Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia

The Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia, a region of profound geographical, ecological, and cultural importance, is characterized by its diverse resources, which includes lakes such as Lake Ziway, Lake Langano, and Lake Shalla. These lakes play a vital role and support system for agriculture and food production in the area. The fertile lands surrounding the lakes are extensively utilized for cultivation, providing a means of livelihood for numerous communities in the region.

The central Rift Valley is also known as food production hub and cultivating various fruits and vegetables. The vegetables and fruits from this area not only contribute to the local food supply but also generate income through sales to Addis Ababa market. The CRV proximity to Addis Ababa and to the airport makes it an ideal location for flower farms, which is meant for international markets, primarily to Europe. Share Ethiopia and the likes play a pivotal role in creating employment opportunities and boosting export revenues.

However, the diverse economic activities in the region also give rise to environmental challenges, such as pollution from point and non-point sources, land degradation, soil erosion, sedimentation, loss of biodiversity. Despite the region's agricultural abundance, food insecurity remains a significant issue due to factors such as limited access to credit, inadequate infrastructure for market access, insufficient storage facilities, and erratic weather patterns. This situation leads to unemployment, outmigration, conflicts, and further exacerbating poverty levels. The smallholder farmers particularly women have limited access to basic services and resources, which adversely affects the living conditions and quality of life.

Moreover, competition over land and water resources has ignited conflicts in the region, particularly between different user groups such as smallholder farmers, contract farmers and flower farms. The outmigration of native farmers is a notable trend, while contract farmers are increasingly moving into the area. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges, with the region experiencing increased variability in rainfall patterns, more frequent droughts, and rising temperatures. These changes have far-reaching implications for agricultural productivity, water availability, and the overall well-being of the communities in the Central Rift Valley.

To effectively address these multifaceted challenges, comprehensive trans-disciplinary research is imperative. As part of the Critical Zone Africa East and South Project, research in Ethiopia will be conducted on the following thematic topics:

• Pollution and Nutrient Flow as a Marker of Anthropocene: Insight from the Central Rift Valley Lakes' Watershed, Ethiopia
• Effects of land use and land cover dynamics on soil loss, sediment yield, and soil moisture availability
• Restoring the Indigenous Knowledge (IK) on climate and weather forecasts and integrating it with scientific approaches to produce comprehensive climate forecasts for effective adaptation to climate change impacts
• Livelihood and Habitability: Adaptation to climate change and impacts of conflicts in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
• Policy and Governance of common resources: Implication for balancing Land Use Change, Ecosystem Service Supply, and Human Well-Being

These research initiatives aim to provide a holistic understanding of the complex interplay between environmental, socio-economic, and governance factors in the Central Rift Valley, ultimately contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for the region's challenges.