Sustainable Land Management Programme (SLM IV)

active

Despite impressive growth in Ethiopian agriculture for more than a decade, the overwhelmingly small-scale, subsistence-based sector does not produce enough food to feed the population. Poverty, undernourishment and malnutrition are widespread consequences. Food aid for millions of rural households is still routine. In addition, inappropriate land management methods, increasing pressure on land use and climate change are leading to deforestation, soil impoverishment, erosion and ultimately soil loss, particularly in the densely populated highlands and even in regions designated as potential areas. The decline in natural production potential is endangering the income and employment base of farming families and preventing sustainable economic growth in large parts of rural areas. The development policy objective of the FC contribution (impact) is to improve the livelihoods and income of rural households in the program region. The direct effect of the FC measures is to curb land degradation and improve the productivity of the farmers involved. The project follows the proven watershed management approach, with an initial or mobilization phase, a rehabilitation phase and a phase of economic valorization and increased production. The objective is ensured through systematic, topographically based and comprehensive treatment of the watershed areas with soil and water-conserving structural, biological and agronomic measures. This contributes to improving the livelihoods and income of rural households in the program region. The watershed areas selected/eligible for the FC measure are located in the fertile Ethiopian highlands and are classified as still food secure.