Haramaya University’s Integrated Haramaya Lake Watershed Development Project Office (IHLWDP) recently completed a crucial training program on integrated watershed management and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices.
Forty-five model farmers and natural resource experts from the Maya City Agriculture Office and the Lake Haramaya watershed participated in a two-day training held at the University’s Resource Center on January 30-31, 2025.
The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to implement sustainable land management practices in the Lake Haramaya watershed. This initiative is part of Haramaya University’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing the lake and enhancing community resilience against climate change.
Dr. Yisahak Yusuf, Vice President of Research and Community Engagement at Haramaya University, emphasized the university’s pivotal role in the revival of Lake Haramaya, which had been missing for 17 years. He highlighted the importance of training programs to raise community awareness and address the negative impacts of climate change, natural resource degradation, and unsustainable water usage—factors that contributed to the lake’s initial decline.
Mr. Dine Reshid, Coordinator of the IHLWDP and a trainer at the workshop, emphasized the increasing global population’s demand for greater food production. He highlighted the negative effects of climate change on agriculture and natural resources. Dine stressed the urgent need to preserve and sustainably manage vital resources, such as soil and water, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia, where agriculture is the backbone of the economy.
Climate change has a direct impact on soil fertility, water availability, and rainfall patterns, which can result in reduced agricultural productivity, as explained by Mr. Dine. Therefore, it is essential to implement climate-smart practices for soil, nutrient, and water management. This training equips farmers and development agents (DAs) with the knowledge and skills to effectively tackle these challenges.
Mr. Dine highlighted the transformation of Lake Haramaya into a significant tourist destination and a source of income for local youth, offering activities such as fishing and recreational services. The training aims to restore the watershed’s natural resources, improve the community’s resilience to climate change, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Lake Haramaya. Additionally, the knowledge gained from this initiative will support national soil and water conservation projects scheduled for the next two months.
Mr. Kemal Kasim, the Director of the Community Engagement and Industry Linkage Directorate at Haramaya University, affirmed the university’s commitment to the sustainability of the lake through collaboration with various stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of training in raising awareness about the sustainable use and management of natural resources within the watershed.
Mr. Mekonin Keneni, a lecturer at Haramaya University and a trainer, explained that the training focused on improving soil structure, aggregate stability, water infiltration, and soil organic matter. “Participants learned practical techniques for biological and mechanical soil and water conservation, which empowers them to implement sustainable agricultural practices and enhance the resilience of the watershed,” he stated.
The training program promotes climate-smart practices for managing soil nutrients and water, diversifying livelihoods, and adapting to climate change by conserving soil fertility, utilizing water resources efficiently, and increasing agricultural productivity.
Participants, including Mr. Mohammed Aliyi and Mrs. Rumiya Abdulahi from the Tinike Kebele Farmers’ Association, expressed their gratitude for the valuable training, anticipating its positive impact on their farming practices, income diversification, and resilience to climate change.
Reported by: Shemsedin Mohammad
Photographed by: Tewodros Lishan
Haramaya University Public and International Relations Directorate