Opportunities and challenges in reversing land degradation: the regional experience
2003
Tilahun Amede (CIAR/AHI, Addis Abeba (Ethiopia))
Land degradation is one of the major threats to food security and natural resource conservation in the Amhara region. As a consequence, a quarter of the farmlands have gone out of production in recent years. The traditional farming in the region, which is characterised by multiple and non-conservation tillage, cereal-dominated cropping and extensive livestock management is very erosive for soils and nutrients. Reversing the effect may demand a systems approach, whereby an investment in improvement of natural, human and social capitals would be used more efficiently. Addressing degradation of natural resources should combine local and scientific knowledge through farmer/community participation, capacity building of local actors and enhanced farmer innovation, and sould be impowered by favourable policy. This approach requires the full involvement of stakeholders at different levels to facilitate and integrate system-compatible technological interventions to various social groups.
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