Your search found 13 records
1 Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Barron, Jennie; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Lefore, Nicole; Gowing, J. 2018. Gender dimensions of community-based groundwater governance in Ethiopia: using citizen science as an entry point. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 24p. (IWMI Working Paper 184) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2018.222]
Gender ; Groundwater management ; Groundwater development ; Water governance ; Water security ; Water resources ; Water management ; Water availability ; Water use ; Community involvement ; Citizen participation ; Participatory approaches ; Monitoring ; Role of women ; Women’s participation ; Equity ; Empowerment ; Sustainability ; Decision making ; Natural resources management ; Wells / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H048928)
(1 MB)
Understanding the gender dimensions of community-based groundwater governance is important because men and women differ in their need for and having access to groundwater, and their participation in the development, management and monitoring of the resource. The leading role played by women in obtaining and safeguarding water is not usually reflected in the institutional arrangements for water management. Addressing this gender inequality could lead to the equal participation of men and women in monitoring and sustainable management of groundwater, and women’s empowerment. This paper explores gender aspects of community-based groundwater governance in Dangeshta and Farawocha kebeles in Dangila and Boloso Bombe woredas, respectively, in Ethiopia. The findings suggest that women place a high value on groundwater and could be motivated to play a greater role in governance of the resource. However, the constraints they face in participating in groundwater development and management, particularly exclusion from decision-making, suggest that their effective participation and leadership could be significantly curtailed without specific interventions. Indeed, this is reflected in women’s willingness to participate in groundwater monitoring, as well as men’s reluctance to allow their wives to participate. This is in contrast to a high number of men willing to participate. Citizen science as an entry point for community-based groundwater governance relies on (i) the active involvement of myriad actors (including men and women citizens) whose actions interact with the hydrological processes; and (ii) volunteer interest (i.e., willingness to participate). A gender-sensitive approach to programs, gender awareness training, and partnerships with organizations working for women’s empowerment, natural resource management and adult literacy are recommended to support a citizen science approach to groundwater monitoring.
2 Arulingam, Indika; Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Senaratna Sellamuttu, Sonali; Debevec, Liza. 2019. Youth participation in small-scale fisheries, aquaculture and value chains in Africa and the Asia-Pacific. Penang, Malaysia: CGIAR Research Program on Fish Agri-Food Systems. 66p. (CGIAR Research Program on Fish Agri-Food Systems Program Report: FISH-2019-14)
Small-scale fisheries ; Youth employment ; Participation ; Aquaculture ; Value chains ; Fishers ; Gender ; Women's empowerment ; Access to information ; Education ; Land access ; Financing ; Income generation ; Policies ; Strategies ; Technology ; Living standards ; Decision making ; Social status ; Working conditions ; State intervention ; Stakeholders ; International organizations ; Economic aspects ; Political aspects ; Agricultural sector ; Ecosystems / Africa / Asia and the Pacific / Egypt / Nigeria / United Republic of Tanzania / Zambia / Bangladesh / Cambodia / Myanmar / Solomon Islands
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049615)
https://digitalarchive.worldfishcenter.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12348/3937/5872a0e98fae8e846953753d08558376.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049615.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049615.pdf
(10.00 MB) (10.0 MB)
IWMI, a managing partner of FISH, conducted an assessment of youth participation in SSF, aquaculture and value chains between November 2017 and May 2018. The assessment was conducted in Africa and the Asia-Pacific, with a particular focus on the FISH focal countries of Egypt, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia in Africa and Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar and Solomon Islands in the Asia-Pacific. The objectives of this study were to (i) assess the participation of youth in fisheries and aquaculture, including opportunities and challenges for participation, (ii) understand what WorldFish and key partners (government organizations, nongovernmental organizations [NGOs] and others) are doing in the focal countries in relation to youth participation, and (iii) (based on the former two points) provide potential areas for further research that could support improved youth participation in aquaculture, SSF and value chains. In this report, definitions of SSF and aquaculture are adopted from WorldFish.
