CALM Project – Climate-Smart Agriculture in Three Watersheds Highlights
CALM Project – Climate-Smart Agriculture in Three Watersheds Research Highlights
Background
Land degradation, declining soil fertility, and erratic rainfall are threatening smallholder livelihoods in Ethiopia’s highlands. The CALM Project (Climate Adaptation and Land Management) was launched to rehabilitate degraded landscapes, enhance soil and water conservation, and promote climate-smart agriculture in three watershed areas.
Objectives
- To assess the effectiveness of integrated watershed management practices.
- To evaluate impacts of soil and water conservation measures on crop productivity and livelihoods.
- To strengthen research–extension–farmer linkages for sustainable land management.
Methods
- Field Experiments: Implementation of physical (check dams, terraces) and biological (Desho grass, Elephant grass, agroforestry) soil conservation measures.
- Monitoring & Analysis: Soil quality, slope stability, and crop yield assessments across three consecutive years.
- Participatory Approaches: PRA tools, focus group discussions, and farmer field schools to capture community perceptions.
Key Findings
- Slope Reduction – Rehabilitation efforts (stone and soil-filled check dams integrated with grasses) significantly reduced gully slopes, improving stability.
- Soil Fertility & Water Retention – Conservation measures enhanced soil organic matter, reduced runoff, and improved moisture availability.
- Crop & Forage Productivity – Integration of improved grasses with soil structures increased biomass and provided fodder for livestock.
- Farmer Engagement – Strong participation of farmer research and extension groups accelerated adoption of conservation practices.
- Livelihood Impact – Improved soil health and water availability translated into higher and more stable crop yields, contributing to household food security.
Conclusion
The CALM project demonstrates that integrated watershed management combining physical structures, biological measures, and community participation leads to tangible improvements in land productivity, ecosystem resilience, and farmer livelihoods. Scaling up these practices requires continued research support, farmer training, and policy backing.