raising, which requires a restructuring of the program that would benefit long-term and more sustainable impact on reducing food insecurity and enhancing natural resources in the CRV of Ethiopia.
3 Adimassu, Zenebe; Langan, Simon; Johnston, Robyn. 2016. Understanding determinants of farmers’ investments in sustainable land management practices in Ethiopia: review and synthesis. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 18(4):1005-1023. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-015-9683-5]
Sustainable land management ; Land degradation ; Farm income ; Investment ; Incentives ; Erosion ; Soil fertility ; Households / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047155)
(0.40 MB)
Although there has been several efforts made to reduce land degradation and improve land productivity in Ethiopia, farmers’ investments in sustainable land management (SLM) remain limited. Nevertheless, the results regarding determinants of farmers’ investments in SLM have been inconsistent and scattered. Moreover, these factors have not been reviewed and synthesized. Hence this paper reviews and synthesizes past research in order to identify determinants that affect farmers’ investments in SLM practices and thereby facilitate policy prescriptions to enhance adoption in Ethiopia, East Africa and potentially wider afield. The review identifies several determinants that affect farmers’ investments in SLM practices. These determinants are generally categorized into three groups. The first group is those factors that are related to farmers’ capacity to invest in SLM practices. The results show that farmers’ investments in SLM practices are limited by their limited capacity to invest in SLM. The second groups of factors are related to farmers’ incentives for investments in SLM practices. Farmers’ investments in SLM are limited due to restricted incentives from their investments related to land improvement. The third groups of factors are external factors beyond the control of farmers. The review also shows that farmers’ capacities to invest in SLM and their incentives from investments have been influenced by external factors such as institutional support and policies. This suggests that creating enabling conditions for enhancing farmers’ investment capacities in SLM and increasing the range of incentives from their investment is crucial to encourage wide-scale adoption of SLM practices.
4 Adimassu, Zenebe; Kessler, A. 2016. Factors affecting farmers’ coping and adaptation strategies to perceived trends of declining rainfall and crop productivity in the central Rift valley of Ethiopia. Environmental Systems Research, 5(1):1-16. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40068-016-0065-2]
Crop production ; Crop yield ; Rift valleys ; Farmer participation ; Adaptation ; Rain ; Rainfed farming ; Land ownership ; Households / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047531)
(1.39 MB)
Background: Farmers apply several and often different farmer-specific strategies to cope with and adapt to the perceived trend of declining rainfall and crop productivity. A better understanding of the factors affecting farmers’ coping and adaptation strategies to counteract both trends is crucial for policies and programs that aim at promoting successful rainfed agriculture in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to identify the major factors that affect farmers’ coping and adaption strategies to rainfall variability and reduction in crop yield in the central Rift valley (CRV) of Ethiopia. A survey was conducted among 240 randomly selected farmers within six kebeles in the CRV using structured and pretested questionnaires. Multivariate probit (MVP) regression model was used to identify these key factors that affect farmers’ coping and adaptation strategies to the declining trends of rainfall and crop productivity.
Results: Generally, this study identified several factors that affect farmers’ choices of certain strategies, which can be grouped in four major factors: (1) livestock and landholdings, (2) availability of labour and knowledge, (3) access to information, and (4) social and cultural factors. Farmers with better resources, labour, knowledge, access to information and social capital had better coping and adaptation strategies to the declining rainfall and crop productivity.
Conclusions: To conclude, improving farmers’ asset accumulation, access to information and knowledge are needed. Moreover, strengthening social capital and labour sharing institutions in the CRV is crucial to increase farmers’ capacities to cope with and adapt to environmental changes such as rainfall and crop yield variability.
Results: Generally, this study identified several factors that affect farmers’ choices of certain strategies, which can be grouped in four major factors: (1) livestock and landholdings, (2) availability of labour and knowledge, (3) access to information, and (4) social and cultural factors. Farmers with better resources, labour, knowledge, access to information and social capital had better coping and adaptation strategies to the declining rainfall and crop productivity.
Conclusions: To conclude, improving farmers’ asset accumulation, access to information and knowledge are needed. Moreover, strengthening social capital and labour sharing institutions in the CRV is crucial to increase farmers’ capacities to cope with and adapt to environmental changes such as rainfall and crop yield variability.