3 Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Gowing, J.; Walker, D.; Parkin, G. 2020. Citizen science in community-based watershed management: an institutional analysis in Ethiopia. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 25p. (IWMI Working Paper 191) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2020.207]
Watershed management ; Community involvement ; Citizen science ; Water institutions ; Hydrometeorology ; Weather data ; Climatic data ; Monitoring ; Water resources ; Water management ; Natural resources management ; Water security ; Irrigation management ; Small scale systems ; Sustainability ; Governmental organizations ; River basin institutions ; Meteorological stations ; Participatory approaches ; Stakeholders ; Data analysis ; Access to information ; Information dissemination / Ethiopia / Abbay Basin / Rift Valley Lakes Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H050043)
(1.22 MB)
The engagement of communities (non-scientists) in the collection of reliable hydrometeorological data (a citizen science approach) has the potential to address part of the data gaps in Ethiopia. Due to the high cost of establishing and maintaining gauging stations, hydrometeorological monitoring in the country tends to focus on large river basins (> 1,000 km2) with little or no consideration of small watersheds (< 100 km2). However, hydrologic data from small watersheds are critical for two main reasons: (i) measure the impacts of watershed management interventions on water resources; and (ii) inform local development plans, such as small- and micro-scale irrigation development. Therefore, this paper examines the institutional arrangements for hydrometeorological monitoring and the practices followed by the Basin Development Authority and National Meteorology Agency in Ethiopia. It is important to investigate the possibilities of embedding a citizen science approach into the data collection systems of these two organizations, as this will help to address data gaps, particularly at micro-watershed levels. Based on the assessments, there is potential to embed the approach into the institutional structure of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) for hydrometeorological monitoring in micro-watersheds, due to the following reasons: (i) MoA has a high demand for hydrometeorological data from small rivers to be used for small- and micro-scale irrigation development, and for measuring the impacts of watershed development interventions on water resources; and (ii) MoA has an institutional structure from federal to community level that supports the engagement of communities in development interventions. However, effectively embedding the citizen science approach into regular monitoring of MoA depends on the clear distribution of mandates; developing legal, ethical, methodological and quality frameworks; and developing clear data sharing and incentive mechanisms involving all partners.
4 Mulema, A. A.; Boonabaana, B.; Debevec, L.; Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Alemu, M.; Kaaria, S. 2021. Spiraling up and down: mapping women’s empowerment through agricultural interventions using the community capitals framework in rural Ethiopia. Community Development, 52(1):113-130. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/15575330.2020.1838589]
Women's empowerment ; Gender equality ; Agriculture ; Rural communities ; Social capital ; Human capital ; Natural capital ; Cultural capital ; Collective action ; Social networks ; Livelihood diversification ; Off farm employment ; Financing ; Infrastructure ; Political aspects ; Households ; Decision making / Ethiopia / Adami Tulu / Yaya Gulele
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050056)
(2.09 MB)
The paper draws on the Community Capitals Framework to frame and analyze the process of rural women’s empowerment through agricultural interventions in two districts of Ethiopia. A blend of qualitative data collection methods comprising group discussions, life histories, and key informant interviews was used. Our study shows that investing in social, human, financial, cultural, natural, physical, and political capitals resulted in increased assets within those capitals and others amongst the beneficiaries. The interaction between capitals builds “power with”, “power within”, “power to” and “power over” in an upward spiral. Specifically, the interaction between social, human and financial capitals is a key entry point to rural women’s empowerment. Cultural capital intermediates the interaction and flow of capital assets during the empowerment process. We argue that empowering women requires an approach that enhances their capability to identify and systematically manage interactions among capitals that foster their voice and agency.
