The AMU-IUC Project’s Research Sub-Project 4 (RSP4), titled “Reducing Land Degradation Through and For Sustainable Rural Land Use in the South Ethiopian Rift Valley,” is making significant strides in addressing the critical issue of land degradation in this vital region. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Matthieu Kervyn from Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium and Dr. Tizita Endale from Arba Minch University, the project has become instrumental in understanding and mitigating land degradation in the South Ethiopian Rift Valley.
During Phase I of the project (2017-2022), RSP4 conducted extensive research to identify land degradation processes, quantify their extent, and detail the factors driving degradation in the Abaya-Chamo Lake basins. The findings have been published in several academic journals.
Currently, in Phase II (2023-2027), RSP4 is actively engaged in fieldwork and community outreach to implement sustainable solutions to reduce land degradation. These efforts are complemented by three ongoing PhD research projects funded by the project and conducted by PhD students: Yibeltal Yihunie, Melkamu Teshome, and Fikirte Seyoum.
The project is now transitioning from theory to practice. Central to this effort are two demonstration sites, strategically selected based on Phase I findings. These sites serve as living laboratories, showcasing sustainable land management techniques.
The first site, located downstream in the Chamo Lake catchment area, focuses on implementing soil amendments to address salinity and sodicity issues, thereby improving agricultural productivity and enhancing the lake’s water quality. The second site, situated in the upper Abaya Lake catchment, concentrates on gully restoration to prevent farmland loss and reduce sediment flow into the lake.
Recently, Dr. Tizita Endale and Dr. Dereje Tsegaye, the Deputy Project Leader, led a team of land degradation experts from RSP4—including Dr. Genaye Tsegaye, Dr. Alemayehu Kasaye, Dr. Liuelsegad Belayneh, Dr. Leulalem Shano, and Dr. Azmera Walche—on a mission to visit these demonstration sites. The team also conducted a household survey to gather insights from local residents who experience the daily impacts of land degradation.
Dr. Liuelsegad emphasized the importance of local community involvement, stating, “They are the ones who observe environmental changes most closely and can provide invaluable insights into the factors driving these changes.”
Dr. Tizita further underscored the importance of collaboration with local stakeholders, noting that the team’s interventions are designed to be both scientifically robust and locally relevant. “Our community outreach efforts have fostered a sense of ownership among local populations, encouraging them to adopt sustainable land management practices,” she said.
As RSP4 progresses, the team continues to collect valuable data, refine their strategies, and expand their outreach activities. The ultimate goal is to create a model for land degradation mitigation that can be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges. Through its innovative approach and unwavering commitment to community engagement, RSP4 is making a meaningful contribution to preserving the natural resources of the South Ethiopian Rift Valley and improving the well-being of its inhabitants.