5 Adimassu, Zenebe; Langan, Simon; Johnston, Robyn; Mekuria, Wolde; Amede, T. 2017. Impacts of soil and water conservation practices on crop yield, run-off, soil loss and nutrient loss in Ethiopia: review and synthesis. Environmental Management, 59(1):87-101. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-016-0776-1]
Water conservation ; Soil conservation ; Soil fertility ; Soil management ; Crop yield ; Crop production ; Surface runoff ; Erosion ; Erosion control plants ; Nutrients ; Ecosystem services ; Highlands ; Rain ; Organic matter / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047801)
Research results published regarding the impact of soil and water conservation practices in the highland areas of Ethiopia have been inconsistent and scattered. In this paper, a detailed review and synthesis is reported that was conducted to identify the impacts of soil and water conservation practices on crop yield, surface run-off, soil loss, nutrient loss, and the economic viability, as well as to discuss the implications for an integrated approach and ecosystem services. The review and synthesis showed that most physical soil and water conservation practices such as soil bunds and stone bunds were very effective in reducing run-off, soil erosion and nutrient depletion. Despite these positive impacts on these services, the impact of physical soil and water conservation practices on crop yield was negative mainly due to the reduction of effective cultivable area by soil/stone bunds. In contrast, most agronomic soil and water conservation practices increase crop yield and reduce run-off and soil losses. This implies that integrating physical soil and water conservation practices with agronomic soil and water conservation practices are essential to increase both provisioning and regulating ecosystem services. Additionally, effective use of unutilized land (the area occupied by bunds) by planting multipurpose grasses and trees on the bunds may offset the yield lost due to a reduction in planting area. If high value grasses and trees can be grown on this land, farmers can harvest fodder for animals or fuel wood, both in scarce supply in Ethiopia. Growing of these grasses and trees can also help the stability of the bunds and reduce maintenance cost. Economic feasibility analysis also showed that, soil and water conservation practices became economically more viable if physical and agronomic soil and water conservation practices are integrated.
6 Mekuria, Wolde; Barron, Jennie; Dessalegn, Mengistu; Adimassu, Zenebe; Amare, T.; Wondie, M. 2017. Exclosures for ecosystem restoration and economic benefits in Ethiopia: a catalogue of management options. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). 28p. (WLE Research for Development (R4D) Learning Series 4) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2017.204]
Research and development ; Learning ; Capacity building ; Ecosystems ; Economic situation ; Stakeholders ; Smallholders ; Livestock production ; Milk production ; Woodlands ; Habitats ; Renewable energy ; Energy sources ; Natural resources management ; Gender ; Women ; Youth ; Guidelines ; Governance ; State intervention ; Local communities ; Community involvement ; Land use ; Land management ; Land degradation ; Living standards ; Income ; Fodder plants ; Soil conservation ; Water conservation ; Watershed management ; Management techniques ; Sustainability ; Risk reduction ; Private sector ; Public sector / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H048081)
(3 MB)
7 Tamene, L.; Adimassu, Zenebe; Ellison, J.; Yaekob, D.; Woldearegay, K.; Mekonnen, K.; Thorne, P.; Bao Le, Q. 2017. Mapping soil erosion hotspots and assessing the potential impacts of land management practices in the highlands of Ethiopia. Geomorphology, 292:153-163. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.04.038]
Land management ; Land degradation ; Highlands ; Soils ; Erosion ; Sediment transport ; Erosion control ; Models ; Participatory approaches ; Soil conservation ; Water conservation ; Slopes ; Gully erosion ; Cultivated land ; Grazing lands ; Spatial distribution / Ethiopia / Basona District
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048134)
An enormous effort is underway in Ethiopia to address soil erosion and restore overall land productivity. Modelling and participatory approaches can be used to delineate erosion hotspots, plan site- and context-specific interventions and assess their impacts. In this study, we employed a modelling interface developed based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation adjusted by the sediment delivery ratio to map the spatial distribution of net soil loss and identify priority areas of intervention. Using the modelling interface, we also simulated the potential impacts of different soil and water conservation measures in reducing net soil loss. Model predictions showed that net soil loss in the study area ranges between 0.4 and 88 t ha- 1 yr- 1 with an average of 12 t ha- 1 yr- 1. The dominant soil erosion hotspots were associated with steep slopes, gullies, communal grazing and cultivated areas. The average soil loss observed in this study is higher than the tolerable soil loss rate estimated for the highland of Ethiopia. The scenario analysis results showed that targeting hotspot areas where soil loss exceeds 10 t ha- 1 yr- 1 could reduce net soil loss to the tolerable limit (< 2 t ha- 1 yr- 1). The spatial distribution of soil loss and the sediment yield reduction potential of different options provided essential information to guide prioritization and targeting. In addition, the results can help promoting awareness within the local community of the severity of the soil erosion problem and the potential of management interventions. Future work should include cost-benefit and tradeoff analyses of the various management options for achieving a given level of erosion reduction.
