Ethiopia RISING documents

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/16506

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Africa RISING Ethiopia First phase (2011-2016)
(Brochure, 2018-08-30) International Livestock Research Institute
Watershed management, groundwater recharge and drought resilience: An integrated approach to adapt to rainfall variability in northern Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2023-09-04) Woldearegay, Kifle; Grum, Berhane; Hessel, Rudi; Steenbergen, Frank; Fleskens, Luuk; Yazew, Eyasu; Tamene, Lulseged D.; Mekonnen, Kindu; Reda, Teklay; Haftu, Mulu
Rainfall variability coupled with poor land and water management is contributing to food insecurity in many sub-Saharan African countries such as Ethiopia. To address such challenges, various efforts have been implemented in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term impacts of different soil and water conservation and water harvesting interventions on groundwater and drought resilience of the Gule watershed, northern Ethiopia. The study involved: (i) documentation of the approaches followed and the technologies implemented in Gule since the 1990s, (ii) monitoring the hydrological effects of the interventions for ten years, and (iii) evaluation of the effects of the interventions on groundwater (level and quality), spring discharge and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in runoff. Results showed that interventions were implemented at different stages and scales. As a result of the interventions, the watershed was transformed into a landscape resilient to rainfall variability: (a) dry shallow groundwater wells have become productive and the level of water in wells has raised, (b) the groundwater quality has improved, (c) SSC in high floods has reduced by up to 65%, (d) discharge of existing springs has increased by up to 73% and new springs have started to emerge. Due to improved water availability, irrigated land has increased from less than 3.5 ha before 2002 to 166 ha in 2019. Communities have remained water-secure during an extreme drought in 2015/2016. Implementation of watershed management practices has transformed the landscape to be resilient to rainfall variability in a semi-arid environment: a lesson for adaptation to climate variability and change in similar environments.
Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation Ethiopian Highlands project, technical report, 01 Oct 2022–31 March 2023
(Report, 2023-04-30) Mekonnen, Kindu
Research for development approaches in mixed crop-livestock systems of the Ethiopian highlands
(Journal Article, 2023-05-30) Mekonnen, Kindu; Thorne, Peter J.; Gebreyes, Million; Hammond, James; Bezabih, Melkamu; Kemal, Seid; Tamene, Lulseged D.; Agegnehu, Getachew; Yahaya, Rabe; Gebrekirstos, Aster; Minh Thai; Sharma, Kalpana; Adie, Aberra; Whitbread, Anthony M.
This study presents processes and success stories that emerged from Africa RISING’s Research for Development project in the Ethiopian Highlands. The project has tested a combination of participatory tools at multiple levels, with systems thinking and concern for sustainable and diversified livelihoods. Bottom-up approaches guided the selection of technological interventions that could address the priority farming system challenges of the communities, leading to higher uptake levels and increased impact. Joint learning, appropriate technology selection, and the creation of an enabling environment such as the formation of farmer research groups, the establishment of innovation platforms, and capacity development for institutional and technical innovations were key to this study. The study concludes by identifying key lessons that focus more on matching innovations to community needs and geographies, systems orientation/integration of innovations, stepwise approaches to enhance the adoption of innovations, documenting farmers’ capacity to modify innovations, building successful partnerships, and facilitating wider scaling of innovations for future implementation of agricultural research for development projects.
Training manual for two-wheel tractor and ancillary equipment for operators, service providers, extension experts and workshop owners
(Extension Material, 2023-05-12) Yahaya, Rabe; Mekonnen, Kindu; Gebreyes, Million
Extension manual on creating multifunctional climate smart landscapes for district experts and extension agents
(Extension Material, 2023-05-12) Adimassu, Zenebe; Temene, Lulseged; Tibebe, Degefie; Abera, Wuletawu; Mekonnen, Kindu; Gebreyes, Million; Zerfu, Elias
Current innovations in making site specific nutrient management
(Extension Material, 2023-03-30) Agegnehu, Getachew; Abera, Dejene; Desta, Gizaw; Rooyen, Andre F. van; Mekonnen, Kindu; Gebreyes, Million; Zerfu, Elias
Livestock feed and forage innovations for improved productivity in the highlands of Ethiopia
(Extension Material, 2023-04-30) Bezabih, Melkamu; Adie, Aberra; Mekonnen, Kindu; Gebreyes, Million
High-value fruit trees production in the highlands of Ethiopia: Partners experiences, challenges and opportunities for scaling
(Report, 2022-11-19) Seifu, Haimanot; Mekonnen, Kindu; Woldemeskel, Endalkachew; Gebreyes, Million; Dubale, Workneh
Extension module: Crowdsourcing seed based innovations to improve diversity, nutrition and crop productivity
(Extension Material, 2023-04-30) Nigir, Bogale; Geberehawaryat, Yosef; Tilahun, Mulugeta; Fadda, Carlo; Mekonnen, Kindu; Gebreyes, Million; Zerfu, Elias
Approaches on validating and scaling of food crops innovations in Ethiopia
(Extension Material, 2023-05-11) Bishaw, Zewdie; Ahmed, Seid; Aynewa, Yetsedaw; Mekonnen, Kindu; Gebreyes, Million; Asfaw, Addisu; Alene, Temesgen; Ebrahim, Mohammed; Dubale, Workneh; Tadesse, Negussie; Seifu, Haimanot; Thorne, Peter J.
