Irrigated vegetable production interventions in humanitarian emergencies: Ethiopia country deep dive

Singh, R.; Minh, T. T.; Schmitter, P. 2024. Irrigated vegetable production interventions in humanitarian emergencies: Ethiopia country deep dive. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 26p. doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2024.235

Ethiopia is grappling with escalating humanitarian crises, including conflict-induced displacement and climate-related emergencies, and therefore mounting humanitarian needs. However, amidst these challenges, there is hope in the form of irrigated vegetable production (IVP) interventions, which have the potential to significantly decrease household vulnerability and build resilience to future shocks and stresses. Most importantly, these interventions aim to empower households by helping them generate additional income and improve their nutrition.

For this study, 20 key informant interviews were conducted with humanitarian organizations in Ethiopia to understand how they design and implement IVP interventions during emergencies. Data from these interviews were combined with insights from secondary sources, including journal articles and project reports, to identify critical challenges and opportunities for IVP in Ethiopia.

Key recommendations from this study include improving design and implementation of IVP interventions by humanitarian organizations. The recommendations are aligned with the Standards for Establishing Seed Systems in Disaster Settings (SEADS) minimum standards and complement SEADS guidance on tools, equipment, and other non-seed inputs and advice on impact monitoring and evaluation.

First, it is necessary that IVP design, planning, and implementation are contextually relevant. This involves aligning interventions with the preferences and needs of beneficiaries by conducting comprehensive assessments of their vulnerabilities and tailoring interventions to the dynamics of the food, land, and water systems affected by emergencies. Gender inclusion is also highlighted in the recommendations, with a focus on understanding the household- and community-level gender dynamics that play a role in selection of crops and technologies.

Second, mobilization of resources and investments to address funding shortages is important. This entails leveraging existing market structures, partnering with private sector entities, and collaborating with research institutions and government agencies. Inclusive financial mechanisms are recommended to support the more vulnerable households.

Third, it is imperative to strengthen organizational capacity for resilience and long-term learning. This includes building comprehensive needs analysis capacity, implementing holistic IVP interventions, and influencing the enabling environment. Developing intra-organizational learning and strong monitoring and evaluation systems is also suggested.

Lastly, organizational learning should be improved through data and knowledge management. This involves integrating data from multiple sources into a single platform, ensuring quick and easy access to it, and establishing robust reporting systems. The formation of a community of practice (CoP) focused on IVP in Ethiopia is proposed as a mechanism for knowledge sharing, capacity building, research collaboration, and policy alignment.

These recommendations offer a roadmap for humanitarian organizations, donors, and policymakers aiming to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of IVP interventions in emergency contexts within Ethiopia. They also provide a framework for engaging with existing policies and governance structures and creating an enabling environment for effective intervention.