1 Implementing a holistic approach to watershed managementBy Claudio Zucca, ICARDA on behalf of the wider project team Final Workshop of the project Reducing land degradation and farmers’ vulnerability to climate change in the highland dry areas of north-western Ethiopia Bahir Dar, Jacaranda Hotel, June 20th – 21st, 2016
2 …A story that began in 2009…. When a team of ICARDA researchers visited the region and, together with ARARI colleagues, selected the watershed based on a set of criteria as a very promising site for research Unlocking the potential of rainfed agriculture in Ethiopia for Improved Rural livelihoods (ADA, ) Combating land degradation and improving productivity through integrated watershed management, monitoring, and community participation (CRP–WLE, ) Reducing land degradation and farmers’ vulnerability to climate change in the highland dry areas of north-western Ethiopia (ADA, ) Strategic Interventions to Simultaneously Reduce Women's Drudgery, Youth Unemployment, and Ecosystem Degradation (CRP–WLE, ) Integrated Agricultural Production Systems for the Poor and Vulnerable in Dry Areas (IFAD, )
3 …A story of people…. Some no longer in the team…just to mention some:Rolf Sommer Wondimu Bayu Abraham Abiyu Feras Ziadat Debra Turner Mohammed Boufaroua… Many researchers not present today… Many Ethiopian and Austrian students….. and farmers, and stakeholders…
4 …An evolving story…. The first phase: problem-driven, technology-oriented Identify challenges, demands, opportunities and research issues Combating land degradation Water harvesting & Supplemental irrigation Improvement of Land productivity Livestock (Goat) Improvement Feeds and nutrition Health Community- based breeding Marketing crop varieties, diversification Agronomic practices Farm implements Soil & water conservation Watershed modeling Ponds for water harvesting Supplemental & deficit Irrigation Identify land use and management options
5 Around 30 percent of watershed forests were lostAssumptions: need for watershed-scale action Around 30 percent of watershed forests were lost between 1986 and 2007 Deforestation upstream, accelerating erosion in all watershed Water (rainfall) shortage can be mitigated through catchment-based interventions at multiple interlinked scales (e.g., macro and micro water harvesting) Improved farming practices impact soil and water resources in a way that can be effectively quantified/modelled at watershed- scale
6 Assumptions: need for improved management and soil conservationAnnual soil loss during the rainy season easily goes beyond 10 t/ha, and often reaches up to 20 t/ha or more. Soil erosion, nutrient depletion: Degradation of natural resources Rainfall irregularity/shortage: Adapt agriculture to CC challenges Poor farming practices (inputs, technology, access to improved crop and breed varieties, crop-livestock integration): Food security
7 The “second phase” (2013-2016): From problem-driven, technology-oriented strategy, to a holistic approach to watershed management (previous) Lessons learnt: Rural communities depend on a variety of livelihood strategies to meet their basic needs - these are interlinked, and include a suit of alternative income generating opportunities. Adopting a holistic approach allows to appreciate the complexity of the challenges and seek solutions through better focused multiple interventions. Farmers observing exp. trials during demonstration day….”Do I need this”?
8 Adaptation to Climate Change, enhanced livelihoods- breeds of small ruminants - forage crops - crop-livestock integration -farming implements and practices -crop varieties -Introduction of fuel saving stoves -Afforestation programs -tree mobile nurseries IFAD - Value chain development CGIAR WLE_GDR Improved farming technologies /processes Reduced deforestation -Increased women and community participation Adaptation to Climate Change, enhanced livelihoods ADA Improved water management Improved SWC practices Impacts of CC -Water harvesting and -Supplemental irrigation and crop water productivity -Watershed simulation modelling under CC scenarios (SWAT model) CGIAR WLE_NR -Impact of SWC at plot and sub-watershed scale (SWAT model) -Conservation farming practices (e.g., cover crops, minimum tillage, etc.)