Africa RISING Ethiopian Highlands Project Journal Articles Book of Abstract
(Abstract, 2023-02-15) Seifu, Haimanot; Mekonnen, Kindu; Abdulkadir, Birhan
Report on the Africa RISING Ethiopian Highlands closeout and Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming stakeholders meeting
(Report, 2022-01-24) Mekonnen, Kindu; Seifu, Haimanot
Report on climate smart feed and forage innovations training, Debre Birhan, Ethiopia
(Report, 2022-08-31) Alene, Temesgen; Mekonnen, Kindu; Seifu, Haimanot
Report on climate smart feed and forage innovations training Hossana, Ethiopia
(Report, 2022-09-30) Dubale, Workneh; Zewude, Tsedeke; Mekonnen, Kindu; Seifu, Haimanot
Report on Climate Smart Feed and Fodder Training for Experts, DAs and farmer, Bale Zone, Oromia
(Report, 2022-12-31) Asfaw, Addisu
Crop productivity, nutritional and economic benefits of no-till systems in smallholder farms of Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2023-01-01) Mupangwa, Walter; Yahaya, Rabe; Tadesse, Ephrem; Ncube, Bongani; Mutenje, Munyaradzi; Chipindu, Lovemore; Mhlanga, Blessing; Kassa, Abrham
Smallholder maize and wheat production systems are characterized by high drudgery. On-farm trials were run for three seasons in Ethiopia. The study assessed the effect of 2 WT direct seeding and growing season on (1) soil quality, and (2) maize and wheat productivity, energy and protein gains, and gross margins, on smallholder farms in Ethiopia. For the wheat crop, the effect of different soil types and agroecological conditions on productivity was assessed. The treatments in paired plots were (i) conventional ploughing practice and (ii) no-till (NT). Soil properties, crop yield, nutrition gains and gross margins were determined. No-till improved soil properties in the short term. No-till produced 1210–1559 kg ha􀀀1 grain, 18–29 GJ ha􀀀1 energy and 121–194 kg ha􀀀1 proteins, and generated 358–385 US$ ha􀀀1 more than the conventional practice in the maize system. In the wheat system, no-till treatment had 341–1107 kg ha􀀀1 grain, 5–16 GJ ha􀀀1 energy and 43–137 kg ha􀀀1 proteins, and generated 230–453 US$ ha􀀀1 more than conventional practice. No-till can be more productive and profitable in the Ethiopian maize and wheat-based cropping systems.
