A watershed rehabilitation project, followed by a collaborative 'Operational Research' programme that harnesses local knowledge, is restoring natural resources, raising agricultural yields and improving food security in Tigray, Ethiopia.
A watershed rehabilitation project, followed by a collaborative ‘Operational Research’ programme that harnesses local knowledge, is restoring natural resources, raising agricultural yields and improving food security in Tigray, Ethiopia.
Tigray has a long history of failed interventions to reverse soil erosion and deforestation. But the regional government’s area-based approach in partnership with Irish Aid involved careful consultation with farmers, and built awareness of potential benefits. And watershed rehabilitation has had profound effects. Hillsides are now greener and groundwater levels have risen so farmers can build ponds and wells, and irrigate with pumps.