8 Tamene, L.; Adimassu, Zenebe; Aynekulu, E.; Yaekob, T. 2017. Estimating landscape susceptibility to soil erosion using a GIS-based approach in northern Ethiopia. International Soil and Water Conservation Research, 5(3):221-230. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2017.05.002]
Soil profiles ; Soil conservation ; Erosion ; Geographical information systems ; Landscape conservation ; Land degradation ; Sediment transport ; Sedimentation ; Watersheds ; Catchment areas ; Rain ; Reservoir storage / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048139)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S209563391630137X/pdfft?md5=f2cd5081ebf0f23056b3f7a851d98187&pid=1-s2.0-S209563391630137X-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048139.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048139.pdf
(1.29 MB)
Soil erosion is a very critical form of land degradation resulting in the loss of soil nutrients and downstream sedimentation of water storages in the highlands of Ethiopia. As it is technically and financially impossible to conserve all landscapes affected by erosion, identification of priority areas of intervention is necessary. Spatially distributed erosion models can help map landscape susceptibility to erosion and identify high erosion risk areas. Integration of erosion models with geographic information systems (GIS) enables assessing evaluate the spatial variability of soil erosion and plan implementing conservation measures at landscape levels. In this study, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation adjusted for sediment delivery ratio was used in a GIS system to assess landscape sensitivity to erosion and identify hotspots. The approach was applied in three catchments with size being 10–20 km2 and results were compared against quantitative and semi-quantitative data. The model estimated mean soil loss rates of about 45 t ha-1 y-1 with an average variability of 30% between catchments. The estimated soil loss rate is above the tolerable limit of 10 t ha-1 y-1. The model predicted high soil loss rates at steep slopes and shoulder positions as well as along gullies. The results of the study demonstrate that knowledge of spatial patterns of high soil loss risk areas can help deploy site-specific conservation measures.
9 Adimassu, Zenebe; Langan, Simon; Barron, Jennie. 2018. Highlights of soil and water conservation investments in four regions of Ethiopia. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 35p. (IWMI Working Paper 182) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2018.214]
Soil conservation ; Water conservation ; Waterways ; Financing ; Investment ; Land degradation ; Land productivity ; Land management ; Landscape ; Farmland ; Farm management ; Hillside operations ; Sloping land ; Gully erosion ; Runoff ; Rural areas ; Rural communities ; Living standards ; Farmers ; Terraces ; Watershed management ; Dam construction ; Environmental monitoring ; Sediment ; Capacity building ; Nongovernmental organizations / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H048867)
(1 MB)
This paper provides details of soil and water conservation (SWC) investments in Ethiopia over the past 20 years. It presents SWC practices and estimates the level of SWC investments in different regions. The paper focuses on four principal agricultural regions: Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR and Tigray. Primary and secondary data were collected for the analysis, and consultations were conducted at regional levels. Primary data on diverse SWC practices, their numbers and areal extent were obtained from the archives of regional Bureaus of Agriculture (BoAs). The results of this study show that several projects involving significant financial investment have been implemented to reverse land degradation and improve land productivity in Ethiopia since the 1970s. The list of projects is not comprehensive due to a lack of documentation at all levels, but it does provide some insights into the scale of SWC investments and implementation. The projects analyzed in the four regions fall into the following categories: farmland management, hillside management and gully rehabilitation practices, including check dams and cut-off drains. The analysis shows that these practices involved both paid and unpaid labor, together representing an estimated investment of more than ETB 25 billion (or approximately USD 1.2 billion) per year over the past 10 years. It is clear that large investments have been made in SWC activities in Ethiopia. However, the outcomes in terms of impact on yield and livelihood benefits are yet to be fully understood. A comprehensive assessment is needed to measure the impact of SWC activities on farmers’ livelihoods and the environment. A key recommendation arising from the analysis is that more data and information are needed on the successes and failures of SWC practices, which will assist stakeholders to better guide and target future projects and investments. An additional recommendation is to consider the biophysical and financial impact of soil erosion, both on and off farm.