5 Sugden, Fraser; Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Debevec, Liza; Nijbroek, R. 2022. Migration, environmental change and agrarian transition in upland regions: learning from Ethiopia, Kenya and Nepal. Journal of Peasant Studies, 49(5):1101-1131. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/03066150.2021.1894552]
Migration ; Agrarian structure ; Labour mobility ; Remittances ; Income ; Remuneration ; Capitalism ; Peasantry ; Agriculture ; Investment ; Farmers ; Landlessness ; Tenants ; Livelihoods ; Women ; Decision making ; Highlands ; Communities / Ethiopia / Kenya / Nepal / Tigray / Chirkhuwa Valley / Gatanga / Muragua / Embahasti / Raya Azebo / Kimalung / Gufagaon / Sanrang / Aaptari / Bhadare
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050498)
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/03066150.2021.1894552
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050498.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050498.pdf
(3.52 MB) (3.52 MB)
This paper analyses the relationship between cyclical labour migration and agrarian transition in the uplands of Nepal, Ethiopia and Kenya. It shows that while migration decision-making is linked to expanding capitalist markets, it is mediated by local cultural, political and ecological changes. In turn, cyclical migration goes on to shape the trajectory of change within agriculture. The dual dependence on both migrant income and agriculture within these upland communities often translates into an intensifying work burden on the land, and rising profits for capitalism. However, on some occasions this income can support increased productivity and accumulation within agriculture – although this depends on both the agro-ecological context and the local agrarian structure.
6 Taye, Meron Teferi; Ebrahim, Girma Yimer; Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Hagos, Fitsum; Uhlenbrook, Stefan; Schmitter, Petra. 2022. Integrated water availability modelling to assess sustainable agricultural intensification options in the Meki Catchment, Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 67(15):2271-2293. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2022.2138403]
Water availability ; Modelling ; Sustainable intensification ; Sustainable agriculture ; Catchment areas ; Surface water ; Groundwater ; Water budget ; Water balance ; Climate change ; Rain ; Temperature ; Forecasting ; Land use ; Shallow water ; Wells ; Crop water use ; Water requirements ; Water yield ; Small-scale irrigation ; Communities / Ethiopia / Central Rift Valley / Meki Catchment
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H051557)
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/02626667.2022.2138403?needAccess=true
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H051557.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H051557.pdf
(16.50 MB) (16.5 MB)
The Meki catchment in the Central Rift Valley basin of Ethiopia is currently experiencing irrigation expansion and water scarcity challenges. The objective of this study is to understand the basin’s current and future water availability for agricultural intensification. This was done by simulating scenarios through an integrated SWAT-MODFLOW model to assess the water balance. The scenarios were co-developed with communities who expressed their aspirations for agricultural intensification in conjunction with projected climate change. The results show that with the present land use and climate, the catchment is already water stressed and communities cannot meet their irrigation water demand, particularly in the first irrigation season (October–January). However, in the second irrigation season (February–May) water resource availability is better and increasing irrigated area by 50% from the present extent is possible. With a climate change scenario that favours more rainfall and shallow groundwater use, agricultural intensification is feasible to some extent.
7 Anbacha, A.; Mapedza, Everisto; Joshi, Deepa; Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Puskur, R.; Nchanji, E.; Mukhopadhyay, P.; Nortje, Karen; Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah; Jacobs-Mata, Inga; Zewde, Y.; Ketema, D.; Roothaert, R.; Lutomia, C.; Gartaula, H. N. 2023. CGIAR Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa and CGIAR Initiative on Gender Equality: Stakeholder Consultation Workshop. Proceedings of the Stakeholder Consultation Workshop, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 31 January 2023. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa; CGIAR Initiative on Gender Equality. 22p.
Agricultural value chains ; Gender equality ; Social inclusion ; Women's participation ; Youth ; Farmers ; Empowerment ; Capacity development ; Stakeholders ; Vegetables ; Agribusiness ; Diversification ; Farm inputs ; Technology ; Innovation ; Resilience ; Non-governmental organizations ; Policies / East Africa / Southern Africa / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052223)
(1.12 MB)
A stakeholder consultation workshop was conducted by the CGIAR Initiatives on Diversification in East and Southern Africa (Ukama Ustawi) and Gender Equality on 31 January 2023 at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The workshop aimed to identify and address barriers that limit participation of women and youth and how these are addressed in an ongoing "Veggies for People and Planet" program at the World Vegetable Center. The workshop also sought to investigate existing opportunities and recommend possible integrated solutions for more equitable and inclusive value chain development.
