WATDEV Regional Meeting & Local Feedback Workshop Conducted

From 4th to 7th of Dec.2025, the WATDEV team organized productive back-to-back meetings: a Regional Meeting followed by a Local Feedback Meeting. Below is a brief summary of the activities.
1. Regional Meeting (Thursday)
The regional meeting aimed to evaluate the progress of the integrated modeling effort and provide recommendations on scenario-setting. Highlights:
• The meeting was opened by Dr. Gete (welcoming remarks) and Ato Elias Awol, CEO of Small Irrigation Development at MOA WLRC (official opening).
• Participants included high-level researchers from WLRC, EIAR, ARARI, and agricultural water management academics from universities.
• International partners included ISRIC/WUR, CIHEAM Bari, ASARECA, and AICS.
• Workshop participants critically evaluated modeling assumptions and provided valuable feedback, which was highly appreciated by the WATDEV team and international partners.
2. Local Feedback Meeting (Friday–Saturday, December 5)
This session engaged local stakeholders to gather input on scaling up integrated modeling of BMPs, using the Koga Irrigation and Watershed landscape as a case study.
Participants included: Local farmers, Development agents, Regional experts familiar with the Koga landscape
Key activities: Discussions on selecting enablers and determinants for scaling up BMPs, Assessment of relevant policies and national programs at the ground level.
3. Field Visit (Sunday)
On Sunday, farmers and development agents visited Holeta Metrolux Farms in Holeta, Ethiopia, to observe modern agricultural practices. Demonstrations included:
• Commercial strawberry and avocado farming;
• Compost preparation;
• Hydroponic irrigation systems (for managing Fusarium disease);
• Avocado seedling nursery; and
• Liquid fertilizer preparation from vermicompost.
“In a nutshell – it was a productive five days of collaboration”, said Dr. Tena and he thanked everyone who contributed.