Innovation platforms for improved natural resource management and sustainable intensification in the Ethiopian highlands

The Ethiopian Highlands are a land degradation hotspot. The burgeoning human population has led to expansion of arable land to meet growing food demands. Much of this expansion is on steep and marginal land covered with fragile soils. The result has been extensive soil loss, sedimentation of water - courses and general land degradation that has affected production and the productivity of smallholder farmers. Addressing this problem requires both upstream and downstream land users, together with other kinds of people interested in the issues to work together and introduce interventions such as soil and water conservation structures. However, for farmers to invest in such structures, they need to provide financial benefits. Therefore, improved crop and livestock productivity, and marketing, need to feature. This led to the setting up of IPs to stimulate ongoing discussions among different kinds of people interested in the issues around natural resource management.