8 Sugden, F.; Aderghal, M.; Fengbo, C.; Jian, C.; Crivellaro, F.; Dessalegn, Mengistu; Kharel, A.; Gupta, S.; Kuznetsova, I.; Naruchaikusol, S.; Masotti, M.; Amzil, L.; Murzakulova, A.; Mogilevskii, R.; Mollinga, P.; Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Pagogna, R.; Stratan, A.; Vittuari, M. 2023. Migration and its two-way relationship with rural change: lessons from China, Ethiopia, Moldova, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco and Thailand. [Policy Brief of the Migration Governance and Agricultural and Rural Change (AGRUMIG) Project]. London, UK: SOAS University of London. 12p. (AGRUMIG Policy Brief Series 23)
Migration ; Governance ; Labour ; Rural development ; Livelihoods ; Households ; Communities ; Farmers ; Investment ; Remittances ; Policies ; Agriculture ; Gender ; Women / China / Ethiopia / Republic of Moldova / Nepal / Kyrgyzstan / Morocco / Thailand
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052213)
(6.16 MB)
The AGRUMIG project was a comparative analysis of experiences from Europe, Asia and Africa, and explored the impact of migration on the trajectory of agricultural change in rural areas. This brief reviews the findings of our seven-country study. The research focused on 19 remittance-dependent communities in seven countries: China, Ethiopia, Moldova, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco and Thailand.
9 Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Minh, Thai Thi; Schmitter, Petra. 2023. Institutional gender mainstreaming in small-scale irrigation: lessons from Ethiopia. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 29p. (IWMI Research Report 185) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2023.218]
Gender mainstreaming ; Small-scale irrigation ; Institutional development ; Irrigation development ; Development projects ; Gender-transformative approaches ; Strategies ; Women farmers ; Gender equality ; Equal rights ; Participatory approaches ; Decision making ; Smallholders ; Farmer-led irrigation ; Irrigation technology ; Microirrigation ; Climate resilience ; Income generation ; Markets ; Capacity development ; Water user associations ; Extension approaches ; Stakeholders ; Private sector ; Government agencies ; Partnerships ; Governance ; Policies ; Frameworks ; Social norms ; Communities ; Households / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H052414)
(1.12 MB)
Achieving gender equality in irrigation can result in greater production, income, and job opportunities for both men and women smallholder farmers from diverse social groups, while building climate resilience in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, national irrigation agencies, donors, and researchers have been assisting project implementers to mainstream gender issues into the planning and implementation of irrigation programs. However, although efforts to close gender gaps in irrigation have been increasing, little is known about how interactions among institutions at different scales may determine the success of gender-mainstreaming strategies. This study presents a qualitative analysis of how the interaction of institutions at multiple levels can shape the success of gender-mainstreaming strategies. Specifically, the study analyzed how institutions' rules, roles, and capacities at state, market, community, and household levels shaped strategies in Ethiopia's nine small-scale and micro irrigation development projects. The findings show that ‘rule-based’ strategies adopted by small, scheme-based irrigation projects emphasize policies and rules for equal rights and opportunities for equal participation in individuals' and institutions' decision-making and capacity development. ‘Role-based’ strategies adopted by projects promoting small-scale and micro irrigation technologies focus on challenging social norms to address the imbalance of power and workloads by developing the capacity of all stakeholders. Both strategies focus on women and use participatory approaches to ensure gender equality. Negative stereotypes about women from families, communities, and the private sector often make it difficult for gender mainstreaming to succeed. Furthermore, institutional biases and limited capacities reproduce gender inequality by reinforcing stereotypical gender norms. Transformative gender mainstreaming strategies are critical to holistic approaches that facilitate change at different scales through broad-based partnerships between actors. It calls for 1) enacting policy, creating an institutional environment, and developing governance mechanisms for mainstreaming gender; 2) enhancing the accountability system and adoption of gender-transformative approaches to involve more women farmers in designing, planning, and management; 3) creating a supportive institutional environment at market, community and household level that helps women farmers invest in irrigation; and 4) applying an intersectional lens in gender analysis and mainstreaming.
