Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: A Systematic Review of Interventions, Impacts, and Challenges

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
Handbook of Climate Change Resilience

Abstract

The Tigray regional state in the northern part of Ethiopia has been severely affected by centuries of land degradation and climate change-induced recurrent drought and extreme weather variability. Government and people have, therefore, steadily implemented internationally recognized (Example at Rio 20 for Innovative Hunger Solutions and recently Gold Medal Winner at the World Future Council award for Best policy in Combating Desertification and Land Degradation: The World’s Best Policies https://www.worldfuturecouncil.org/p/champions/) land rehabilitation and ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) programs. Despite the international recognition for the successes, the specifics of the different interventions implemented, the impacts observed, challenges encountered have not been well articulated and communicated, in a way that would enable other similar regions to learn from the experiences of Tigray region of Ethiopia. In this chapter, we reviewed 170 publications on 30 EBA interventions in 400 sites in Tigray. Interventions fall in either of the following categories: Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) (62.69%), Biological Rehabilitation (BR) (18.41%), Water Harvesting and Production (WHP) (7.46%), Soil Fertility Improvement (6.22%), Conservation Agriculture (3.48%), and Integrated Watershed Management (1.74%). While many studies reported impressive biophysical changes, e.g., decrease in runoff and increased sediment deposition (in 63.93% of cases), farmer-relevant impacts such as improvements in crop and livestock yields and income/livelihoods have been quantified only in 8.46%, 1.6%, and 4.16% of cases, respectively, implying that implementers are failing to communicate impacts, causing a missed opportunity for fast dissemination and mobilization in other similar places. The most successful interventions include exclosures and variety of soil and water conservation measures (mainly stone bunds), while those that showed limited positive impacts are water harvesting and production schemes. Popular support and capitalization on locally available resources are the most cited reasons for success of interventions, while overambitious and myopic project planning, top-down approach, limited technical skills are common challenges encountered. In this chapter, we summarized one of the most successful cases of EBA and land rehabilitation intervention in the world, identified strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and suggested solutions in a way that could enable other communities learn from the EBA experiences of Tigrian farmers and government.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aberra Y (2004) Problems of the solution: intervention into small-scale irrigation for drought proofing in the Mekele Plateau of northern Ethiopia. Geogr J 170:226–237

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Abesha GA (2014) Herbaceous vegetation restoration potential and soil physical condition in a mountain grazing land of eastern Tigray, Ethiopia. J Agric Environ Int Dev (JAEID) 108:81–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Aerts R, Negussie A, Maes W, November E, Hermy M, Muys B (2007) Restoration of dry Afromontane Forest using pioneer shrubs as nurse-plants for Olea europaea ssp. cuspidata. Restor Ecol 15:129–138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aerts R, Lerouge F, November E, Lens L, Hermy M, Muys B (2008) Land rehabilitation and the conservation of birds in a degraded Afromontane landscape in northern Ethiopia. Biodivers Conserv 17:53–69

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aerts R, Nyssen J, Haile M (2009) On the difference between “exclosures” and “enclosures” in ecology and the environment. J Arid Environ 73:762–763

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alem T, Tsegazeab G, Micheale G, Atinkut M (2015) Characterization and impact assessment of water harvesting techniques: a case study of Abreha Weatsbeha watershed, Tigray, Ethiopia. Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, Ethiopia

    Google Scholar 

  • Alemayehu F, Taha N, Nyssen J, Girma A, Zenebe A, Behailu M, Deckers S, Poesen J (2009) The impacts of watershed management on land use and land cover dynamics in eastern Tigray (Ethiopia). Resour Conserv Recycl 53:192–198

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Araya A, Stroosnijder L (2010) Effects of tied ridges and mulch on barley (Hordeum vulgare) rainwater use efficiency and production in northern Ethiopia. Agric Water Manag 97:841–847

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Araya T, Cornelis W, Nyssen J, Govaerts B, Bauer H, Gebreegziabher T, Oicha T, Raes D, Sayre KD, Haile M (2011) Effects of conservation agriculture on runoff, soil loss and crop yield under rainfed conditions in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Soil Use Manag 27:404–414

