WATDEV Project disseminates BMPs outside project areas in Ethiopia to maximize impacts

[23 MAr, 2026] A two-day training on Best Management Practices (BMPs) and innovations for climate-smart agriculture was successfully conducted in Arba Minch at Wubete Hotel. The training was organized by the Climate Smart Water Management and Sustainable Development for Food and Agriculture in East Africa (WATDEV) Project in collaboration with the Water and Land Resource Centre.
The training brought together over 40 participants from local watershed and community-based organizations, farmer unions, private firms specializing in conservation, and practitioners from various project sites. Representatives from the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa also participated, contributing valuable regional insights.
Over the two days, the training combined theoretical sessions with practical demonstrations on key climate-smart practices. Participants were introduced to soil health management, including composting (vermicompost and vermi tea), Integrated Soil Fertility Management, application of effective microorganisms, soil testing, and conservation agriculture. Sessions also covered agroforestry integration with tree crops such as banana, avocado, and mango, as well as irrigation and water management, including the formation of water user groups, equitable water allocation, and conflict resolution.
Participants were further trained on climate-smart moisture and nutrient monitoring tools for efficient water and nutrient management. The learning was enriched through peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, where farmers shared success stories, experiences, and lessons learned.
Hands-on demonstrations allowed participants to observe the preparation and application of vermicompost and vermi tea, visit agroforestry nurseries showcasing different seedlings and solar-powered irrigation systems, and learn the installation and use of soil moisture and nutrient monitoring tools.
The training enhanced participants’ knowledge and skills, increased awareness of the negative impacts of unsustainable agricultural practices, and generated strong interest in adopting climate-smart technologies. Farmers expressed willingness to test new BMPs, particularly composting, to improve declining soil fertility. However, limited training opportunities, lack of access to credit, and the need for partnerships remain key barriers to scaling up adoption.