9 …A story that continues….The “Third phase”: what’s next? From the holistic approach towards integrated options and system approach Where we are On going: bio-economic modeling. Building on the datasets generated so far, from hydrology records to household data. The aim of the bio-economic-model is to analyze system dynamics, productivity and constraints at the watershed scale, and to simulate socio-economic impacts determined by climate and land use scenarios. Integration in field options: research on integration of improved practices, to achieve cumulative advantages. More integrative modelling frameworks to support upscaling Increase adoption by farmers, and better extension processes, to generate Impact Where we aim to go
10 (2011-ongoing) of erosion and runoff…A very productive process.. Automatic monitoring at the outlet of watershed and two sub-watersheds (stone bunds- treated and untreated) Plot scale measurement in SWC (stone bunds-) treated and untreated Long term monitoring (2011-ongoing) of erosion and runoff Impact of soil conservation measures (stone bunds) on runoff and erosion: advanced measurement infrastructure at plot and (sub-) watershed level
11 More than 25 trials conducted during the project duration…A very productive process..(2) SLM options More than 25 trials conducted during the project duration ( )
12 Comparative evaluation of Practices in view of promotion/dissemination (capitalization) Are they innovative? Good? Best? Good practice (or best practice) Evidence of impact from multiple settings, several evaluations, meta-analyses, expert review, cost-efficiency analysis, good practice criteria (from World Bank sources
13 Level of evidence: Good practice or promising practice ?(slide kindly “stolen” to Sophie Treinen, FAO-Knowledge Outreach Team) Level of evidence: Good practice or promising practice ? STATE OF PRACTICE LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Policy, policy principle, norm, standard Proven in multiple settings, replication studies, quantitative and scientific evidence Good practice (or best practice) Evidence of impact from multiple settings, several evaluations, meta-analyses, expert review, cost-efficiency analysis, good practice criteria Lessons learned Positive evidence in few cases, programme evaluation, events Promising practice Unproven in multiple settings, anecdotal evidence, testimonials, articles, reports Experience Minimal objective evidence, inferences from parallel experiences and contexts Policy, policy principle, nomr, standards, - changed in world document Adapted from: Hancock, J. (2003) Scaling-up for increased impact of development practice: Issues and options in support of the implementation of the World Bank’s Rural Strategy. Rural Strategy Working Paper, World Bank, Washington.
14 Potential for promotionScoring Criteria Potential for promotion Physical performance (e.g., yield gain), Farmers preference, Easiness to adopt (tech.), Cost of adoption by farmers, economic impact climate resilience Confidence of the researcher (scientific soundness); Reasons for promotion, or for not promotion ! Examples: Deficit irrigation of onion YES (garlic NO) Sorghum/faba bean intercropping YES Village-based goat improvement YES Etc.
15 Model approaches for Gender Mainstreaming…A very productive process..(3) Model approaches for Gender Mainstreaming In the project: (we have tried to) Create opportunities for women to voice their opinions and concerns Implement targeted activities that meet their needs Encourage inter-disciplinary collaboration Organize tailored capacity strengthening efforts * Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO’s) 2001 report
16 (and much training at different levels)…A very productive process..(4) Publications Students’ work (and much training at different levels)
17 PHD and Master Theses PHD (ongoing)Kindie, H. Assessment of the impact of rainwater harvesting and soil conservation structures on surface runoff and sediment yield from an agricultural watershed in Ethiopia. PhD dissertation, BOKU University, Austria. Demelash, N. Climate change effects on watershed dynamics and ecosystem services for an agricultural watershed in Amhara region, Ethiopia. PhD dissertation, BOKU University, Austria. Simegnew, E.T. Understanding Farmer Perceptions of Climate Change, Different Adaptation Strategies and Bio- economic Modeling of the Impacts of Climate Change on Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihoods: The Case of Gumara- Maksegnit Watershed, North Gondar, Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. PhD dissertation, BOKU University, Austria. MASTER (ongoing) Alemu, A. Assessing the efficiency and adoption of soil and water conservation interventions in Gonder zuria district. Masters thesis, Bahir Dar Univesrity, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Martin Kaltenleithner, M. Investigation of the impact of stone bunds on soil water content. Masters thesis, BOKU University, Austria. Tibebu, N. Balancing nutrient inputs in cropping systems in the Ethiopian highlands. Masters thesis, Bahir Dar Univesrity, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