    Google Scholar 

  • Araya T, Nyssen J, Govaerts B, Baudron F, Carpentier L, Bauer H, Lanckriet S, Deckers JA, Cornelis W (2016a) Restoring cropland productivity and profitability in northern Ethiopian drylands after nine years of resource-conserving agriculture. Exp Agric 52:165–187

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Araya T, Nyssen J, Govaerts B, Deckers JA, Sommer R, Bauer H, Gebrehiwot K, Cornelis W (2016b) Seven years resource-conserving agriculture effect on soil quality and crop productivity in the Ethiopian drylands. Soil Tillage Res 163:99–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asres HG (2012) Effect of exclosure on environment and its socio economic contributions to local people: in the case study of halla exclosure, Tigray, Ethiopia. Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås

    Google Scholar 

  • Awulachew SB, Merrey D, Kamara A, van Koppen B, Penning de Vries F, Boelee E (2005) Experiences and opportunities for promoting small-scale/micro irrigation and rainwater harvesting for food security in Ethiopia. IWMI, Colombo, Sri Lanka

    Google Scholar 

  • Babulo B, Muys B, Nega F, Tollens E, Nyssen J, Deckers J, Mathijs E (2009) The economic contribution of forest resource use to rural livelihoods in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Forest Policy Econ 11:109–117

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balana BB, Mathijs E, Muys B (2010) Assessing the sustainability of forest management: an application of multi-criteria decision analysis to community forests in northern Ethiopia. J Environ Manag 91:1294–1304

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balehegn M (2017a) Increased publication in predatory journals by developing countries’ institutions: what it entails? And what can be done? Int Inf Libr Rev 49:97–100

    Google Scholar 

  • Balehegn M (2017b) Silvopasture using indigenous fodder trees and shrubs: the underexploited synergy between climate change adaptation and mitigation in the livestock sector. In: Leal Filho W, Belay S, Kalangu J, Menas W, Munishi P, Musiyiwa K (eds) Climate change adaptation in Africa: fostering resilience and capacity to adapt. Springer International Publishing, Cham

    Google Scholar 

  • Balehegn M, Eik L, Tesfay Y (2014) Replacing commercial concentrate by Ficus thonningii improved productivity of goats in Ethiopia. Trop Anim Health Prod:1–6

    Google Scholar 

  • Balehegn M, Eik LO, Tesfay Y (2015) Silvopastoral system based on Ficus thonningii : an adaptation to climate change in northern Ethiopia. Afr J Range Forage Sci 32:183–191

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berhane G, Gebreyohannes T, Martens K, Walraevens K (2016a) Overview of micro-dam reservoirs (MDR) in Tigray (northern Ethiopia): challenges and benefits. J Afr Earth Sci 123:210–222

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berhane G, Kebede S, Gebreyohannes T, Martens K, van Camp M, Walraevens K (2016b) An integrated approach for detection and delineation of leakage path from Micro-Dam Reservoir (MDR): a case study from Arato MDR, northern Ethiopia. Bull Eng Geol Environ 75:193–210

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bewket W (2007) Soil and water conservation intervention with conventional technologies in northwestern highlands of Ethiopia: acceptance and adoption by farmers. Land Use Policy 24:404–416

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beyene G (2011) Bio-slurry – is it a fertilizer in the Making? SNV Netherlands Development Organisation http://www.snv.org/public/cms/sites/default/files/explore/download/et_bioslurry_-_is_it_a_fertiliser_in_the_making.pdf

  • Biazin B, Sterk G, Temesgen M, Abdulkedir A, Stroosnijder L (2012) Rainwater harvesting and management in rainfed agricultural systems in sub-Saharan Africa – a review. Phys Chem Earth 47/48:139–151

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Birhane E, Gebremedihin KM, Tadesse T, Hailemariam M, Solomon N (2017) Exclosures restored the density and root colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Ecol Process 6:33

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brhane G, Wortmann CS, Mamo M, Gebrekidan H, Belay A (2006) Micro-basin tillage for grain sorghum production in semiarid areas of northern Ethiopia. Agron J 98:124–128

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Conway D (2000) Some aspects of climate variability in the north east Ethiopian highlands-Wollo and Tigray. SINET: Ethiop J Sci 23:139–161

