Dataset Information

Soil water management practices (terraces) helped to mitigate the 2015 drought in Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT: While the benefits of soil water management practices relative to soil erosion have been extensively documented, evidence regarding their effect on yields is inconclusive. Following a strong El-Niño, some regions of Ethiopia experienced major droughts during the 2015/16 agricultural season. Using the propensity scores method on a nationally representative survey in Ethiopia, this study investigates the effect of two widely adopted soil water management practices - terraces and contour bunds - on yields and assesses their potential to mitigate the effects of climate change. It is shown that at the national level, terraced plots have slightly lower yields than non-terraced plots. However, data support the hypothesis that terraced plots acted as a buffer against the 2015 Ethiopian drought, while contour bunds did not. This study provides evidence that terraces have the potential to help farmer deal with current climate risks. These results can inform the design of climate change adaptation policies and improve targeting of soil water management practices in Ethiopia.

SUBMITTER: Kosmowski F

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5985715 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Soil water management practices (terraces) helped to mitigate the 2015 drought in Ethiopia.

Kosmowski Frédéric F

Agricultural water management 20180501

While the benefits of soil water management practices relative to soil erosion have been extensively documented, evidence regarding their effect on yields is inconclusive. Following a strong El-Niño, some regions of Ethiopia experienced major droughts during the 2015/16 agricultural season. Using the propensity scores method on a nationally representative survey in Ethiopia, this study investigates the effect of two widely adopted soil water management practices - terraces and contour bunds - on ...[more]

PMID: 29881139

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Project description:Agroforestry has been recognized as an effective circa citum conservation strategy in Ethiopia. Despite progress in the recent past, there has been very little research characterizing the management strategies of farmers for agroforestry practices (AFP) and quantifying their contribution to biodiversity conservation. We (i) characterized the management strategies of farmers for agroforestry practices and (ii) assessed the floristic composition, diversity, and structure of woody species in agroforestry practices in Northwestern Ethiopia. We interviewed farm owners to gather information on the management strategies of agroforestry practices. We also collected biophysical data using quadrats established in 126 fields selected from homegardens (HG), coffee-based (CS), and Rhamnus prinoides (Locally Gesho)-based practices. A total of 83 trees and shrubs (76 % native and 24 % non-native) from 40 families and 47 genera recorded in the study area. The results indicate that AFPs represent diverse vertical and horizontal management strategies, and plant functions, which vary among AFPs and wealth status. The results suggest the potential of agroforestry practices for supporting livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. Farmers' management practices and strategies affect the species diversity of AFPs. The mean height (m), basal area (m2 ha-1), and diameter at breast height (cm) varied among AFPs. The average stem density ha-1 as well as species richness per farm significantly varied among AFPs and wealth status. Richness, Shannon, and Simpson's diversity varied among HGs in the study sites. In the Lay Armachiho district, species richness, Shannon, and Simpson's diversity significantly varied (P < 0.05) among agroforestry practices. Our study suggests management strategies and household wealth status that affect the diversity of woody plants in AFPs should be consider to improve biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes. Since AFPs play a vital role in biodiversity conservation that is part of a bigger conservation strategy, the suggestion of AFPs to apply in Ethiopia is proposed. To advance the overall contribution, further studies on the optimization of technical, socio-economic and environmental (including density and diversity) performance of agroforestry practices is needed.

Dataset Information

Soil water management practices (terraces) helped to mitigate the 2015 drought in Ethiopia.

Publications

Soil water management practices (terraces) helped to mitigate the 2015 drought in Ethiopia.

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