Land degradation, low soil fertility and water stress: the major issues for improving crop production and food security in the dryland areas of Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a long history in which the food demands of rapidly growing population have periodically outstripped the productive capacity of the land, and this is particularly true in the dryland areas of the country. This has led to a decrease agricultural productivity and environmental degradation of the natural resource base. As the main source of economic activity in SSA is the agricultural production, declining soil productivity means not only less food is grown but also that production of cash crops and income are endangered. Thus, rectifying land degradation and enhancing productivity through appropriate soil management and conservation can play a major role in achieving farm household food security and agricultural development. This publication reviews issues related to land degradation, with focus on problems of soil fertility management in SSA. It highlights some successful experiences in the region, constraints and possible solutions specific to the major agro-ecological zones and the importance of holistic and participatory approaches for soil productivity improvement. The need for action and collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, within the framework of ongoing initiatives are emphasized. It is hoped that his document will contribute to increasing awareness of senior specialists and police-makers about the problems and alternative solutions towards enhanced and sustained soil productivity. This article assesses the major crop production constraints and their causes as related not only to the physical environment (climate, soils) but also in light of some of the important socioeconomic and policy problems. Details of some of the major crop production problems including drought (water stress), low soil fertility, pest infestation, lack of appropriate farm implements, and both socioeconomic and policy problems are indicated. The article also gives some examples of the available technologies and assess their practicality in relation to the low technology adoption by the smallholder farmers. Based on this research gaps are identified and future research strategies for sustainable crop production is proposed. Finally recommendation and suggestions on requirements in terms of capacity building in research and extension including trained manpower and facilities and other improvements in socioeconomic and policy issues required to improve crop production on sustainable basis for the resource poor smallholder farmers of the dry land areas of Ethiopia are forwarded.