[A news reader is presenting to camera.]
Newsreader: Jimma University is providing research-based support to enhance farmers’ productivity by preventing soil erosion. This soil fertility improvement approach is both cost-effective and time-saving for farmers, who also report that the support is expected to further increase their productivity.
[Video footage of Ethiopian countryside and farmers in a field]
Farmer: The Dedo District is highly vulnerable to soil erosion, which has limited farmers’ ability to realize adequate returns from their labor. To address this challenge from the ground up, the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine at Jimma University has launched a three-year project focused on controlling soil erosion through nature-based solutions. The initiative involves a detailed assessment of the district’s soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, alongside field-based interventions such as planting grasses and trees. According to Getinat Seid, these simple, practical measures are already contributing to improvements in soil fertility.
Getinat Seid: In implementing these nature-based solutions, such as soil bunds, grass planting, and locally known practices like “ga’oo (intersective shrubs),” skilled farmers play a central role. They carefully select and establish diverse plant species that significantly enhance soil fertility and reduce erosion. These measures not only protect the soil from degradation but also contribute to improved yields and overall agricultural productivity.
Voiceover: Farmers from the villages of Gerimma, Lammessaa, Mustefa Sh/Nasir, and A/Temaam A/Galaan in Dedo District noted that while they had previously been discouraged, they are now witnessing remarkable crop performance as a result of the support provided.
Mustefa Sh/Nasir: Regarding soil erosion, they constructed a bund for us and planted various plant species on it to help stabilize and strengthen the soil. They provided seedlings such as sombo, walensoo, and other yeriyoo species, which were planted along the bund. In addition, they supplied us with fertilizer, which helped achieve a good yield.
A/Temaam A/Galaan: The main problem was that before the construction of the bund, flooding was more severe, and our sloping land was prone to erosion and loss. However, since the JU team constructed the bund, we have been able to plant various trees, and crop performance has improved compared to last year.
[Footage of farmland in Ethiopia]
Voiceover: Dr. Bayu Dume, a soil researcher and project coordinator at the college, stated that the first year of the study showed positive results.
Dr. Bayu Dume: We have established four pilot treatments: soil bund only, soil bund with grass strips, grass strips only, and a control (business-as-usual). These setups allow us to evaluate and compare results at harvest and provide clear, evidence-based explanations.
Voiceover: Jimma University is providing us with maximum possible support. The project aims to enhance soil fertility through nature-based solutions approaches and improve the productivity of the district.
Fadluu Zaakiir: Extensive work is being carried out in collaboration with Jimma University. This land was previously severely affected by soil erosion, and the farmer could harvest no more than ten quintals per hectare. However, after constructing bunds and planting ga’oo(intersective shrubs) to reduce erosion, yields have increased to about 40–45 quintals per hectare.
Voiceover: Tijani Temam, head of the Jimma District Agriculture Office, stated that the study will be scaled up once it is completed.
Tijjaanii Tamaam: Significant changes are occurring in the community at present, and it is essential that both our community and professionals at all levels actively engage in this work to enhance soil fertility and improve yield and productivity.
Voiceover: The project has been implemented in collaboration with two UK universities, namely the ÌìÌÃÊÓƵ and Cranfield University
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