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Soil degradation affects its quality and productivity of the land. To control soil degradation, various soil and water conservation (SWC) measures, including area closure are implemented. Understanding the impacts of SWC measures could support planning and implementation of land management practices. This study aimed to investigate impacts of area closure on soil properties in south central highland of Ethiopia. To acquire the necessary data, we conducted interviews with 80 households. Furthermore, nine years old area closure with physical soil and water conservation (AC-SWC), open grazing with physical SWC (OG-SWC), and open grazing without physical SWC (OG) were identified and each divided into upper, middle, and lower slope positions. In each slope position, 3 sample plots were established at 25–50 m intervals. A total of 27 composite samples and other 27 core samples for bulk density (3 treatments∗3 slope position∗3 replications) were collected and analyzed for soil properties. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA. The results showed that about 98 % of the respondents perceived that area closure would be an effective way to restore degraded land. Majority of the farmers (86 %) believed that area closure could reduce soil erosion and replenish soil fertility and thus, is beneficial in improving land productivity. Soil test results revealed that AC-SWC had significantly greater (P

The objective of this study was to evaluate the historical trends and variability of rainfall and temperature and to estimate the extent of change across various agroecological zones (AEZs) in the West Arsi Zone of south-central Ethiopia from 1983 to 2019. Data on daily temperature and rainfall were collected from the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute. The study utilized the Mann–Kendall test, Sen’s slope estimator, and descriptive statistical methods to analyze data and identify trends. The analysis revealed a significant increase in mean annual temperature (p1 mm) shows a significant decreasing trend (p

AbstractLow standard of constructed structures, weak land management, unskilled human power, dependency on rain-fed agriculture and natural assets for household farmers’ survival make livelihood systems in the study area complex, dynamic and food insecure. The aim of this research paper was to assess and analyze the effect of physical structures on crop yield, annual income and smallholder farmers livelihood based on the data of 2020 and 2021 harvest years. The data was collected from a survey of 262 total household head farmers of which 132 were structureadopters while 130 were nonadopters (nonusers). Household heads were selected using simple random sampling techniques. The statistical data were analyzed using chi-square, t-test and SPSS version 20 software while the economic data were analyzed using econometric models such as propensity score matching, average treatment effect and logistic regression. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews and personal observations were also held to gather qualitative data. The results show that the adoption of physical structures has had a significant and positive impact on smallholder farmers’ incomes, crop productivity and livelihoods. Therefore, the adoption of physical structures in Wenago district, southern Ethiopia should be continued and encouraged as much as possible.

Soil erosion and its consequences is one of the major serious problems in Ethiopia. Even though adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) measures has been underway for the past three decades, the implementation and use of introduced technologies were below the expectation and the problem is still has continued in the country. The study was aimed at assessing the implemented physical designs of soil and water conservation structures in respect to the standards and identifying the major adoption determinant factors in Wenago district, southern Ethiopia. The data for this studywas collected from a survey of 262 total household farmers selected through simple random sampling techniques in the year 2020/21 and the datawas analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and logistic regression model via SPSS and Stata soft wares. Focus group discussion, key informant interview and personal observation were also undertaken to gather data having qualitative nature. (i) About 55.6% of the implemented physical design failed to meet the standards (ii) Adoption of SWC measures were determined by 47.4% of the tested variables (iii) 55.5% of the variables were significantly associated at 5% probability level between adopters and non-adopters in terms of adoption of SWC measures in the study area. Overall, we conclude that construction of conservation structures should be focused on minimizing the observed mismatch of the implemented physical designs against the standards. This study is expected to contribute in achieving sustainable land management schemes, agricultural productivity and smallholder farmers livelihood improvement in international, national, regional and local level and it is strongly recommended that policy makers and technical institutions should address SWC related issues to ensure rural farmers food security.

AbstractEthiopia has suffered from degradation of forests and loss of biodiversity as a result of anthropogenic activities mainly for the purpose of expanding farm lands, construction materials, fuel wood and charcoal production. The objective of the study was to assess the status of exclosure comparing with adjacent open grazing land. In each area exclosure and open grazing land uses, a plot of 20 m x 20 m, 10 m x 10 m and 2 m x 2 m area size for trees, shrubs and herbs, respectively, was drawn using systematic method. A total of 66 plots in 10 hectare area were sampled along the transect line. Diameter at breast height (DBH) was measured using caliper, and tree height was measured using clinometer and Woody species data were analyzed through Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H1) and Sorensen similarity coefficient indices (Is) using SPSS version 20, excel software and the linear relationship between diversity mean value and land uses were compared using chi-square. A total of 35 plant species belonging to 25 families were identified and recorded. Shannon’s species diversity index (H') in exclosure and adjacent open grazing was 2.591 and 0.889, respectively. Exclosure had a significantly higher number of woody species diversity compared to adjacent open grazing land. Herbs were not influenced by both compared land uses. In order to keep the present progress and rehabilitation status of woody diversity, sustainable management of area exclosure is very necessary and planners, policy makers and stakeholders need coordination and participatory based plant species conservation strategies.