Evaluation of radio broadcasts on livestock feed and forage technologies
(Report, 2022-11) Mesfin, Hailemariam; Mekonnen, Kindu; Bezabih, Melkamu; Adie, Aberra; Gebreyes, Million; Assefa, Getnet; Seifu, Haimanot
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works for better lives through livestock in developing countries. ILRI is co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia and has 14 offices across Asia and Africa. The institute is one of the CGIAR research centres, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services. Its research is carried out by 15 CGIAR centres in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector. Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation (Africa RISING) is a program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and operates in six African countries (Mali, Ghana, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Ethiopia). The program aims to contribute to Feed the Future goals of reducing hunger, poverty and under-nutrition by delivering high quality research outputs that are relevant to these goals. Through action research and development partnerships, Africa RISING is creating opportunities for smallholder farm households to move out of hunger and poverty through sustainably intensified farming systems that improve food, nutrition and income security, particularly for women and children, and conserve or enhance the natural resource base. In Ethiopia, the main aim of the project is to identify and validate solutions to the problems experienced by smallholder crop–livestock farmers. Some problems arise from the difficulties facing farmers in managing natural resources and achieving efficiencies from managing crops, trees, water and livestock together. These efficiencies are often influenced by other factors such as access to inputs and reliability of markets. To address this complexity, Africa RISING takes an integrated approach to strengthening farming systems. It conducts participatory research that identifies technologies and management practices that work for farmers and takes account of contextual issues like markets for inputs and outputs, community and other institutions and policy environments that influence farm households. The project in Ethiopia facilitates wider scaling of validated crop-livestock-natural resource management technologies to reach and benefit more smallholder farmers. Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) is a three-year (2021–2023) project that operates in six African countries, including Ethiopia. The project is supported by a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank and will enhance the research and capacity-building activities of CGIAR and its partners. AICCRA in Ethiopia aims to strengthen the capacity of targeted national partners and stakeholders of the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) East Africa to access and implement at scale validated climate-smart agriculture technologies, climate information services and climate-informed digital ag-advisories to build the resilience of agri-food systems. The value chains considered for AICCRA’s project in Ethiopia include beans, wheat, small ruminants and livestock feed and forage options. The AICCRA project in Ethiopia has eight research activities, four of which the livestock feed and forage options value chain contributes to. These four are capacity building to support the implementation of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technology packages; identification of climate, gender and social inclusion-smartness of CSA packages; prioritization and awareness increase of best-bet CSA options and approaches for key value chains; and integration of climate-smart options and tailored climate-smart innovation (CSI) advisory systems for specific value chains. The Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming Systems (SIMFS) initiative aims to provide equitable, transformative pathways for improved livelihoods of actors in mixed farming systems through sustainable intensification within target agroecologies and socio-economic settings. Through action research and development partnerships, the initiative will improve smallholder farmers' resilience to weather-induced shocks, provide a more stable income and significant benefits in welfare, and enhance social justice and inclusion for 13 million people by 2030. Activities will be implemented in six focus countries globally, representing diverse mixed farming systems as follows: Ghana (cereal–root crop mixed), Ethiopia (highland mixed), Malawi (maize mixed), Bangladesh (rice mixed), Nepal (highland mixed), and Lao People's Democratic Republic (upland intensive mixed/ highland extensive mixed). Africa RISING, AICCRA projects and SIMFS initiative contracted a consultant to undertake media and communications-related activities. These included media assessment, facilitating media partnership, training radio journalists on livestock feed and forage technologies, and monitoring the radio broadcasts.
Effects of intercropping desho grass with vetch on forage yield, nutritional quality and soil fertility in Lemo District of Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia
(Thesis, 2022-10-31) Berhanu, Melkamu
This experiment was conducted in Hadiya Zone, Lemo district of southern Ethiopia with the objectives of evaluating the effects of intercropping desho grass with vetch (v.villosa) on forage yield, nutritional quality and soil fertility. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil samples were collected before planting and after forage harvest. The treatments were desho vetch intercropping at a 12kg/ha seed rate for vetch (T1), desho vetch intercropping at a 9kg/ha seed rate for vetch (T2), desho vetch intercropping at 6kg/ha seed rate for vetch (T3), sole desho grass (T4) and sole vetch (T5). Data on biomass yield; plant height and chemical compositions were recorded and analyzed using the General Linear Model procedures of SAS. Relative yield, relative yield total, and aggressivity index were calculated for biological compatibility and yield advantages of desho and vetch (V.villosa). The pre- sowing soil analysis showed that the experimental soil had average pH of 6.73. This indicates that the soil was slightly acidic. Intercropping vetch with desho grass resulted in significantly higher total dry matter yield than sole desho grass at all cutting stages. The highest total dry matter yield (16.04-26.3 t/ha) was obtained from T1. The highest forage CP content (%) was obtained from T1 (10.07-13.45%) at all harvesting stages. On the other hand, significantly (P<0.05) higher ADF, ADL and NDF contents (%) was obtained from sole desho grass. Significantly higher in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was obtained from intercropped desho grass with vetch (T1; 60.24, T2; 58.54 and T3; 60.03) at all cutting stages compared to the pure stand. The relative yield total of desho-vetch mixtures were greater than one, showing a yield advantage over the pure stand. The higher organic carbon percentage in tested soil after forage harvest in all vetch based treatments was probably due to improved soil fertility. The intercropping at a 12kg/ha seed rate for vetch has the potential to provide maximize production and productivity in study area and thus can be recommended for further evaluation and application.
