Low Input Sustainable Agriculture in the Rift Valley, Central Ethiopia
This flagship initiative addresses chronic food insecurity and land degradation in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley through sustainable soil management, institutional capacity building, and international collaboration. Led by Dr. Ahmet Mermut and supported by Canadian and Ethiopian partners, the project empowers local agricultural institutions to develop and implement low-input, environmentally sound practices.
Project Goals
- Upgrade human resources at Awassa College of Agriculture, Awassa Agricultural Research Center, and the National Soil Research Laboratory
- Address erosion, salinity, and soil quality loss through applied research and extension
- Establish long-term collaboration between Ethiopian institutions and the University of Saskatchewan
- Develop locally compatible, sustainable technologies to increase dryland food production
Project Sponsors
- Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
- The Government of Canada
- University of Saskatchewan
- Addis Ababa University
- The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
Leadership & Team
- Director: Dr. Ahmet Mermut
- Team Members:
- Dr. D. W. Anderson – University of Saskatchewan (andersd@duke.usask.ca)
- Dr. M. C. J. Grevers – University of Saskatchewan (grevers@sask.usask.ca)
- Dr. J. J. Schoenau – University of Saskatchewan (schoenau@sask.usask.ca)
- Dr. G. J. Scoles – University of Saskatchewan (graham.scoles@sask.usask.ca)
- Dr. Paulos Dubale – Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization (iar@telecom.net.et)
- Mr. Berhane Fesseha – National Soil Research Center (berhanef2001@yahoo.com)
- Dr. Sheleme Beyene – Ministry of Agriculture (cida.aca@telecom.net.et)
- Dr. Ferdu Azerefegne – Awassa College of Agriculture (fazerefegne@hotmail.com)
- Dr. Daneil Dauro – Awassa Agricultural Research Organization (arc@telecom.net.et)
- Mr. Adugna Berhanu – Awassa Agricultural Research Organization
Resources & Downloads
- Project Newsletters – Field reports and institutional updates
- Image Library – Photographs from project sites and training sessions
- Technology Plan (PDF) – Full project outline and implementation strategy
Contact & Collaboration
To learn more or explore collaboration opportunities, please contact us or visit the Pedology.net contact page.