10 Adimassu, Zenebe; Alemu, G.; Tamene, L. 2019. Effects of tillage and crop residue management on runoff, soil loss and crop yield in the humid highlands of Ethiopia. Agricultural Systems, 168:11-18. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2018.10.007]
Conservation tillage ; Crop production ; Crop yield ; Crop residues ; Crop management ; Productivity ; Ecosystem services ; Mulching ; Soil conservation ; Soil degradation ; Erosion ; Runoff ; Humid zones ; Highlands / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048973)
(1.08 MB)
This study was conducted on Eutric Nitisols of Holeta Agricultural Research Center (HARC) in the humid highlands of Ethiopia. The main objective was to assess the effect of tillage and crop residue management on runoff, soil loss and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield over three years (2009–2011). Nine treatments combining three tillage practices (zero, minimum and conventional tillage) and three rates of crop residue (0, 1 and 2 t ha-1 yr-1) were used. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The result showed that average runoff was significantly higher (332 mm) in zero tillage without crop residue (T0C0) and lower (198 mm) in conventional tillage with 2 t ha-1 yr-1 crop residue (T2C2). The average soil loss was lower (16 t ha-1 yr-1) in zero tillage with 2 t ha-1 yr-1 crop residue (T0C2) and higher (30 t ha-1 yr-1) in conventional tillage without crop residue (T2C0). Although, zero and minimum tillage treatments reduced soil loss significantly as compared with conventional tillage practices, the annual soil loss (16 t ha-1 yr-1) is still much higher than the tolerable soil loss for the Ethiopian highlands (2–10 t ha-1 yr-1). This suggests the need to complement zero and minimum tillage practices with physical soil and water conservation practices. On average, highest grain (2 t ha-1) and biomass (6 t ha-1) yields of wheat were recorded in T2C2 while the lowest grain and biomass yields were recorded in T0C0. Based on the above observation, we argue that conventional tillage combined with sufficient crop residue is the most appropriate approach to reduce runoff and increase wheat yield in the short-term. However, zero tillage practices with crop residue are effective to reduce soil loss. As this study was based on results of three years data, long-term study is needed to figure out the long-term impacts of tillage and crop residue management in Ethiopia.
11 Adimassu, Zenebe; Mul, Marloes; Owusu, Afua; Barron, Jennie; Kadyampakeni, Davie; Cofie, Olufunke O. 2016. Smallholder irrigation productivity for sustainable intensification: water balances for high value crops in northern Ghana. Ibadan, Nigeria: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). 35p.
Smallholders ; Irrigation systems ; Water productivity ; Sustainability ; Intensification ; Water balance ; Estimation ; Rain ; Dry season ; Dry spells ; Rainfed farming ; Water management ; Crops ; Plant developmental stages ; Maize ; Vegetables ; Yield response functions ; Soil profiles ; Soil types ; Models / Ghana / Navrongo
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049041)
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/handle/10568/83313/AR_WA_water_balance_dec2016.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049041.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049041.pdf
(1.63 MB) (1.63 MB)
12 Worqlul, A. W.; Dile, Y. T.; Jeong, J.; Adimassu, Zenebe; Lefore, Nicole; Gerik, T.; Srinivasan, R.; Clarke, N. 2019. Effect of climate change on land suitability for surface irrigation and irrigation potential of the shallow groundwater in Ghana. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 157: 110-125. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2018.12.040]
Climate change ; Land suitability ; Land use ; Irrigation methods ; Surface irrigation ; Groundwater management ; Water resources ; Surface water ; GIS ; Slope ; Soils ; Socioeconomic environment ; Population density ; Rainfall ; Temperature ; Evapotranspiration / Ghana
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049052)
https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S0168169918311426?token=D47C9342836EF05EF9C7A103181929ACB8DDE1F80AD6AF06C2A5B98E687E907761A212B911EFC4AC23D7985048ACB910
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049052.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049052.pdf
(6.84 MB)