    Google Scholar 

  • CSA (2010) The 2007 population and housing census of Ethiopia

    Google Scholar 

  • Dejenie T, Asmelash T, de Meester L, Mulugeta A, Gebrekidan A, Risch S, Pals A, van der Gucht K, Vyverman W, Nyssen J (2008) Limnological and ecological characteristics of tropical highland reservoirs in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Hydrobiologia 610:193–209

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Descheemaeker K, Muys B, Nyssen J, Poesen J, Raes D, Haile M, Deckers JA (2006) Litter production and organic matter accumulation in exclosures of the Tigray highlands, Ethiopia. For Ecol Manag 233:21–35

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Descheemaeker K, Muys B, Nyssen J, Sauwens W, Haile M, Poesen J, Raes D, Deckers JA (2009a) Humus form development during forest restoration in exclosures of the Tigray highlands, northern Ethiopia. Restor Ecol 17:280–289

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Descheemaeker K, Raes D, Nyssen J, Poesen J, Haile M, Deckers JA (2009b) Changes in water flows and water productivity upon vegetation regeneration on degraded hillslopes in northern Ethiopia: a water balance modelling exercise. Rangel J 31:237–249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Descheemaeker K, Mapedza E, Amede T, Ayalneh W (2010) Effects of integrated watershed management on livestock-water productivity in water scarce areas in Ethiopia. Phys Chem Earth 35:723–729

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Doswald N, Munroe R, Roe D, Giuliani A, Castelli I, Stephens J, Möller I, Spencer T, Vira B, Reid H (2014) Effectiveness of ecosystem-based approaches for adaptation: review of the evidence-base. Climate Dev 6:185–201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards S (2007a) The impact of compost use on crop yields in Tigray, Ethiopia. Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD). In the proceedings of the international conference on organic agriculture and food security. FAO, Rome. Obtainable at: ftp://ftp.fao.org/paia/organicag/ofs/02-Edwards. pdf

  • Edwards S (2007b) Role of organic agriculture in preventing and reversing land degradation. In: Climate and land degradation. Springer, Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Edwards MS (2012) Biogas-bioslurry: a package for narrowing gender disparity in the rural households-the case of Hintalo Wajirat and Ofla Woredas, Tigray Region

    Google Scholar 

  • Ernstberger J (2017) Perceived multifunctionality of agroforestry trees in northern Ethiopia. MSc.:A case study of the perceived functions and associated personal values of trees for farming households in Tigray. Thesis. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Alnarp, Sweden.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankl A, Poesen J, Deckers J, Haile M, Nyssen J (2012) Gully head retreat rates in the semi-arid highlands of northern Ethiopia. Geomorphology 173:185–195

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frankl A, Deckers J, Moulaert L, van Damme A, Haile M, Poesen J, Nyssen J (2016) Integrated solutions for combating gully erosion in areas prone to soil piping: innovations from the drylands of northern Ethiopia. Land Degrad Dev 27:1797–1804

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gebreegziabher T, Nyssen J, Govaerts B, Getnet F, Behailu M, Haile M, Deckers J (2009) Contour furrows for in situ soil and water conservation, Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Soil Tillage Res 103:257–264

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gebregziabher G, Namara RE, Holden ST (2009) Poverty reduction with irrigation investment: an empirical case study from Tigray, Ethiopia. Agric Water Manag 96:1837–1843

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gebregziabher D, Soltani A, Hofstad O (2017) Equity in the distribution of values of outputs from exclosures in Tigray, Ethiopia. J Arid Environ 146:75–85

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gebremedhin B, Swinton SM (2003) Investment in soil conservation in northern Ethiopia: the role of land tenure security and public programs. Agric Econ 29:69–84

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gebremedhin B, Swinton SM, Tilahun Y (1999) Effects of stone terraces on crop yields and farm profitability: results of on-farm research in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. J Soil Water Conserv 54:568–573

    Google Scholar 

  • Gebremedhin B, Pender J, Tesfay G (2004) Collective action for grazing land management in crop–livestock mixed systems in the highlands of northern Ethiopia. Agric Syst 82:273–290