10 Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Minh, Thai Thi; Senaratna Sellamuttu, Sonali. 2022. A policymaker’s guide to increasing youth engagement in aquaculture in Nigeria. Penang, Malaysia: WorldFish. 2p. (Program Brief: WorldFish-2022-13)
Aquaculture ; Youth ; Engagement ; Poverty reduction ; Policy making ; Risk management ; Fish ; Value chains ; Financing ; Social networks / Africa South of Sahara / Nigeria
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052643)
https://digitalarchive.worldfishcenter.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12348/5301/71c80f289bc4d273556b93a4bfc1d691.pdf?sequence2=
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052643.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052643.pdf
(1.58 MB) (1.58 MB)
Supporting young people to enter food value chains can help reduce high levels of youth unemployment across sub-Saharan Africa. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and WorldFish conducted a study to understand the drivers of, and hindrances to, youth entry into aquaculture value chains in Nigeria to support development of youth-inclusive policy for rural areas.
11 Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Joshi, Deepa; Tsegaye, B.; Admasu, W.; Abate, N. 2024. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) for climate-smart water management practices: the case of Upper Awash River Basin of Wollo and Lower Awash River Basin of Afar in Ethiopia. Synthesis report prepared by the Prioritization of Climate-smart Water Management Practices project. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 24p. [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2024.206]
Gender equality ; Social inclusion ; Climate change ; Water management ; Smallholders ; Farmers ; Small-scale irrigation ; Women's empowerment ; Institutions ; Communities ; Households ; River basins / Ethiopia / Awash River Basin / Wollo / Afar / Kalu / Habru / Ewa / Afambo
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052586)
(19.8 MB)
This research study on gender and water resources management, led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and its partners in Ethiopia, was designed to collect primary and secondary data on how smallholder agricultural producer communities in selected catchments are impacted by and cope with climate change. Our focus was on exploring opportunities and barriers for designing and implementing gender-responsive and climate resilient water resources planning and management interventions that are contextually relevant. The research findings will be further translated into actionable recommendations for gender-responsive decision support tools for climate-smart water resources management. The study, informed by the Gender Empowerment Framework and a qualitative research methodology, analyzed soil and water conservation initiatives and small-scale irrigation (SSI) interventions in four districts of the Awash River Basin. These locations were the Kalu and Habru districts from the Upper Awash Catchment in Wollo, and the Ewa and Afambo districts from the Lower Awash Catchment in Afar. These four districts were chosen for their diversity of conservation initiatives and livelihoods. Data were collected from a total sample size of 309 individuals – 288 of whom were smallholder farmers (160 women and 128 men) and 21 were key informants from local government offices – by conducting 96 in-depth interviews, 24 focus group discussions and 21 key informant interviews. The data were analyzed to assess the gender dynamics of productivity, production and practices, and SSI practices, focusing on three key dimensions: resources, agency and institutions. The three key results and recommendations are as follows:
First, climate impacts result in diverse outcomes for women (and men). It causes malnutrition in persons with special needs and increases the workload of women and girls, who are predominantly responsible for domestic work. This requires interventions that focus on the needs, priorities, barriers and challenges of these groups, and ensure targeted opportunities in decision-making, access to resources and services, and benefits.
Second, deep-rooted sociocultural norms and barriers impact outreach efforts for women and marginalized groups; this includes the effective engagement of these groups in capacity building training programs, and their access to relevant information, entrepreneurial opportunities and linkages across the value chains. Without addressing these barriers, making a sustained impact in terms of gender equality and social inclusion will not be possible. We recommend adopting interventions that address the structural barriers to women’s participation in leadership positions, promoting gender-responsive practices across institutions and building synergy among relevant stakeholders.
