Coalition Profile Ethiopia

Acid Soil Reclamation

Who?

The Acid Soil Reclamation Coalition of Ethiopia was comprised of seven stakeholders. These included; Ministry of Agriculture- Soil Fertility Directorate, ICCO (now Cordaid), GIZ, Oromia, Amhara & SNNP Regional budgets, and the Ministry of Finance.

Why?

Acidity affects approximately 43% of Ethiopian land, and farmers' output is decreasing as a result. Thirty-three percent of the above mentioned land is agricultural land. The economic impact of soil acidity resides in the risk that it can leave the country without production and lead to food insecurity. The primary goal of the coalition was to improve soil health, with a particular emphasis on soil acidity issues. For example, they organized farmers’ field schools, to demonstrate integrated soil management practices. And they raised awareness about the severity of acid soil problems, among farmers, policymakers and the general public.

What?

Campaign for lime: to ensure a sustainable lime supply system for acid soil reclamation and encourage government and private sector investments and a new supply system. Media engagement and coverage about soil health, particularly through radio, television, social media, and newsletters.

Achievements

Better Understanding of Soil Health

Specifically soil acidity in all targeted regions. Farmers became more willing to protect soil health, and they began the application of lime to their soils. This was attributed to the linkages created with various stakeholders, including microfinancing institutions.

The Coalition pushed for soil health policy considerations, lime as a farm input, and allocation of government budget for lime purchase.

Several private companies, particularly cement plants, began producing lime. This in turn provided youth employment opportunities in cement factories, lime transportation, lime application, and soil testing as well as other business opportunities in the value chain of lime.

The coalition became a regular adviser of the Ethiopian government on soil fertility issues.

WHAT NEXT?

Working animal, Plant, Water, Tree, Sky, Cap, Grass

Awareness creation about soil health through different workshops and media engagements

Engaging new stakeholders

Lobbying for policy/legal

framework development

Water bottle, Tableware, Chair, Smile, Tie

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