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gebremeskel G, Gebremicael T, Girmay A (2017) Economic and environmental rehabilitation through soil and water conservation, the case of Tigray in northern Ethiopia. J Arid Environ 151:113–124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gebremichael D, Nyssen J, Poesen J, Deckers J, Haile M, Govers G, Moeyersons J (2005) Effectiveness of stone bunds in controlling soil erosion on cropland in the Tigray highlands, northern Ethiopia. Soil Use Manag 21:287–297

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gebreyohannes G, Hailemariam G (2011) Challenges, opportunities and available good practices related to zero grazing in Tigray and Hararghe, Ethiopia. Drylands Coordination Group (DCG) Report

    Google Scholar 

  • Gelaw AM, Singh B, Lal R (2014) Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks under different land uses in a semi-arid watershed in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Agric Ecosyst Environ 188:256–263

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gelaw AM, Singh B, Lal R (2015a) Organic carbon and nitrogen associated with soil aggregates and particle sizes under different land uses in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Land Degrad Dev 26:690–700

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gelaw AM, Singh BR, Lal R (2015b) Soil quality indices for evaluating smallholder agricultural land uses in northern Ethiopia. Sustainability 7:2322–2337

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Girmay G, Singh BR (2012) Changes in soil organic carbon stocks and soil quality: land-use system effects in northern Ethiopia. Acta Agric Scand Sect B Soil Plant Sci 62:519–530

    Google Scholar 

  • Girmay G, Singh B, Nyssen J, Borrosen T (2009) Runoff and sediment-associated nutrient losses under different land uses in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. J Hydrol 376:70–80

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Girmay G, Nyssen J, Poesen J, Bauer H, Merckx R, Haile M, Deckers J (2012) Land reclamation using reservoir sediments in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Soil Use Manag 28:113–119

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grum B, Assefa D, Hessel R, Woldearegay K, Kessler A, Ritsema C, Geissen V (2017a) Effect of in situ water harvesting techniques on soil and nutrient losses in semi-arid northern Ethiopia. Land Degrad Dev 28:1016–1027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grum B, Woldearegay K, Hessel R, Baartman JE, Abdulkadir M, Yazew E, Kessler A, Ritsema CJ, Geissen V (2017b) Assessing the effect of water harvesting techniques on event-based hydrological responses and sediment yield at a catchment scale in northern Ethiopia using the Limburg Soil Erosion Model (LISEM). Catena 159:20–34

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guyassa E, Frankl A, Zenebe A, Poesen J, Nyssen J (2017) Effects of check dams on runoff characteristics along gully reaches, the case of northern Ethiopia. J Hydrol 545:299–309

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hachoofwe EM (2012) Local ecological knowledge of trees on farms, constraints and opportunities for further integration in Tigray Region, northern Ethiopia: a case study of smallholder farmers in Abreha Wa Atsbeha and Adi gudom. Bangor University

    Google Scholar 

  • Hadgu KM, Rossing WAH, Kooistra L, van Bruggen AHC (2009) Spatial variation in biodiversity, soil degradation and productivity in agricultural landscapes in the highlands of Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Food Sec 1:83–97

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hagos F, Pender J, Gebreselassie N (1999) Land degradation in the highlands of Tigray and strategies for sustainable land management. International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa

    Google Scholar 

  • Hagos EY, Schultz B, Depeweg H (2016) Reservoir operation in view of effective utilization of limited water in semi-arid areas the case of Gumsalasa earthen dam irrigation scheme in Tigray, Ethiopia. Irrig Drain 65:294–307

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ham J (2008) Dodota Spate irrigation system Ethiopia: a case study of Spate irrigation management and livelihood options

    Google Scholar 

  • Haregeweyn N, Poesen J, Deckers JA, Nyssen J, Haile M, Govers G, Verstraeten G, Moeyersons J (2008a) Sediment-bound nutrient export from micro-dam catchments in northern Ethiopia. Land Degrad Dev 19:136–152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haregeweyn N, Poesen J, Nyssen J, Govers G, Verstraeten G, de Vente J, Deckers J, Moeyersons J, Haile M (2008b) Sediment yield variability in northern Ethiopia: a quantitative analysis of its controlling factors. Catena 75:65–76