18 MASTER (completed) 11. Stefanie WAKOLBINGER. Evaluation of the Impact of Stone Bunds on Soil Loss and Surface Runoff in the Gumara-Maksegnit Watershed, Northern Highlands of Ethiopia. BOKU University, Austria. Vienna 2016. 10. Eva Maria OBEREDER. Investigation of the impact of stone bunds on erosion and deposition processes combining conventional and tracer methodology in the Gumara-Maksegnit watershed, northern highlands of Ethiopia. BOKU University, Austria. Vienna 2016. 9. Jakob RIEDER. Assessments on the impact of stone bunds on water erosion in the Gumara-Maksegnit watershed, northern Ethiopia. Master thesis, BOKU University, Austria. Vienna 2015. 8. Roman SCHIFFER. Simulation of Surface Runoff and Soil Erosion of a Watershed in Northern Ethiopia. Application and Verification of the SWAT Model for two small Agricultural Watersheds in the Gumara-Maksegnit Watershed. Master thesis, BOKU University, Austria. Vienna 2015. 7. A. G. TSIGE. Water balance simulation and optimal reservoir sizing for supplemental irrigation in the Northern western Amhara region: A case study in Guma- Maksegnit sub watershed. Master thesis. Bahir Dar University, Faculty of Civil and Water Resource Engineering, Bahir Dar 6. Christoph, B.T. Spatial and temporal impacts of stone bunds on soil physical properties: A case study in the Northern Ethiopian highlands. Master Thesis, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna 5. Florian, K. Assessment of gully erosion by linking photogrammetric approaches and field measurements. Master thesis, Institute of hydraulics and rural water management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna 4. Gebretsadik, M. G. Soil moisture prediction in an agricultural field of Gumara-Maksegnit watershed, North Gonder, Ethiopia. Master Thesis, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna Duration: 3. Ingrid, B. Run off and sediment monitoring in an agricultural watershed in the Ethiopian highlands. Master Thesis, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna 2. Brenner, C. Monitoring and simulation of soil erosion in the Ethiopian highlands on a plot scale. Master Thesis, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna.2013. 1. Sisay, K. Assessment of forest cover change and its environmental impacts using Multi-temporal and multi-spectral satellite images: The case of Gumara- Maksegnit watershed of North Gonder zone, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Hawassa University, Wondo-Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Wondo Genet, Ethiopia
19 By Taylor & Francis Group publisherScience output A book in 2015, By Taylor & Francis Group publisher 17 chapters, 262 pages
20 Several under revision Some already publishedScience output Peer reviewed Journal articles Several under revision (……….) Some already published Addis, H.K., Klik, A., and Strohmeier, S., 2015. Spatial Variability of Selected Soil Attributes under Agricultural Land Use System in a Mountainous Watershed, Ethiopia. International Journal of Geoscience 6: 605–613. Demelash, N., Tesfaye ,S., Bayu ,W., Sommer, R., Turner ,D., Effect of Compost and Chemical Fertilizer on Wheat Production and Soil Properties. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 100: 357–367. Kidane, A., Melaku, S., Haile, A., Kidane, A., Melaku, S., Haile, A., Characterization of Goat Population and Breeding Practice of Goat Owners in Gummara-Maksegnit Watershed-North Gondar, Ethiopia. Agricultural Journal 9: 5-14. Tarekegn, A., Adaptability of vetch (Vicia spp.) for potential feed production in Gumara-Maksegnit watershed, North Gondar, Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development 26, Article #120. Mehammednur, N., Yitaferu, B., Kibret, K., Ziadat ,F.,2013. Soil-Landscape Modeling and Remote Sensing to Provide Spatial Representation of Soil Attributes for an Ethiopian Watershed. Applied and Environmental Soil Science V. 2013, Article ID , 11 pp.,
21 PUBLICATION PLAN No. Tentative title Exp. period Authors 1Effect of N and P chemical fertilizer rate for optimum teff yield in Gondar-zuria Wereda, North Gondar, Ethiopia Baye A., Meron L., Muuz G. Nigus D., Ayalew Addis 2 Assessment of Runoff, sediment loss, Total N, Available P and Organic matter in Gumara- maksegnit watershed, North Gondar Muuz G., Atkilt A., Nigus D. 3 Investigating the effect of split application of N fertilizer on sorghum productivity Meron L, Nigus D., Ertiban W., Muuz G., Baye A., Ayalew A 4 Effect of timing of ridging and tie-ridging on the performance of sorghum at North Gondar, Ethiopia Ertiban W., Muuz G., Atkilt 5 Evaluating the effect of deficit irrigation on growth and yield of garlic and onion using pond harvested rain water. Ertiban W., Muuz G., Melkie D., 6 Determination of rate and time of nitrogen application on wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield and yield related components Nigus D., Meron L, Muuz G., Baye A., Ayalew A 7 Determination of weeding frequency to increase production and productivity of Sorghum in GM Watershed T. Jemberu, Y. Abje and M. Azanaw 8 Evaluating the adaptability of different sweet lupine varieties in Gumara- Maksegnit watershed A. Tarekegn, B. shemelis and Y. Demsie 9 Development and implementation of a pilot village-based goat improvement scheme Demonstration of goat feeding package in community based goat improvement village S. Abegaz, A. Kidane, A. Hailu and S. Tsehay 10 Evaluation of sorghum/faba bean intercropping for intensifying existing production systems in the Gumara-Maksegnit watershed T. Jemberu, W. bayu, Y. Abje and T. Jorgi 11 Participatory variety selection of improved lentil varieties in Gumara- Maksegnit watershed at Gonder zuria district G. Tilahun Tewodros Tesfaye Ansha Ahmed 12 Pre-scaling up of early maturing & drought escaping improved chickpea vars. & agronomic packages through farmers’ based seed production and local seed systems at the Gumara- Makisegnit Watershed. Y. worku, S. Yedeme, B. Wube and E. Melesse 13 Demonstration of cow pea hay and Concentrate mixture supplementation for fattening of culled goats from community based breeding program in GM area Y. Worku, S. Yedeme, T. Zelalem, B. Wube and E. Melesse 14 Goat value chain analysis: The case of Gumara-Maksegnit watershed Y. Worku and M. Fenta 15 Evaluation of community based goat program at Gumara-makesegit watershed 2015 Y. Worku and S. Abegaz 16 Introduction of fuel saving technologies to reduce land degradation & CC, improve soil fertility, and livelihoods Y. Worku, Beza and Mesfin Fenta, S. Yedeme, E. Melesse and B. Wube
22 (take notes and get ready with ideas!)…What about today and tomorrow… Project achievement Experience sharing (take notes and get ready with ideas!) Working groups and final discussion: your recommendations, and the way forward
23 Thanks for your attention