Ethiopia
Ethiopia has a diverse climate ranging from temperate highlands to arid lowlands, with significant rainfall variability across regions. Agriculture is the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy, employing the majority of the population. The country’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture makes it particularly vulnerable to shifts in rainfall patterns and droughts, which exacerbate food insecurity and livelihood challenges.
IWMI in Ethiopia
Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, IWMI researchers are focused on enhancing agricultural resilience and promoting sustainable natural resource management through innovative approaches to land, water, and irrigation. A key focal area is improving irrigation infrastructure and water management systems, with projects such as the development of an Irrigation Infrastructure Quality Management System toolkit. This toolkit, applicable across Sub-Saharan Africa, is helping to enhance the quality and effectiveness of irrigation systems in Ethiopia, as well as in neighboring Kenya and Uganda.
Additionally, IWMI is implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to improve livelihoods and build resilience among smallholder farmers, particularly through improved water and nutrient management. Our work in landscape rehabilitation, such as in Halaba, emphasizes the restoration of degraded land, supporting ecosystem services and sustainable agricultural practices. IWMI is also addressing water management challenges in regions like the Awash River Basin, working with communities to prioritize climate-smart water management practices that enhance both water availability and productivity. In the Bale Ecoregion, researchers are examining the impact of land use and land cover changes on ecosystem services, which informs strategies for maintaining the health and productivity of these landscapes. These initiatives, alongside efforts to promote financial inclusion and sustainable resource management, are collectively contributing to Ethiopia’s path toward a more resilient, sustainable, and climate-smart agricultural future.
Country representative
Abdulkarim Seid
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