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haregeweyn N, Berhe A, Tsunekawa A, Tsubo M, Meshesha DT (2012) Integrated watershed management as an effective approach to curb land degradation: a case study of the Enabered watershed in northern Ethiopia. Environ Manag 50:1219–1233

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haregeweyn N, Tsunekawa A, Nyssen J, Poesen J, Tsubo M, Meshesha DT, Schutt B, Adgo E, Tegegne F (2015) Soil erosion and conservation in Ethiopia a review. Prog Phys Geogr 39:750–774

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • HELVETAS (2017) Rural roof water harvesting initiative in Tigray [Online]. Available: https://ethiopia.helvetas.org/en/projects/rrwhi/. Accessed 10 Jan 2017

  • Hengsdijk H, Meijerink GW, Mosugu ME (2005) Modeling the effect of three soil and water conservation practices in Tigray, Ethiopia. Agric Ecosyst Environ 105:29–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hiben MG, Tesfa-Alem G (2014) Spate irrigation in Tigray: the challenges and suggested ways to overcome them. In: Flood-based Farming for food security and adaption to climate change in Ethiopia: potential and challenges, International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Colombo, Sri Lanka, pp 137–148

    Google Scholar 

  • Hishe S, Lyimo J, Bewket W (2017) Soil and water conservation effects on soil properties in the middle Silluh Valley, northern Ethiopia. Int Soil Water Conserv Res 5:231–240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hurni H (1988) Degradation and conservation of the resources in the Ethiopian highlands. Mt Res Dev 8:123–130

    Google Scholar 

  • Kassie M, Pender J, Yesuf M, Kohlin G, Bluffstone R, Mulugeta E (2008) Estimating returns to soil conservation adoption in the northern Ethiopian highlands. Agric Econ 38:213–232

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelebe HE, Ayimut KM, Berhe GH, Hintsa K (2017) Determinants for adoption decision of small scale biogas technology by rural households in Tigray, Ethiopia. Energy Econ 66:272–278

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kidane H (2009) Community spate irrigation in Raya Valley: the case of three spate irrigation systems. Master’s thesis, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    Google Scholar 

  • Lemenih M, Kassa H, Ababa A (2014) Re-greening Ethiopia: history, challenges and lessons. Forests 5:1896–1909

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mchugh OV, Steenhuis TS, Abebe B, Fernandes EC (2007) Performance of in situ rainwater conservation tillage techniques on dry spell mitigation and erosion control in the drought-prone north Wello zone of the Ethiopian highlands. Soil Tillage Res 97:19–36

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meaza H, Tsegaye D, Nyssen J (2016) Allocation of degraded hillsides to landless farmers and improved livelihoods in Tigray, Ethiopia. Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift-norwegian J Geogr 70:1–12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meheretu Y, Sluydts V, Welegerima K, Bauer H, Teferi M, Yirga G, Mulungu L, Haile M, Nyssen J, Deckers J (2014) Rodent abundance, stone bund density and its effects on crop damage in the Tigray highlands, Ethiopia. Crop Prot 55:61–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meheretu Y, Welegerima K, Sluydts V, Bauer H, Gebrehiwot K, Deckers J, Makundi R, Leirs H (2015) Reproduction and survival of rodents in crop fields: the effects of rainfall, crop stage and stone-bund density. Wildl Res 42:158–164

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mekonen K, Tesfahunegn GB (2011) Impact assessment of soil and water conservation measures at Medego watershed in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Maejo Int J Sci Technol 5:312–330

    Google Scholar 

  • Mekonnen M, Keesstra S, Baartman J, Ritsema C, Melesse A (2015) Evaluating sediment storage dams: structural off-site sediment trapping measures in northwest Ethiopia. Cuadernos de Investigación Geográfica 41:7–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mekuria W, Veldkamp E (2012) Restoration of native vegetation following exclosure establishment on communal grazing lands in Tigray, Ethiopia. Appl Veg Sci 15:71–83

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mekuria W, Veldkamp E, Haile M, Nyssen J, Muys B, Gebrehiwot K (2007) Effectiveness of exclosures to restore degraded soils as a result of overgrazing in Tigray, Ethiopia. J Arid Environ 69:270–284