The current study is aimed at investigating the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (BEHP), which pose a potential risk to human health, in soil samples collected from a teff-Acacia decurrerns-charcoal production system (TACP system) in northern Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected from the TACP system and from an adjacent teff monocropping system (TM system) from 0 to 20 cm soil depth. Individual PAHs and total concentrations of PAHs and BEHP generally exhibited no significant variation between the TM and the TACP systems over three rotations. In the land-use systems, the mean concentration of PAHs decreased in the order phenanthrene > fluorene > pyrene > chrysene. Fluorene (22.84–24.69 ng g−1 dry soil), pyrene (21.99 ng g−1), and chrysene (21.79 ng g−1) were detected in the TACP system only, suggesting that they were from charcoal production. The maximum concentration of BEHP recorded in the soil samples was 104.00 µg g−1, which could be attributed to the polyethylene (PE) bags used for planting the Acacia decurrens seedlings of the TACP system. In soil samples, the sum of all PAHs analyzed ranged from not detected (ND) to 170.69 ng g−1, which is below the limits of prevention established by European regulations for soils (3000 ng g−1) and previous studies. Carcinogenic equivalent (BaP-TEQ) and mutagenic equivalent (BaP-MEQ) concentrations calculated for the individual PAHs in the land-use systems ranged from ND to 0.374 ng g−1 and from ND to 0.218 ng g−1, respectively, which is far below many international safety standards. Our results indicate that the charcoal production and the use of the charcoal residues as soil amendment in the TACP system is safe concerning soil contamination by PAHs and BEHP and the risk of cancer and mutation.

Low nutrient input and low soil fertility are limiting agricultural productivity in Ethiopia. The main objectives were therefore to evaluate the effects of combined compost and mineral fertilizer (MF) application on soil properties, yield, agronomic nitrogen use efficiency, and adoption of compost application in maize (Zey mays L.)—potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cropping systems. Yield data were collected from 20 smallholders applying (i) compost and MF at a total rate of 110 kg N ha−1, with 6 Mg compost ha−1 + MF (6CF), 12 Mg compost ha−1 + MF (12CF), and 16 Mg compost ha−1 + MF (16CF; compost on a fresh weight basis), (ii) MF application of 108 kg N ha−1 (F), and (iii) zero fertilization. Soil from 0–20 and 20–40 cm depths was collected from 16 farms using compost and MF. Compost + MF treatments showed significantly lower soil bulk density and iron contents, while pH, electrical conductivity, and cation exchange capacity were higher compared to F treatments. The 6CF, 12CF, and 16CF showed 22, 43, and 54% higher maize grain yield and 8, 16, and 18% higher potato tuber yield compared to F, respectively. The scarcity of organic material was a major socioeconomic constraint for smallholders for producing and applying compost.

A tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system, a unique indigenous climate-smart agricultural technology of northwest Ethiopia, is increasingly seen as a promising strategy for improving soil properties. This study investigated the effect of the tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system on soil properties. In total, 112 soil samples (7 treatments × 4 depths × 4 replicates) were collected and analyzed inside and outside randomly selected charcoal production spots in the tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system and from an adjacent tef monocropping system. The soil properties examined generally exhibited significant variation between the tef monocropping system and the tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system, and between soil depths, as well as with respect to charcoal production spots in the system. The system resulted in a significant increase in SOC, TN, available phosphorus, available sodium, available nitrate and ammonium in general, and in total contents of K, P and Mn in the 0–20 cm depth. Charcoal production in the system significantly increased the total content of P, Al, and Fe, as well as the available nitrate and sulfate in the charcoal production spot. The variation in soil proprieties between the land use types and with respect to charcoal production spots in the TACP system were possibly due to the effect of the Acacia decurrens trees, and fire and fine charcoal residues from charcoal production, indicating the capacity of the tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system to improve soil properties.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the patterns and trends of drought incidence in north east highlands of Ethiopia using monthly rainfall record for the period 1984-2014. Design/methodology/approach – Standard precipitation index and Mann – Kendal test were used to analyze drought incident and trends of drought occurrences, respectively. The spatial extent of droughts in the study area has been interpolated by inverse distance weighted method using the spatial analyst tool of ArcGIS. Findings – Most of the studied stations experienced drought episodes in 1984, 1987/1988, 1992/1993, 1999, 2003/2004 and 2007/2008 which were among the worst drought years in the history of Ethiopia. The year 1984 was the most drastic and distinct-wide extreme drought episode in all studied stations. The Mann–Kendal test shows an increasing tendencies of drought at three-month (spring) timescale at all stations though significant (p < 0.05) only at Mekaneselam and decreasing tendencies at three-month (summer) and 12-month timescales at all stations. The frequency of total drought was the highest in central and north parts of the region in all study seasons. Originality/value – This detail drought characterization can be used as bench mark to take comprehensive drought management measures such as early warning system, preparation and contingency planning, climate change adaptation programs.