Third, insufficient institutional capacities among implementing actors present key obstacles to the design and implementation of gender-responsive climate-smart water technologies and practices. Overcoming these challenges necessitates commitment from leaders and the allocation of sufficient resources to establish and enhance institutional systems such as mechanisms for accountability, monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, it entails evidence-based and data-driven research on gender to collate gender and social inclusion challenges.
This report presents a synthesis focused on the methodology and key findings of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) study. For further information, the reader is advised to refer to the detailed report prepared as part of the study, which can be accessed by contacting the lead author.
First, climate impacts result in diverse outcomes for women (and men). It causes malnutrition in persons with special needs and increases the workload of women and girls, who are predominantly responsible for domestic work. This requires interventions that focus on the needs, priorities, barriers and challenges of these groups, and ensure targeted opportunities in decision-making, access to resources and services, and benefits.
Second, deep-rooted sociocultural norms and barriers impact outreach efforts for women and marginalized groups; this includes the effective engagement of these groups in capacity building training programs, and their access to relevant information, entrepreneurial opportunities and linkages across the value chains. Without addressing these barriers, making a sustained impact in terms of gender equality and social inclusion will not be possible. We recommend adopting interventions that address the structural barriers to women’s participation in leadership positions, promoting gender-responsive practices across institutions and building synergy among relevant stakeholders.
Third, insufficient institutional capacities among implementing actors present key obstacles to the design and implementation of gender-responsive climate-smart water technologies and practices. Overcoming these challenges necessitates commitment from leaders and the allocation of sufficient resources to establish and enhance institutional systems such as mechanisms for accountability, monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, it entails evidence-based and data-driven research on gender to collate gender and social inclusion challenges.
This report presents a synthesis focused on the methodology and key findings of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) study. For further information, the reader is advised to refer to the detailed report prepared as part of the study, which can be accessed by contacting the lead author.
12 Mekuria, Wolde; Hagos, Fitsum; Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Admasu, W.; Bitew, A. 2024. Impacts of landscape and household climate-smart water management practices in the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia. Synthesis report prepared by the Prioritization of Climate-smart Water Management Practices project. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 32p. [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2024.214]
Landscape conservation ; Water management ; Climate change adaptation ; Households ; River basins ; Watersheds ; Small-scale irrigation ; Vulnerability ; Natural resources ; Forest landscape restoration ; Livelihoods ; Gender ; Women ; Marginalization ; Social groups ; Communities ; Socioeconomic impact ; Food security ; Geographical information systems ; Remote sensing ; Flooding ; Drought / Ethiopia / Awash River Basin / Maybar-Felana Watershed / Gelana Watershed / Ewa Watershed / Afambo Watershed
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052701)
(1.07 MB)
There is growing evidence that climate-related risk is increasing, and this will affect the livelihoods of small-scale producers (SSPs), with the effects being more severe in agropastoral and pastoral farming systems. In the Awash River Basin, the vulnerability of SSPs is mounting because of anthropogenic and climatic factors. Investigating the impact of landscape management practices and the interaction of SSPs with natural resources would inform sustainable planning, implementing and managing interventions. This study was conducted in four watersheds in the Awash River Basin: Maybar-Felana, Gelana, Ewa and Afambo. The overarching objective was to assess the biophysical and socioeconomic impacts and gender dimensions of landscape management practices. The researchers also investigated the links between natural resource degradation and the vulnerability of natural resource-dependent people, and the contributions of landscape management practices to address these issues. The study analyzed data gathered through 500 household surveys, 51 key informant interviews, 96 in-depth household interviews, 36 focus group discussions, and Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. The results indicated that diverse household-, farm- and watershed-level landscape management practices were adopted in the four watersheds. The findings indicated that implementing these practices could improve natural resources and the services they provide. The adopted practices contributed to reducing livelihood vulnerability by minimizing the effects of weather extremes (floods and droughts), improving food and water security, enhancing resource availability and building livelihood assets. Practicing small-scale irrigation (SSI) has a positive and significant effect on the household Food Consumption Score (FCS) and the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS). Stone bunds and SSI have a significant impact on lowering the score on the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The findings suggest that women and other marginalized groups (children, the elderly and resource-poor households) are the most affected by climate change and natural resource degradation. Government and non-government organizations recognize the needs of women and marginalized social groups in designing and implementing landscape management initiatives by prioritizing their participation in initiatives to empower them economically (e.g., involving them in income-generating activities) and socially (e.g., building social capital). Despite efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment in landscape management initiatives, women and marginalized social groups remain vulnerable and benefit less due to various factors, including social norms and limited institutional capacities. Gender norms, values and practices embedded within individuals, households, communities and institutions hinder progress. Limited institutional capacities, such as financial and human capacities remain challenges. This study offers recommendations to maximize and sustain the contributions of landscape management practices to reduce the vulnerability of SSPs.