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mekuria W, Veldkamp E, Tilahun M, Olschewski R (2011) Economic valuation of land restoration: the case of exclosures established on communal grazing lands in Tigray, Ethiopia. Land Degrad Dev 22:334–344

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mekuria W, Langan S, Noble A, Johnston R (2017) Soil restoration after seven years of exclosure management in northwestern Ethiopia. Land Degrad Dev 28:1287–1297

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meshesha DT, Tsunekawa A, Tsubo M (2012) Continuing land degradation: cause–effect in Ethiopia’s Central Rift Valley. Land Degrad Dev 23:130–143

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Michael YG, Waters-Bayer A (2007) Trees are our backbone: integrating environment and local development in Tigray region of Ethiopia. Iied, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Mûelenaere S, Frankl A, Haile M, Poesen J, Deckers J, Munro N, Veraverbeke S, Nyssen J (2014) Historical landscape photographs for calibration of Landsat land use/cover in the northern Ethiopian highlands. Land Degrad Dev 25:319–335

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Munang R, Thiaw I, Alverson K, Mumba M, Liu J, Rivington M (2013) Climate change and ecosystem-based adaptation: a new pragmatic approach to buffering climate change impacts. Curr Opin Environ Sustain 5:67–71

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Munro RN, Deckers J, Haile M, Grove A, Poesen J, Nyssen J (2008) Soil landscapes, land cover change and erosion features of the Central Plateau region of Tigrai, Ethiopia: photo-monitoring with an interval of 30 years. Catena 75:55–64

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nefzaoui A, El Mourid M (2010) Cactus pear for soil and water conservation in arid and semi-arid lands. In: Improved utilization of cactus pear for food, feed, soil and water conservation and other products in Africa, Cactus Net Newsletter. Mekelle, Ethiopia p 117–126

    Google Scholar 

  • Noulekoun F, Birhane E, Chude S, Zenebe A (2017) Characterization of Faidherbia albida (Del.) A. Chev. population in agroforestry parklands in the highlands of northern Ethiopia: impact of conservation, environmental factors and human disturbances. Agrofor Syst 91:123–135

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nyssen J, Haile M, Moeyersons J, Poesen J, Deckers JA (2000) Soil and water conservation in Tigray (northern Ethiopia): the traditional daget technique and its integration with introduced techniques. Land Degrad Dev 11:199–208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nyssen J, Haile M, Moeyersons J, Poesen J, Deckers J (2004a) Environmental policy in Ethiopia: a rejoinder to Keeley and Scoones. J Mod Afr Stud 42:137–147

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nyssen J, Veyretpicot M, Poesen J, Moeyersons J, Haile M, Deckers JA, Govers G (2004b) The effectiveness of loose rock check dams for gully control in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Soil Use Manag 20:55–64

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nyssen J, Poesen J, Gebremichael D, Vancampenhout K, Daes M, Yihdego G, Govers G, Leirs H, Moeyersons J, Naudts J (2007) Interdisciplinary on-site evaluation of stone bunds to control soil erosion on cropland in northern Ethiopia. Soil Tillage Res 94:151–163

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nyssen J, Naudts J, de Geyndt K, Haile M, Poesen J, Moeyersons J, Deckers J (2008a) Soils and land use in the Tigray highlands (northern Ethiopia). Land Degrad Dev 19:257–274

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nyssen J, Poesen J, Moeyersons J, Haile M, Deckers J (2008b) Dynamics of soil erosion rates and controlling factors in the northern Ethiopian highlands–towards a sediment budget. Earth Surf Process Landf 33:695–711

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nyssen J, Clymans W, Poesen J, Vandecasteele I, de Baets S, Haregeweyn N, Naudts J, Hadera A, Moeyersons J, Haile M (2009) How soil conservation affects the catchment sediment budget–a comprehensive study in the north Ethiopian highlands. Earth Surf Process Landf 34:1216–1233

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nyssen J, Govaerts B, Araya T, Cornelis WM, Bauer H, Haile M, Sayre K, Deckers J (2010) The use of the marasha ard plough for conservation agriculture in Northern Ethiopia. Agron Sustain Dev 31:287–297