Abstract Introduction Experiences of low rainfall and frequent droughts have had enormous impacts on livestock production and pastoralists’ livelihoods in southern Ethiopia. The Borana pastoralists are dependent on livestock husbandry with the dominance of cattle in their herds for generations. Recently, the Borana communities have engaged in extensive livestock species diversification, with more focus on camel management as an adaptation strategy to the severity of recurrent droughts. Although increasing interests in camel management among the Borana pastoralists are acknowledged, the driving forces for the increase in camel population in the region have not been addressed. The aim of this study was to assess the trend in camel management as an adaptation strategy towards climate change among the Borana pastoral households. The study also investigated evidence of climate change and the driving factors for camel adoption. Methods The study was conducted in three purposively selected kebeles, which is a lower administrative unit in Ethiopia, of Yabello district in Borana Zone in southern Ethiopia focusing on 156 randomly selected camel-owning households. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods whereby data gathering tools such as key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussions (FGD), household surveys (HS), and field observations were used. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS software version 16. Results Pastoralists’ perceptions and the existing meteorological data analysis showed an increasing trend in temperature but a decreasing pattern in rainfall over the last 27 years (i.e., during the last four Gada periods). Both pastoralists’ observations and existing meteorological data analysis showed an increasing incidence of recurrent droughts with decreasing availability of grazing and water resources. Respondents further explained that cattle are more vulnerable during severe droughts. The findings also showed that camel management as an adaptation strategy by the Borana pastoralists began recently and showed a steady increase in trend over the last four Gada periods. Pastoralists’ perceptions and the existing analysis confirmed that camels’ potential for high milk production and their capacities to withstand harsh environmental condition are among the many reasons that contributed to the adoption of camels by pastoralists in southern Ethiopia. Camels were also more preferred with the changing ecology of rangeland vegetation dynamics towards bush encroachment. Conclusions It seems that the high potential of camels for milk production and their abilities to withstand harsh environmental conditions are the major driving forces that contributed to the adoption of camels by pastoralists in southern Ethiopia. Hence, the adoption of camels by pastoralists in southern Ethiopia could be best understood in terms of livelihood diversification option to ensure the food security of pastoral households. We conclude that the increase in camel population in Borana during the last four Gada periods could be attributed to communities’ responses to the impact of climate change and frequent droughts.

This article reports on an action research project to reorient forestry and natural resources higher education in Ethiopia. The study used a combination of methods, including questionnaires and secondary information, to understand the existing higher-education system in Ethiopia. Based on the initial analysis, a workshop was held to deliberate the findings and to draw up guidelines for forestry and natural resources higher education that reflect education for sustainable development (ESD) approaches. The results of the study show that the state of higher education with regard to forestry and natural resources has, in about half a century of such education, been influenced by several internal and external factors. It progressively evolved from endeavours dependent on foreign aid to a self-sufficient Ethiopian system. During this time, the structural distribution of graduates moved in emphasis from an earlier emphasis on the diploma to a BSc-level emphasis. Little progress has been made with regard to female graduates, student enrolment is limited and the desirability of forestry education has declined. Despite this, most of the 31 public universities in the country offer natural resources education. Curricula were found to be inadequate for the challenges of the times, as was the national demand for expert professionals. Existing epistemological foundation adheres to forestry as a commodity rather than as a social-ecological system influencing conceptual definitions of forest, forestry and forester. Within an ESD perspective, forests are identified as social–ecological systems, forestry is seen as a sustainability science and a sustainable development sector, and the forester is viewed as a systems thinker and change agent. It is agreed that higher education relating to forestry and natural resources in Ethiopia requires guidelines that encompass a non-reductionist and comprehensive disciplinary base where synergy of multidisciplinary approaches is emphasised, as in ESD. The guidelines outlined indicate how to adapt higher education in respect of forestry and natural resources to changing societal needs in Ethiopia. The emerging guidelines also point to a reorientation of academic institutional foundations and leadership and to the need for a relevant epistemological framework to guide higher-education curricula on forestry and natural resources. The emerging guidelines further stress that higher education should engage more strongly with pertinent global and national issues.