Agropastoralist communities in the West Hararghe lowlands of the Oromia region, Ethiopia, face vulnerability due to the fragility of their food production systems. The harmful effects of climate change and natural disasters (such as droughts and locust infestations), along with human-induced conflicts, exacerbate this situation and the challenges these communities face.
To support these communities, we have launched a new project in collaboration with our local partner ECC-SADCO, with financial support from the Community of Madrid. We will work to provide a comprehensive solution to help them overcome these challenges and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to extreme events.
Improving productive capacities
To ensure their access to safe food, we will provide training and essential materials to help them enhance their agricultural productivity.
Specifically, we will work together to implement climate-smart agricultural practices, diversify crops, use improved fast-maturing seeds adapted to climate change, develop sustainable soil and water management strategies, and establish agroforestry systems.
We will also promote the organisation of local producers by establishing three income-generating groups focused on fruit and vegetable farming, fodder production, livestock fattening, and dairy production.
Irrigation infrastructure
As part of this project, a key initiative will be the construction of irrigation infrastructure to ensure water supply for crops, reducing dependence on erratic and unpredictable rainfall. At the same time, we plan to establish an Irrigation Water Users Association and a dedicated management committee to promote efficient and sustainable water use.
This initiative will ensure irrigation across 50 hectares, benefiting 1,200 people and enabling the production of three harvests per year. To achieve this, participants will receive training in both irrigated agriculture techniques and the maintenance and management of irrigation systems to ensure long-term sustainability.