Estimating the potential land resources suitable for irrigation and evaluating the possible impact of climate change on land suitability is essential for planning a sustainable agricultural system. This study applied a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) technique to evaluate the suitability of land for irrigation in Ghana for a baseline period (1990 to 2010) and future time horizons 2050s (2041 to 2060) and 2070s (2061 to 2080). Key factors considered to evaluate the suitability of the land for irrigation include biophysical features (such as climate, land use, soil, and slope) and socioeconomic factors (such as proximity to roads and population density). These factors were weighted using a pairwise comparison matrix then reclassified and overlaid on a 30 m grid to estimate the irrigation potential of the country. Groundwater data from the British Geological Survey (BGS) were superimposed onto the land suitability map layer to evaluate the irrigation potential and the accessibility of shallow groundwater with simple water lifting technologies. Downscaled and bias-corrected future climate data from HadGEM2-ES under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 emission scenario were used to represent the future climate horizon. Due to climate change, on average, rainfall will increase by 15 mm and 20 mm from the baseline period in the 2050s and 2070s, respectively. The average temperature shows a consistent increase in the majority of Ghana and a higher rate of increase is expected in the 2070s. Consequently, the rising temperature will increase the potential evapotranspiration by 6.0% and 7.6% in the 2050s and 2070s, respectively. The suitability analysis indicates that approximately 9% of the country is suitable for surface irrigation under the baseline period. A large portion of the potential land is located in the southwestern part of the country. The potential suitable land has an average groundwater access of 12 m from the surface with an average borehole potential yield of 2.5 L/second, which makes it favorable for utilization of simple water lifting technologies. Due to climate change, 9.5% of the suitable land will become unfavorable for irrigation in 2050s, and it is expected to reach 17% in 2070s.
13 Balana, Bedru B.; Bizimana, J.-C.; Richardson, J. W.; Lefore, Nicole; Adimassu, Zenebe; Herbst, B. K. 2020. Economic and food security effects of small-scale irrigation technologies in northern Ghana. Water Resources and Economics, 29:100141. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wre.2019.03.001]
Household food security ; Small scale systems ; Irrigation systems ; Economic situation ; Farm income ; Smallholders ; Nutrition ; Crop production ; Crop yield ; Seasonal cropping ; Agricultural production ; Water management ; Water availability ; Profit ; Pumps ; Climate change ; Feasibility studies ; Household consumption ; Food consumption / Ghana
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049159)
(2.64 MB)
Small-scale irrigation (SSI) technologies can be useful not only to increase crop productivity and income but also as a viable adaptation practice to climate variability. A farm simulation model (FARMSIM) and data from selected SSI technologies piloted in northern Ghana under the ‘Feed the Future-Innovation Lab for Small Scale Irrigation’ (ILSSI) project were used to assess the economic feasibility of the SSI technologies and their potential to improve income and nutrition of smallholder farm households. Three dry season irrigated crops (onion, corchorus, amaranthus) grown under three agricultural water management regimes were analysed. Results show that adoption of the SSI technologies could increase the net farm profit by 154%–608% against the baseline depending on the ‘crop type - SSI technology’ combination. Nutrition levels also improved significantly as a result of the improvements in crop yields due to irrigation and use of complementary inputs. However, the results further reveal that the options that utilize capital-intensive SSI technologies such as solar-powered water pumps to grow high value cash crops are constrained by the high investment cost. Currently, farmers tend to choose low-cost SSI technologies such as a traditional watering-cans, which generate low economic returns. Improving access to credit or alternative financing schemes could mitigate the capital constraints and enable smallholders to gain more benefits from participating in market-oriented high-value irrigated production.
14 Adimassu, Zenebe. 2019. Constraining the constraints: factors affecting farmers’ investment in climate-smart land management. In Hadgu, K. M.; Bishaw, B.; Iiyama, M.; Birhane, E.; Negussie, A.; Davis, C. M.; Bernart, B. (Eds.). Climate-smart agriculture: enhancing resilient agricultural systems, landscapes, and livelihoods in Ethiopia and beyond. Nairobi, Kenya: World Agroforestry (ICRAF). pp.183-193.
