1. The paper discusses participatory natural resource management interventions in central Ethiopia to reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility and land productivity. This includes soil and water conservation structures, agroforestry, composting, introduction of improved crop varieties and livestock forages. 2. Empirical research was also conducted including runoff assessments and characterization of local plant species. Farmers research groups were established to introduce technologies and build capacity. 3. Lessons showed that introducing high value cash crops and linking to markets encouraged participation in natural resource management. However, free grazing limits long term investments like tree planting. Strong partnerships were built but methodologies to promote innovations need strengthening.

1. Participatory natural resources management through multiple interventions at Galessa and the surrounding areas, central Ethiopia
International Conference on Ecosystem Conservation and Sustainable Development (ECOCASD 2011)
Ambo University, Ethiopia, 10-12 February 2011
Kindu Mekonnen1,2, Zenebe Adimassu1, Bezaye Gorfu1
1Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Holeta Agricultural Research Center (HARC), Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2 Current address - International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Email:k.mekonnen@cgiar.org,
Abstract Landscape level SWC
The paper discusses the different Natural Resources Management Several hectares of land have been
(NRM) approaches and interventions employed to reduce soil erosion protected with soil bund, and planted with
and fertility depletion, and increase land productivity. It also multipurpose trees and grasses to stabilize
emphasizes empirical research interventions, lessons and challenges. the structures and to intensify the outfield
(Figure 4). Figure 4. Landscape level SWC.
1. Background Composting
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) in collaboration with
Researchers demonstrated to farmers and
African Highland Initiative (AHI) has been undertaking INRM research and
Development Agents (DAs) how to
capacity building activities since 1997. The project has given much
emphasis to participatory approaches to tackle NRM related problems. It prepare compost from local organic
also fosters participation of stakeholders through the use of entry points, sources and apply to high value crops
formation of Farmers’ Research Groups (FRGs) and capacity building (Figure 5).
forums. Figure 5. Cold composting.
Introduction of legume forage
2. Major problems associated with NRM plants
Different vetch species and accessions
The study area experiences soil erosion, soil nutrient depletion; loss of
were introduced and tested to improve
indigenous trees; low crop diversity and productivity; poor water quality
the productivity of fallow land (Figure 6).
and quantity; lack of feed resources; and lack of collective action on
NRM.
4.2. Empirical research Figure 6. Vetch for improving soils.
3. Approaches for NRM R&D
Participatory runoff assessment
The NRM research and development (R&D) utilizes selected entry
points, formation of FRGs and capacity building to promote technology This activity was established to illustrate to
dissemination. More than 10 FRGs were established as of 2001 to farmers what is lost from their fields and
introduce soil, water, crop, livestock and tree-related technologies, what is retained as a result of introduced
upgrade skill of farmers and document lessons. conservation structures (Figure 7).
Figure 7. Runoff assessment.
4. NRM Interventions Characterization of local plant
Farmers together with researchers
4.1. Action research identified more than 15 local tree/shrub
species that have a soil fertility
management role (Figure 8).
Gully rehabilitation
Communities and the researchers identified
three gullies and treated one with loose-rock
check-dam, another with brushwood check-
5. Lessons learnt Figure 8. Senecio gigas as potential spp for
soil fertility management.
dam (Figure 1). Annual average deposited
soil per brushwood and loose-rock check-
• Introduction of crop varieties as entry points improved cash
dams were 1.22m3 and 2.06m3 respectively Figure 1. Gully rehabilitation generation and food availability. Farmers developed confidence
with brushwood check-dam. and courage to practice NRM options.
• Involvement of local administrators in different knowledge sharing
Niche compatible afforestation forums helped to increase awareness on NRM issues that need
policy interventions.
Three suitable tree species (C. palmensis, A.
• NRM agendas can be implemented when supported by
decurrnens and H. abyssinica) in Galessa
interventions that give immediate benefits to communities.
that contribute to soil fertility and fodder
• Linking high value crops to markets benefits communities and
production were identified and planted at
encourages them to participate in NRM R&D activities.
different niches (Figure 2)
Introduction of improved crop Figure 2. Tree planting around the
6. Challenges/constraints
varieties homestead.
• Free grazing limits expansion of long-term investments such as
Five improved varieties of potatoes and eight varieties of barley
tree planting.
were evaluated and introduced (Figure 3). In addition the farmers
• Methodologies that demonstrate the promotion of NRM
produced improved linseed, triticale, apple and forage crop
innovations are limited in Ethiopia. As a result, the expected
varieties.
impacts of the NRM interventions haven’t been observed at wider
scale.
7. Conclusions and recommendations
• Strong ties among researchers, farmers and other development
partners have been built while implementing the NRM activities.
• Awareness creation, negotiation support, market incentives and
follow-ups are important so as to intensify NRM options in the
Figure 3. Potato and barley at farmers‘ field. outfields.
Acknowledgements: We thank all EIAR-AHI project team members, HARC and AHI for their contribution.