GIAHS Prospects in

Ethiopia

Wondimagegne Shiferaw,

FAO Ethiopia

28-29 April 2014, Rome, Italy

ETHIOPIA

Agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia

Diverse agro-ecologies (32

AEZs) ranging from:

• the highlands with high

population density and high

production potential and

• the lowlands (mostly

drylands) with an economy

mainly dependent on

livestock, but prone to food

insecurity.

ETHIOPIA • Agrarian country - mixed

farming, agro-pastoral,

pastoral, huge livestock

potential, shifting cultivation,

large number of crop types and

land races cultivated

• Ethiopia on of world’s 8 centres of origin of cultivated

crops (accounts for 4 % of cultivated plants). It is

characterized by a number of endemic species and

genera: Eg.Teff, Guizotia, Enset and the coffee tree.

• It also has original cultivated endemic spp & subspecies

of wheat and barley, with global significance.

2

Potential of GIAHS in Ethiopia

• Konso Cultural Landscape - a living cultural tradition

stretching back 21 generations and adapted to a harsh

environment;

• Gedeo agroforestry mixed farming system

• The Teff (Eragrostics teff)

• The Sheka – zone forest coffee, spice, honey production

system are few among the many important agriculture

related heritages that Ethiopian farmers have maintained

for ages.

• Coffee (original sites)

Gedeo Coffee-Enset Agroforestry

• Cultivates by smallholder farmers

for centuries (25% of all grains)

• Very useful plant like Quinoa

• Smallest grain in the world (1-2

mm) across

• Injera is a spongy bread made of

Teff

Teff (Eragrostis teff)

Teff plant

Teff accounts to about 25 %

of all grain production in

Eth.

• Rich in vitamins esp

vitamin C which is

minimal in most cereals.

• Source of protein

• Gluten free

• Ethiopian’s main staple

food crop

• domesticated in Ethiopia

about 3000 to 1000 BC.

• More than 350 varieties

of Teff (Eragrostis teff)

Skeka Zone - Forest Korarima

Natural Forest - Sheka

Study by Southampton University • Two senior scientists sent to SNNP region before the

workshop

• The Gedeo Agroforestry mixed farming system was

studied and discussed in the workshop

• Prior to their visit the necessary orientation and

sensitization of the mission was made and agreed with

the Regional Government and Federal MoA (official

communication).

• Institutional approach, not personal, - working from the

ground with the communities & local government

• The findings were discussed in the workshop in the

presence of the local authorities, extension workers and

concerned national institutions

The workshop (27 Feb.2014)

• First national workshop was conducted in AA with

about 40 participants

• Government partners at national and regional

authorities from Agriculture, Culture & Tourism

Bureaus, NGOs, GOs, regional and international

organizations such as the UNESCO, FAO, UNDP,

BDI and the scientific community, Universities, the

private sector, and local communities participated.

• Objective: to introduce the concept of GIAHS

Findings/ Outcomes of The workshop

• The importance of working together as partners,

each of us taking up responsibility for the success

• Question was raised on the concept of GIAHS

systems.

– On the one hand it includes aspects of culture and

heritage; on the other hand, the GIAHS idea is

focused on economic development.

• Challenges: Lack of knowhow,

• Ownership – which is the appropriate institution?

Selection of responsible institutions

• Confusion before the workshop in identifying the

right Gov’t ministry/ institution due to the

multidisciplinary nature of GIAHS. MoA, Min of

Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Environment and

Forestry, Universities, Research Institutions etc. all

were considered as potential institutions.

• The Ministry of Environment and Forestry selected

to be the focal ministry for GIAHS

• Focal person assigned by the State Minister of

Forestry

The Way forward for GIAHS Ethiopia • Strengthen partnerships (Gov’t, UNESCO, NGOs and

CSOs). There were questions as to how GIAHS can work

with UNESCO by some people. Bur agreed to work togeth.

• Detail assessment of potential GIAHS sites in Ethiopia

• Make efforts to register more heritage sites

• Incorporation of GIAHS into CPF as one of FAO’s main

activities (CPF to be reviewed soon in 2014)

• Preparation of projects (GEF, IFAD etc..) to support

potential heritage sites and promote GIAHS.

• Establish networks with other countries/ sites

Thank you!