Land management ; Smallholders ; Farmers ; Investment ; Climate change ; Constraints ; Economic aspects ; Incentives ; Returns ; Crop yield ; Prices ; Land tenure ; Land ownership ; Stakeholders ; Institutions ; Policies ; Households ; Labour / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049271)
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/downloads/Publications/PDFS/B19055.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049271.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049271.pdf
(0.31 MB) (13.1 MB)
15 Tamene, L.; Yaekob, T.; Mekonnen, K.; Woldearegay, K.; Adimassu, Zenebe; Ellison, J.; Gurmessa, B.; Alene, T.; Dubale, W.; Kassie, G.; Thorne, P. 2019. Landscape management: Africa RISING [Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation] project R4D experiences in the Ethiopian highlands. In Mekonnen, K.; Yasabu, S.; Gebremedhin, B.; Woldemeskel, E.; Tegegne, A.; Thorne, P. (Eds.). Proceedings of a Workshop and Exhibition on Promoting Productivity and Market Access Technologies and Approaches to Improve Farm Income and Livelihoods in Ethiopia: Lessons from Action Research Projects, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 8-9 December 2016. Nairobi, Kenya: International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). pp.55-59.
Landscape conservation ; Agricultural research for development ; Projects ; Highlands ; Land management ; Water management ; Technology ; Stakeholders / Africa / Ethiopia / Debre Birhan / Hosanna
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049336)
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/handle/10568/102356/AR_proceedings_2019.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049336.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049336.pdf
(1.14 MB) (6.23 MB)
16 Abera, W.; Tamene, L.; Tibebe, D.; Adimassu, Zenebe; Kassa, H.; Hailu, H.; Mekonnen, K.; Desta, G.; Sommer, R.; Verchot, L. 2020. Characterizing and evaluating the impacts of national land restoration initiatives on ecosystem services in Ethiopia. Land Degradation and Development, 31(1):37-52. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3424]
Land restoration ; Ecosystem services ; Land degradation ; Landscape conservation ; Impact assessment ; Sustainable land management ; Projects ; Agroecological zones ; Soil erosion ; Highlands ; Case studies / Ethiopia / Tigray / Amhara
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049428)
(9.02 MB)
Land restoration is considered to be the remedy for 21st century global challenges of land degradation. As a result, various land restoration and conservation efforts are underway at different scales. Ethiopia is one of the countries with huge investments in land restoration. Tremendous land management practices have been implemented across the country since the 1970s. However, the spatial distribution of the interventions has not been documented, and there is no systematic, quantitative evidence on whether land restoration efforts have achieved the restoration of desired ecosystem services. Therefore, we carried out a meta-analysis of peer-reviewed scientific literature related to land restoration efforts and their impacts in Ethiopia. Results show that most of the large-scale projects have been implemented in the highlands, specifically in Tigray and Amhara regions covering about 24 agroecological zones, and land restoration impact studies are mostly focused in the highlands but restricted in about 11 agroecological zones. The highest mean effect on agricultural productivity is obtained from the combination of bunds and biological interventions followed by conservation agriculture practices with 170% and 18% increases, respectively. However, bunds alone, biological intervention alone, and terracing (fanya juu) reveal negative effects on productivity. The mean effect of all land restoration interventions on soil organic carbon is positive, the highest effect being from “bunds + biological” (139%) followed by exclosure (90%). Reduced soil erosion and runoff are the dominant impacts of all interventions. The results can be used to improve existing guidelines to better match land restoration options with specific desired ecosystem functions and services. Although the focus of this study was on the evaluation of the impacts of land restoration efforts on selected ecosystem services, impacts on livelihood and national socioeconomy have not been examined. Thus, strengthening socioeconomic studies at national scale to assess the sustainability of land restoration initiatives is an essential next step.
17 Yaekob, T.; Tamene, L.; Gebrehiwot, S. G.; Demissie, S. S.; Adimassu, Zenebe; Woldearegay, K.; Mekonnen, K.; Amede, T.; Abera, W.; Recha, J. W.; Solomon, D.; Thorne, P. 2022. Assessing the impacts of different land uses and soil and water conservation interventions on runoff and sediment yield at different scales in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 37(S1):S73-S87. (Special issue: Restoring Degraded Landscapes and Fragile Food Systems) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742170520000010]
Land use ; Soil conservation ; Erosion ; Water conservation ; Impact assessment ; Highlands ; Watersheds ; Runoff ; Sediment yield ; Discharges ; Soil loss ; Hydrological factors ; Rain / Ethiopia / Gudo Beret
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049533)
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/4F63E376EE1DAEB257043E7197E5B060/S1742170520000010a.pdf/assessing_the_impacts_of_different_land_uses_and_soil_and_water_conservation_interventions_on_runoff_and_sediment_yield_at_different_scales_in_the_central_highlands_of_ethiopia.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049533.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049533.pdf
(1.41 MB) (1.41 MB)
To tackle the problem of soil erosion and moisture stress, the government of Ethiopia introduced a yearly mass campaign where communities get together and implement various soil and water conservation (SWC) and water harvesting (WH) practices. Although the interventions are believed to have reduced soil erosion/sediment yield and enhanced surface and ground water, quantitative information on the impacts of various options at different scales is scarce. The objective of this study was to assess the impacts different land uses, SWC and WH interventions on water and suspended sediment yield (SSY) at plot and watershed scales in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Standard erosion plot experiments and hydrological stations were used to monitor the daily water and SSY during 2014 to 2017. The results show differences between treatments both at plot and watershed scales. Runoff and soil loss were reduced by an average 27 and 37%, respectively due to SWC practices at the plot level. Overall, SWC practices implemented at the watershed level reduced sediment yield by about 74% (in the year 2014), although the magnitude of sediment reduction due to the SWC interventions reduced over time. At both scales it was observed that as the number of years since SWC measures have been in place increased, their effectiveness declined due to the lack of maintenance. This study also revealed that extrapolating of plot data to watershed scale causes over or under estimation of net erosion.
18 Adimassu, Zenebe; Balana, B. B.; Appoh, Richard; Nartey, Eric. 2020. The use of the wetting front detector as an irrigation-scheduling tool for pepper production in the upper east region of Ghana: evidence from field experiment and farmers' perceptions. Irrigation and Drainage, 69(4):696-713. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ird.2454]
Irrigation scheduling ; Wetting front ; Crop yield ; Pepper ; Crop water use ; Water requirements ; Water productivity ; Farmers' attitudes ; Irrigation water ; Fertilizer application ; Soil properties ; Risks ; Field experimentation ; Economic analysis / Ghana / Nyangua / Tekuru
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049734)
(13.60 MB)
We compare the effect of the wetting front detector on yield and water productivity with farmers' practices (FP) and irrigation requirements based on crop water requirement calculation (IRCWR). A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of the wetting front detector, FP and IRCWR combined with six fertilizer rates. We also interviewed 50 farmers to understand their perception about the use and associated concerns with the wetting front detector. Analysis of variance and partial budget economic analysis were performed. The results show that the wetting front detector saved 16% of irrigation water compared to FP, which in turn led to 16% labour saving to irrigate pepper as compared to FP. Yield and water productivity of pepper were not significantly affected by the irrigation regimes. Regardless of irrigation regimes, yield of pepper was significantly influenced by fertilizer treatment in both years. Although the highest fresh fruit yield of pepper (8.6 t ha-1 ) was recorded from Fortifer granules, the highest marginal rate of return was obtained from application of inorganic fertilizer including 173 N, 36 P,18 K ha ¹. The majority of farmers perceived the wetting front detector as low risk and compatible to use. The result also suggests that farmers are interested in buying and adopting the tool for future use.
19 Adimassu, Zenebe; Tamene, L.; Degefie, D. T. 2020. The influence of grazing and cultivation on runoff, soil erosion, and soil nutrient export in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Ecological Processes, 9:23. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13717-020-00230-z]
Grazing lands ; Cultivated land ; Soil fertility ; Nutrients ; Erosion ; Runoff ; Soil loss ; Land degradation ; Sediment ; Total nitrogen ; Phosphorus ; Potassium ; Highlands ; Watersheds ; Tillage ; Rain / Ethiopia / Galesa Watershed
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049738)
https://ecologicalprocesses.springeropen.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s13717-020-00230-z
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049738.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049738.pdf
(1.74 MB) (1.74 MB)
Background: Grazing by livestock and cultivation have been considered as two important causes of soil erosion and nutrient export. However, there has been limited evidence that grazing or cultivation matters to soil erosion and nutrient export in Ethiopia. Hence, this study was conducted in the Galesa watershed in Ethiopia to examine the effects of grazing and cultivation on runoff, soil loss, and nutrient export. Daily values of runoff, soil erosion, and nutrient outflow were measured for three consecutive years following standard procedures. Independent t test was performed to check if the means of runoff, soil loss, and nutrient loss from grazing and cultivated lands were significantly different. Moreover, repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test if mean values of runoff, soil loss, and nutrient export varied significantly over the study years.
