Opportunities of natural resources for rural development in marginal grabens of northern Ethiopia

Hailemariam Meaza Gebregergs, Jean Poesen, Amaury Frankl, Jozef Deckers, Amanuel Zenebe, Sil Lanckriet, Veerle Van Eetvelde, Biadgilgn Demissie Mullaw, Jan Nyssen

Publikation: KonferencebidragKonferenceabstrakt til konferenceForskning

Abstract

Worldwide, much attention is given to low-lying flat areas in search of suitable agricultural lands. The objectives of this paper are (i) to review worldwide experiences about marginal graben resources, (ii) to show knowledge gaps and priorities in research and development related to the natural resources and (iii) to complement this review via transect studies across the marginal grabens of northern Ethiopia. The paper shows that marginal grabens are rich both in blue water and green water resources due to their topographical and geological characteristics. Besides, spate irrigation has been a growing water management practice to respond to soil moisture deficit. Moreover, marginal grabens are fertile plains as a result of alluvial deposition that could be suitable for agricultural development. However, rainfall variability and groundwater withdrawal lead to marginal graben basin closure and salinization. Notably, riverbed incisions and sediment deposition affect drainage systems and water supply in the marginal grabens. Consequently, socioeconomic and natural capitals of the marginal graben farmers are threatened. Therefore, the benefits of natural resources for rural development in the marginal grabens can be optimized if the current bottlenecks are converted into opportunities. A better understanding of the complex marginal graben system via a robust land evaluation framework will improve livelihoods of the communities that live in the marginal grabens.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
Publikationsdato2016
StatusUdgivet - 2016
Udgivet eksterntJa
Begivenhed10th Symposium of Ghent Africa Platform: Celebrating partnership with Africa : demonstrating the value of international collaboration on teaching and research - Ghent, Belgien
Varighed: 8 dec. 20169 dec. 2016
Konferencens nummer: 10

Symposium

Symposium10th Symposium of Ghent Africa Platform
Nummer10
Land/OmrådeBelgien
ByGhent
Periode08/12/201609/12/2016

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