Genetic identity, epidemiology and management of faba bean (Vicia Faba L.) gall disease in Ethiopia
(Thesis, 2022-03-30) Bitew, B.
Ethiopia is the world’s second largest producer of faba bean (Vicia faba L.), and the crop has largest share of area and production of all pulses grown in Ethiopia. Faba bean is valued for its source of protein, income, and animal feedstock, and an important rotational crop. However, its current productivity is very low due to an emerging faba bean gall (FBG) disease and other biotic constraints. Initially, FBG disease-causing pathogen remained unconfirmed, but it was assumed to be caused by Olpidium sp. There also has been relatively a few data regarding the distribution of FBG, genetic identity of the pathogen, its damage on faba bean yield, reaction of genotypes and management methods in Ethiopia. Thus, the objectives of this study were to: (1) assess the distribution, disease intensity and host ranges of FBG; (2) determine the association of FBG intensity with major biophysical factors; (3) identify the genetic identity of FBG disease causal pathogen;(4) estimate yield losses caused by the disease; (5) evaluate phenotypic reactions of faba bean genotypes against the disease; (6) determine the stability of host resistance reactions to FBG disease under different agro-ecological conditions; and (7) develop an integrated FBG disease management options. In the FBG disease survey, a total of 783 faba bean fields were assessed across 14 districts (Bassona Worana, Ankober, Tarmaber, Asagert, Degem, Chole, Debay Telatgen, Sinan, Debark, Farta, Laygaint, Meket, Dessie Zuria and Enda Mehoni) and FBG disease prevalence and intensity, independent variables and alternate hosts were recorded. The associations of independent variables with disease incidence and severity were analyzed using logistic regression model. In the causative agent identification, crude DNA extraction and fixing on FTA cards and the morphological identifications were conducted at Debre Birhan Agricultural Research Center and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Ethiopia. Molecular identifications were processed at Debre Birhan Agricultural Research Center (crude DNA extraction and fixing on FTA cards) and finally conducted at University of western Australia, Australia. The sequenced sample DNA were aligned using Geneious Prime version 2020.03 and then resulting consensus were BLAST in Genbank (NCBI). xv Yield loss assessment experiments were conducted on farmers’ fields at Bassona Worana using two moderately tolerant (Degaga and Gora) faba bean varieties and one susceptible local cultivar, two systemic fungicides [Bayleton 25 WP (Triadimefon 250 g kg-1), and Ridomil Gold MZ 68 WG (Metalaxyl 40+Mancozeb 640 g kg-1)] and two application schedules (10 and 15 days interval). The treatments were arranged in factorial combinations in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Faba bean gall severity, grain yield and yield-components for each treatment were collected and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the PROC GLM procedure. Similarly, 415 faba bean genotypes, including four check varieties (Degaga, Gachena, Gora and local cultivar) were evaluated under natural field infections at farmers’ fields in augmented design with ten blocks at Bassona Worana during 2018 main cropping season. Among these 415 genotypes, 104 genotypes, which showed low FBG severity during 2018, were advanced in the 2019 cropping season for further evaluation using similar design and check varieties. Faba bean gall disease incidence, severity and grain yield data were collected and computed. Multi-location experiments were conducted in six locations at Bassona Worana, Debay Telatgen and Farta districts in the 2018 and 2019 main cropping seasons under natural infections using 21 faba bean genotypes arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Disease incidence, severity and grain yield data were collected during the study periods. Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype and genotype x environment (GGE) biplot models were used to evaluate genotype stability reactions. Field-based integrated FBG disease management experiments were also conducted on farmers’ fields in Bassona Worana district during the 2018 and 2019 main cropping seasons. The treatments were three faba bean genotypes; two moderately tolerant faba bean genotypes (Degaga and Gora), and one susceptible local cultivar, two fungicides (Bayleton and Ridomil Gold) and two application schedules (10 and 15 days), which were arranged in a factorial combination in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Faba bean gall severity and grain yield data were collected and subjected to analysis of variance using the PROC GLM SAS procedure. The results of the survey revealed that FBG was found as a major production constraint in all the surveyed 14 districts considered with variable levels of incidence and severity. The highest (64%) mean FBG severity was recorded in Sinan district during 2018 and in Ankober (45%) during 2019. District, altitude (≥ 2700 