Agroecological techniques for a sustainable livelihood in Ethiopia
The rural Sidama are mostly subsistence agropastoralists. Increasing climate change impacts have stimulated the farmers to adapt their farming practices to survive and thrive in this semi-arid environment.
One of the pioneers of the community is Arbe, who grows maize, sugar cane, beans, enset, peppers, guavas, and banana on her 0,5 ha farm. She markets sugar cane, chickens, and eggs primarily at the Hawassa market although some buyers also come to her house.
In 2016 Arbe began using push-pull technology with support from the NGO ICIPE, which provided seeds and pieces of training. After successfully testing the push-pull technology in one of her fields, Arbe applied it in other fields. She also undertakes mixed cropping with symbiotic plants (maize and beans), crop rotation and mulching, and uses wood ash to control pests.
In 20 years, Arbe has transformed her subsistence farming into a market-oriented agricultural system. Crop diversification and the withdrawal of chemical fertilizer have contributed to enhanced biodiversity and resilience of her farm. The agroforestry approach she has implemented around the house has allowed her to benefit from high-value fruits such as peach (locally called kok), kazmir (Casimiroa edulis), guava and papaya. It has resulted in an increased production of wood and has buffered the impacts of floods and reduced soil and wind erosion.
122 farmers in the village are now applying these techniques, including push-pull technology, on a total of 8,37 ha of land. Arbe has served as a role model for other farmers in the community and demonstrated the value of agroecological practices. She plays a pivotal role in improving the sustainability of her community.
This fact sheet is produced as part of the Avaclim project, which aims to create the necessary conditions for the deployment of agroecology in dryland areas. The international solidarity association CARI coordinates the Avaclim project while the Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD) carries out the implementation in Ethiopia.