Results: Although the average annual runoff depth was 7.8% higher in grazing land (GL), soil erosion was significantly lower (39%) in GL as compared to cultivated land (CL). Similarly, sediment and runoff-associated annual losses of total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable potassium (K), and organic carbon (OC) were low in the GL treatments. Lowest losses of total N (9.30 kg ha-1 year-1 ), available P (0.83 kg ha-1 year-1 ), and exchangeable K (1.84 kg ha-1 year-1 ) were recorded in GL treatment. Likewise, lowest losses of sediment-associated total N (32.8 kg ha-1 year-1 ), available P (0.39 kg ha-1 year-1 ), exchangeable K (0.23 kg ha-1 year-1 ), and soil organic carbon (630 kg ha-1 year-1 ) were recorded from GL over the 3 years of experimentation.
Conclusion: Our results indicate that cultivation increased soil erosion as compared to grazing. Although there were significant reductions in soil erosion and nutrient export from grazing lands compared with cultivated lands, the absolute losses were still high. This implies the need for grazing land management using appropriate physical and biological erosion control measures to increase productivity and reduce soil erosion as well as nutrient export.
Results: Although the average annual runoff depth was 7.8% higher in grazing land (GL), soil erosion was significantly lower (39%) in GL as compared to cultivated land (CL). Similarly, sediment and runoff-associated annual losses of total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable potassium (K), and organic carbon (OC) were low in the GL treatments. Lowest losses of total N (9.30 kg ha-1 year-1 ), available P (0.83 kg ha-1 year-1 ), and exchangeable K (1.84 kg ha-1 year-1 ) were recorded in GL treatment. Likewise, lowest losses of sediment-associated total N (32.8 kg ha-1 year-1 ), available P (0.39 kg ha-1 year-1 ), exchangeable K (0.23 kg ha-1 year-1 ), and soil organic carbon (630 kg ha-1 year-1 ) were recorded from GL over the 3 years of experimentation.
Conclusion: Our results indicate that cultivation increased soil erosion as compared to grazing. Although there were significant reductions in soil erosion and nutrient export from grazing lands compared with cultivated lands, the absolute losses were still high. This implies the need for grazing land management using appropriate physical and biological erosion control measures to increase productivity and reduce soil erosion as well as nutrient export.
20 Adimassu, Zenebe; Tamene, L. 2023. Benefits of selected land management practices on ecosystem services: case studies in four watersheds of Ethiopia. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 20(2):1919-1936. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-022-04136-5]
Land management ; Ecosystem services ; Watersheds ; Agroecological zones ; Soil conservation ; Water conservation ; Crop yield ; Nutrients ; Soil properties ; Case studies / Ethiopia / Emba-Hasti Watershed / Alekit-Wonz Watershed / Borodo Watershed / Jawe-Gumbura Watershed
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H051078)
(3.26 MB)
Investments in land management practices, such as stone and soil bunds, are a key strategy to recover degraded lands in Ethiopia. However, the benefits of these practices in relation to ecosystem services are not properly assessed and documented. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the benefits of land management practices in relation to provisioning, supporting and regulating ecosystem services. The study was conducted in four watersheds with selected indicators of provisioning, supporting and regulating ecosystem service. Generally, the results show that provisioning services (e.g. yield of crops), regulating services (e.g. organic matter accumulation) and supporting services (e.g. soil nutrient content) were improved with age of stone and soil bunds except in Jawe-gumbura watershed. Accordingly, in Alekit-wonz watershed, the grain yield of barley recorded from 4-year-old stone bunds was higher than the yield recorded from 2-year old soil bund. Similarly, in Borodo watershed, the grain yield of wheat from 5-year-old soil bunds was higher than the yield obtained from the control treatment. The results also showed that highest regulating and supporting ecosystem services were recorded in the accumulation zones in all watersheds compared with erosion zone. Similarly, the highest provisioning services were recorded at the accumulation zone in all watersheds. This shows that land management practices are effective to improve supporting, regulating and provisioning ecosystem services. Hence, more investments in land management are needed to enhance ecosystem services from degraded lands of Ethiopia.
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