Land is a scarce resource. Unless its use is maximized, it can’t support the existing population let alone suffice for future generations.
Taye Alemayehu, Deputy Managing Director of the Oromia Water Works Design and Supervision Enterprise (OWWDSE), shares his experience of coordinating a comprehensive rural development initiative based on the above idea. The Oromia Regional State in Ethiopia was plagued by recurrent droughts, which led to food insecurity and deepening poverty. Over the years, however, the situation has been reversing largely with integrated land use plans (water-centred) helping optimize the use of land and water resources.
Oromia’s has been a unique experience. Soil/ water management expertise was successfully used to effect integrated area-based development and streamline policy processes. In recognition, OWWDSE is now being asked to help replicate these efforts in other regions of Ethiopia as well.
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Produced by: TheWaterChannel
Year: 2011
Language: English
