Tropentag 2023, September 20 - 22, Berlin, Germany "Competing pathways for equitable food systems transformation: trade-offs and synergies."

Agroforestery and permaculture for sustainable development of human and nature

Gardula Peoples Developemnt Assosation, Agroforestry and Permaculture, Ethiopia

Abstract

The ever-changing and unpredictable climate is affecting most of the smallholding farmers in sub-Shaman Africa. To develop reliance and enhance adaption to climate change an integrated natural resource management approach with the framework of Agroforestry and Permaculture will enhance the sustainable and resilient livelihood for the small holding farmers.
Agroforestry is a dynamic, ecologically based natural resources management system that promotes the integration of trees in farmland and rangeland. It also promotes biodiversity to ensure sustainability, productivity, profitability, health and sustainable land-use systems to create socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable communities at each level. Permaculture is also a harmonious integration of landscape and people, providing their food, energy, shelter and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way to maintain stable social order. Integrating the two concepts will enhance the sustainable development of humans and nature.
Teaching the local farming community to adapt to an integrated resource management approach is a long process and they learn through observation. Accelerating the adaptation by smallholding farmers upgrading the existing infrastructure (Farmer training centre) to perfect demonstration sites through the farmer-based initiative is the way forward to reach as many as possible farmers to build resilience to the ever-changing climate.
In the southern region of Ethiopia, the local development association is working with its local and international partners to train 7,000 farmers to adopt sustainable natural resources management through practicing agroforestry and Permaculture. The approach is to address the local farmers and convince them to adopt the resilient through regenerating the entire ecosystem. The project is enabling the farmers and extension workers to transform the farmer training centre to a more productive and resilient ecosystem where the farmers can learn through observation and adapt.
We are very happy to share our experience, success, challenges and ways forward at the Tropentag 2023.

Keywords: Agroforestery, green energy and food, integrated natural resource management, sustainable development

Contact Address: Asmelash Dagne Datiko, Gardula Peoples Developemnt Assosation, Agroforestry and Permaculture, Muluwongel sefer 23, 1002  Arba minch, Ethiopia, e-mail: dassc.asmelashgmail.com