13 Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Diallo, A.; Minh, Thai Thi. 2024. Investment and cultivation strategies for women and youth inclusion: cases from on-farm, off-farm and non-farm activities in Ethiopia and Mali. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 24p. (IWMI Working Paper 211) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2024.203]
Investment ; Cultivation ; Strategies ; Women's participation ; Youth ; Social inclusion ; Agricultural production ; Surpluses ; Agricultural value chains ; Livelihoods ; Assets ; Natural capital ; Human capital ; Social capital ; Cultural capital ; Gender ; Social norms ; Farmers ; Social groups ; Markets ; Agribusiness ; Small-scale farming ; Food security ; Households ; Poverty ; Cooperatives ; Access to finance ; Institutions ; Capacity development ; Policies ; Governmental organizations ; Nongovernmental organizations ; Private sector ; Case studies / Sahel / Ethiopia / Mali / Tiyo / Ziway Dugda / Wegnia / Sourou
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H052838)
(1.99 MB)
Africa's agriculture sector is vital for food security, employment, and economic growth. Women and young people, who contribute to innovation, diversification, and income, face limited opportunities in the sector due to social and economic power imbalances. This disparity wastes resources and impedes agricultural value chain development (VCD). Inclusive VCD aims to empower women, men and youth from diverse social groups and strengthen the agriculture sector. However, the literature on inclusive VCD in Africa is limited due to urban biases, and the lack of a framework to address gender inequality and poverty. This study explores how livelihood assets, strategies for accessing the assets, and enabling and discouraging factors in the value chain shapes the inclusion of women and youth in on-farm, off-farm and non-farm activities. It is based on the Safeguarding Sahelian Wetlands for Food Security (SaWeL) program that aims to make the market work for the poor through inclusive VCD in the Ziway-Shalla Sub-basin of Ethiopia, and Wegnia and Sourou basins in Mali. A qualitative dataset of 32 focus group discussions, 48 key informant interviews and 40 in-depth interviews were analyzed. We identified investment and cultivation inclusion strategies that demonstrates how women and youth from diverse social groups actualize business opportunities, overcome challenges and create new opportunities for inclusion. Investment strategies involve women and youth from better-off households with good access to natural, social, political and physical capital for capital-intensive roles. On the other hand, cultivation strategies involve women and youth from resource-poor households who can harness natural, social and political capital to participate in off-farm and non-farm activities. Our results show that women and youth who adopt either one of the strategies are encouraged by good support from social networks, cooperatives, Government Organizations, Nongovernmental Organizations and private sector actors. However, access to productive resources and services for women and youth adopting any strategies is hampered by gender and intergenerational norms, poverty and insufficient institutional capacity. We argue that it is essential to understand how social disparities and local environments interact to inform the design and implementation of inclusive value chains. Additionally, inclusive value chains necessitate building capacities of institutions at different scales.
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