The Humidtropics Case Study Competition brought together twelve individuals to document stories of innovation platforms from various countries in the developing world. A facilitated writeshop held at the Nairobi headquarters of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) from February 24-27, 2015, enabled participants to spend a week focused on writing–an often complex, challenging and isolating process. The writeshop gave them the opportunity to engage with others involved in the writing process, which encouraged discussion, reflection and feedback. Although the writeshop … [Read more...]
Drivers of Change for Smallholder Farmers in Ethiopia
In the western part of Ethiopia, implementation of Humidtropics' research agenda is well underway in the midland and highland areas of Jeldu District. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), in partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the International Potato Center (CIP), has been working to help farmers improve agricultural productivity, natural resource management and tackle challenges such as high level of degradation, serious erosion and loss of soil fertility, as well as unstable land use and market failure. Since early 2014, IWMI has … [Read more...]
Gender and Technology at the Crossroads in Ethiopia
When farmer Bultu Etefa was told that she must look after her cattle and the family while maintaining natural resources, she did something interesting: she joined the training delivered at wereda level on fodder production. Now she is among a group of smallholder farmers behind various efforts under Humidtropics to improve livestock feeds. She said, “Fodder is useful to the women who control over the use and sell of milk products in the community. It brings significant changes in both quality and quantity of milk. I sell butter myself and use the money for whatever purpose on my … [Read more...]