m), poorly drained soil, high weed and crop density, flowering growth stage, manure xvi application, and early or late planting showed a highly significant (p 0.0001) association with high FBG incidence and severity. In the causal agent identification study, microscopic examination from infected faba bean leaves and stems confirmed an epibiotic phase of zoosporangia for dispersing zoospores, which are characteristic of Physoderma. The morphology did not show critical diagnostic characteristics of Olpidium viciae, such as presence of numerous short zoosporangial discharging tubes, or binucleate resting sporangia. Sequences derived from symptomatic tissue from partial ITS1-5.8S-partial ITS2, 18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-part of 28S, and LSU (S28) all confirmed Physoderma and not Olpidium viciae, as the causal agent of FBG. The results of yield loss estimation study revealed that use of different faba bean varieties and applications of fungicides significantly (p0.05) reduced FBG epidemics and increased grain yield. In 2018, (62.5 and 54.1%), and in 2019 (42.2. and 45.1%), yield losses were calculated from unsprayed plots of variety Degaga and the local cultivar, respectively. Genotypes evaluation results showed that there were highly significant differences among the genotypes for FBG disease severity, AUDPC and grain yield as compared to check varieties. Low (37%) mean FBG severity and maximum (3.78 t ha-1) grain yield was recorded on faba bean accession number 1085. In the multi-location experiments, the AMMI and GGE biplot models analyses revealed highly significant (p0.001) variations among genotypes, environments and genotype x environment interactions (GEI) for FBG disease incidence. The genotypes contributed (80.32%) to the total variation observed far larger than the contributions from the environment (5.32%) and GEI (14.36%) for FBG incidence. Genotypes also showed larger (55.84%) contributions, followed by environment (37.83%) and GEI (6.33%) to the variability demonstrated for FBG severity. Similarly, the variation in grain yield was highly attributed to genotypes (50.86%), followed by environment (38.53%) and GEI (10.61%). Both in the AMMI and GGE biplot models analyses, G3, G16 and G17 showed low FBG severity, but less stable than the rest genotypes; and G7 showed low FBG severity and was stable. However, G1, G2, G5, G13, and G21 were susceptible at all test locations (Bassona Worana, Debay Telatgen and Farta districts) in main rainy seasons, in 2018 and 2019. The site Bassona Worana (E1) provided the best discriminating ability for the genotypes against FBG disease severity. On the other hand, G3, G4, G7, G16, and G17 produced high mean grain yield, but G8 gave high grain yield and was stable too. In developing IDM, integration of faba bean genotypes and fungicides significantly (p 0.05) reduced FBG disease epidemics and increased grain yield. The xvii variety Gora sprayed with Bayleton at a rate of 0.7 kg ha–1 and at 10-days interval had low mean FBG disease severity (21.67 and 10%), AUDPC value (1866.7 and 751.7%-days), low disease progress rate (0.0125 and 0.0121 units day-1) and high mean grain yield (3.70 and 5.03 t ha–1) in 2018 and 2019 main cropping seasons, respectively. Highest (3332.3%-days) AUDPC value was calculated from the unsprayed local cultivar in the 2018 main cropping season. Similarly, high marginal rates of return (7.16, 6.59 and 6.45) were recorded from the varieties Degaga, Gora and local sprayed Bayleton at 15 days interval in 2018. High marginal returns of 8.92 and 7.55 were obtained from the local cultivar and the variety Degaga in 2019 sprayed with Bayleton at 15 days interval. However, high marginal rate of return (8.85) was calculated from the variety Gora sprayed with Bayleton at 10 days interval in 2019. Generally, the findings of this study indicated that FBG is a major problem in faba bean production areas and the disease severity could be reduced by proper soil drainage; weed management, adjusting crop plant density, and following recommended planting time along with use of resistant/tolerant faba bean varieties. Symptomatology, morphological and molecular characterization confirmed that the causal agent of FBG disease is Physoderma. Integration of resistant/tolerant varieties and fungicide application reduces yield losses of faba bean due to FBG disease. Twenty-nine faba bean genotypes from the genotype evaluation experiment and four genotypes (G3, G7, G16 and G17) from multi-location experiments were identified for further evaluation and for the development of disease resistant/toleratn and high yielding varieties through crossing/breeding. Integration of moderately resistant/tolerant faba bean varieties (like Gora) with Bayleton fungicide, and spraying at the onset of the disease aligning at seedling, vegetative, flowering and podding growth stages are recommended to manage sustainably FBG disease and to increase faba bean grain yield at the study locations and other areas with similar agro-ecologies.

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