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyssen J, Frankl A, Haile M, Hurni H, Descheemaeker K, Crummey D, Ritler A, Portner B, Nievergelt B, Moeyersons J (2014) Environmental conditions and human drivers for changes to north Ethiopian mountain landscapes over 145years. Sci Total Environ 485:164–179

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nyssen J, Gebreselassie S, Assefa R, Deckers JA, Zenebe A, Poesen J, Frankl A (2017) Boulder-faced log dams as an alternative for gabion check dams in first-order ephemeral streams with coarse bed load in Ethiopia. J Hydraul Eng 143:05016005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pender J, Gebremedhin B (2007) Determinants of agricultural and land management practices and impacts on crop production and household income in the highlands of Tigray, Ethiopia. J Afr Econ 17:395–450

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reubens B, Moeremans C, Poesen J, Nyssen J, Tewoldeberhan S, Franzel S, Deckers J, Orwa C, Muys B (2011) Tree species selection for land rehabilitation in Ethiopia: from fragmented knowledge to an integrated multi-criteria decision approach. Agrofor Syst:1–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Rimhanen K, Ketoja E, Yli-Halla M, Kahiluoto H (2016) Ethiopian agriculture has greater potential for carbon sequestration than previously estimated. Glob Chang Biol 22:3739–3749

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Segers K, Dessein J, Hagberg S, Develtere P, Haile M, Deckers J (2008a) Be like bees–the politics of mobilizing farmers for development in Tigray, Ethiopia. Afr Aff 108:91–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Segers K, Dessein J, Nyssen J, Haile M, Deckers J (2008b) Developers and farmers intertwining interventions: the case of rainwater harvesting and food-for-work in Degua Temben, Tigray, Ethiopia. Int J Agric Sustain 6:173–182

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Solomon N, Birhane E, Tadesse T, Treydte AC, Meles K (2017) Carbon stocks and sequestration potential of dry forests under community management in Tigray, Ethiopia. Ecol Process 6:20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stavi I, Argaman E, Zaady E (2016) Positive impact of moderate stubble grazing on soil quality and organic carbon pool in dryland wheat agro-pastoral systems. Catena 146:94–99

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Taddese G (2001) Land degradation: a challenge to Ethiopia. Environ Manag 27:815–824

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tamene L, Park SJ, Dikau R, Vlek PLG (2006) Reservoir siltation in the semi-arid highlands of northern Ethiopia: sediment yield–catchment area relationship and a semi-quantitative approach for predicting sediment yield. Earth Surf Process Landf 31:1364–1383

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taye G, Poesen J, Wesemael BV, Vanmaercke M, Teka D, Deckers J, Goosse T, Maetens W, Nyssen J, Hallet V (2013) Effects of land use, slope gradient, and soil and water conservation structures on runoff and soil loss in semi-arid northern Ethiopia. Phys Geogr 34:236–259

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taye G, Poesen J, Vanwesemael B, Vanmaercke M, Teka D, Deckers J, Goosse T, Maetens W, Nyssen J, Hallet V (2014) Effectiveness of soil and water conservation structures in reducing runoff and soil loss for different land use and slope gradients: case study from northern Ethiopia. EGU General Assembly conference abstracts

    Google Scholar 

  • Taye G, Poesen J, Vanmaercke M, van Wesemael B, Martens L, Teka D, Nyssen J, Deckers J, Vanacker V, Haregeweyn N (2015) Evolution of the effectiveness of stone bunds and trenches in reducing runoff and soil loss in the semi-arid Ethiopian highlands. Z Geomorphol 59:477–493

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tedla HA (2010) The effect of compost on soil fertility enhancement and yield increment under smallholder farming: a case of Tahtai Maichew District-Tigray Region, Ethiopia. Inst. für Bodenkunde und Standortslehre, Stuttgart

    Google Scholar 

  • Teklay A (2011) Seasonal availability of common bee flora in relation to land use and colony performance in Gergera Watershed Atsbi Wemberta District, Eastern Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia

    Google Scholar 

  • Tesfahunegn GB (2015) Short-term effects of tillage practices on soil properties under Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc. Trotter)] crop in northern Ethiopia. Agric Water Manag 148:241–249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teshome A, Rolker D, de Graaff J (2013) Financial viability of soil and water conservation technologies in northwestern Ethiopian highlands. Appl Geogr 37:139–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tetemke BA, Gebremeskel D, Takenaka K (2017) Ecological networking to scale-up and sustain ecological restoration in the dry lands of northern Ethiopia. 日本森林学会大会発表データベース 第 128 回日本森林学会大会. 日本森林学会, 819

    Google Scholar 

  • Tilahun M, Muys B, Mathijs E, Kleinn C, Olschewski R, Gebrehiwot K (2011) Frankincense yield assessment and modeling in closed and grazed Boswellia papyrifera woodlands of Tigray, northern Ethiopia. J Arid Environ 75:695–702

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vagen T, Tilahun Y, Esser K (1999) Effects of stone terracing on available phosphorus and yields on highly eroded slopes in Tigray, Ethiopia. J Sustain Agric 15:61–74

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vancampenhout K, Nyssen J, Gebremichael D, Deckers JA, Poesen J, HAILE M, Moeyersons J (2006) Stone bunds for soil conservation in the northern Ethiopian highlands: impacts on soil fertility and crop yield. Soil Tillage Res 90:1–15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waktola DK (2007) Rainwater harvesting in Ethiopia: capturing realities and harnessing opportunities. Rainwater Urban Design 2007:484

    Google Scholar 

  • Woldearegay K, van Steenbergen F (2015) Shallow groundwater irrigation in Tigray, northern Ethiopia: practices and issues. In: Lollino G, Arattano M, Rinaldi M, Giustolisi O, Marechal J-C, Grant GE (eds) Engineering geology for society and territory - volume 3: river basins, reservoir sedimentation and water resources. Springer International Publishing, Cham

    Google Scholar 

  • Woldearegay K, van Steenbergen F, Perez MA, Grum B, van Beusekom M (2015) Water harvesting from roads: climate resilience in Tigray, Ethiopia. IRF Examiner. 12 (Winter 2017): 1–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Yami M, Gebrehiwot K, Stien M, Mekuria W (2007) Impact of area enclosures on density and diversity of large wild mammals: the case of May Ba’ati, Douga Tembien district, Central Tigray, Ethiopia. East Afr J Sci 1:55–68

    Google Scholar 

  • Yami M, Vogl C, Hauser M (2011) Informal institutions as mechanisms to address challenges in communal grazing land management in Tigray, Ethiopia. Int J Sustain Dev World Ecol 18:78–87

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yami M, Mekuria W, Hauser M (2013) The effectiveness of village bylaws in sustainable management of community-managed exclosures in northern Ethiopia. Sustain Sci 8:73–86

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yayneshet T, Eik LO, Moe SR (2008) Feeding Acacia etbaica and Dichrostachys cinerea fruits to smallholder goats in northern Ethiopia improves their performance during the dry season. Livest Sci 119:31–41

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yayneshet T, Eik LO, Moe SR (2009) The effects of exclosures in restoring degraded semi-arid vegetation in communal grazing lands in northern Ethiopia. J Arid Environ 73:542–549

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yazew E (2015) Flood-based farming and the second five years growth and transformation plan of Tigray. Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia

    Mulubrhan Balehegn

  2. Department of Larnd Resource Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia

    Mitiku Haile

  3. Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China

    Chao Fu

  4. Research Center for World Geography and Resources, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China

    Wu Liang

Authors
  1. Mulubrhan Balehegn
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mitiku Haile
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Chao Fu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Wu Liang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mulubrhan Balehegn .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. FTZ-NK, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences , Hamburg, Germany

    Walter Leal Filho

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Balehegn, M., Haile, M., Fu, C., Liang, W. (2019). Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: A Systematic Review of Interventions, Impacts, and Challenges. In: Leal Filho, W. (eds) Handbook of Climate Change Resilience. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71025-9_117-1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71025-9_117-1

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-71025-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-71025-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Earth and Environm. ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Earth and Environmental Sciences

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation