Low Input Sustainable Agriculture in the Rift Valley, Central Ethiopia

Sponsored by: University Partnership in Co‑operation and Development (UPCD) Tier 2 of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

Ethiopia has the third lowest GNP per capita in the world and faces chronic food shortages, despite agriculture’s central role in its economy. Many farmers struggle to produce enough for their families, and income levels remain extremely low. This project addressed these challenges by promoting better management of soil resources to alleviate rural poverty and improve food security.

Goals

• Upgrade human resources at three Ethiopian agricultural institutions: Awassa College of Agriculture, Awassa Agricultural Research Center, and the National Soil Research Laboratory.
• Address land degradation issues such as erosion, salinity, and soil quality loss, while providing research experience for scientists and extension specialists.
• Establish a framework for ongoing collaboration between the three Ethiopian institutions and the University of Saskatchewan to develop innovative, locally compatible, and environmentally sustainable technologies for 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

Project 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

Project Resources

• Project Newsletters
• Project Image Library
• Full Project Details & Technology Plan (PDF)

GAP Project (Turkey) – The Southeastern Anatolia Project

The Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) is the most comprehensive and costly regional development initiative in the history of the Republic of Turkey. Recognized internationally for its integrated regional development approach and sustainable human development philosophy, GAP aims to transform the socio-economic landscape of Southeastern Anatolia.

Objectives

• Improve living standards and income levels to reduce regional disparities
• Enhance productivity and employment opportunities in the rural sector
• Contribute to national goals such as social stability and economic growth
• Promote sustainable development through integrated multi-sector planning

Geographic Scope

The project area covers nine provinces in the basins of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers and Upper Mesopotamia: Adıyaman, Batman, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Kilis, Mardin, Siirt, Şanlıurfa, and Şırnak.

Key Achievements

• Expansion of irrigated land from 198,854 to 675,250 hectares
• 530.3 billion kWh of electricity generated from hydroelectric plants
• Preschool enrollment increased 20×; primary school class sizes reduced
• Hospital numbers doubled; infant mortality reduced from 48‰ to 15‰
• Exports rose from $689 million to $13.66 billion
• Divided road length increased 9×; new airports built
• Industrial zones and small business sites expanded significantly

Resources

• Official GAP Website
• Photo and video galleries showcasing project sites and activities
• Strategic plans, performance programs, and annual reports available in the e‑library