College of Social Sciences and Humanities

Department: Geography and Environmental Studies

Specialization: Climate Change and Sustainable Development (MSc)

Course Title: Climate Change Mitigation and Disaster Risk Management

Course code: GeCC 5026

Article Synthesis on the Article Entitled “Coffee Based Rehabilitation of

Degraded Land: The Case of Haru District, West Oromia, Ethiopia”
Tena Gobena, Kaba Urgessa and Zerihun Kebebew

By: Kirubel Tesfaye (CLA/MW/006/12)

Submitted to: Befikadu Esayas, PhD

July, 2020

Wolaita Soddo
1. Abstract
The study was conducted in Western Oromia, Haru District, to explore the potential of coffee-
based rehabilitation strategies. Vegetation assessment was conducted on purposely selected 40
coffee farms and data was collected from 20m x 20m plots laid in each farm. Socioeconomics
information were collected through interview and focus group discussion from randomly
selected 60 households. Results from vegetation assessment showed that 29 plant species were
identified with 38% trees, 44.8% shrubs and 17.2% fruit trees. Shannon Index was also 2.87
which has good implications of the system for species diversity. As the socioeconomic survey
indicated, smallholder farmers were interested in coffee-based rehabilitation in beliefs that the
system improves soil organic matter and their livelihoods through diversification of source of
income from land. Therefore, the promotion of growing coffee on farmland under individual
shade trees could be an important tool in rehabilitation of degraded land to improve the
ecological integrity of the landscapes and livelihood of smallholder farmers.
2. Context of the Study
Land degradation is a serious problem in Ethiopia. The major causes of degradation are
deforestation, conversion of forest land to agriculture, soil erosion, inappropriate land uses to
name a few. These in turn causes food insecurity and reduction in land productivity. To tackle
the degradation problem, best management practices (BMPs) should be selected and
implemented by customizing with local context and socioeconomic conditions of the community.
To achieve this, coffee-based production system is one of the BMPs to rehabilitate degraded
lands.
3. Objectives
The study was aimed at exploring the potential of coffee-based rehabilitation strategies while
supporting the livelihood of smallholder farmers in Haru District, West Oromia, and Ethiopia.
4. Methodology
The watershed and coffee farms were selected using the two-stage sampling method and 40
coffee farms were selected purposively from Ujumoo watershed. 20m x 20m plots were
established in each farm to conduct vegetation assessment and collect data on number of plants
by counting, height measured by hypsometer, land slope measured by clinometer and tree
diameter at 1.3m measured by tape meter. Vegetation diversity data was analyzed by Shannon
Diversity Index. Socioeconomic information was gathered from 60 randomly selected

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households through interview and focus group discussion. The results of the study were
presented in graphs, figures, tables and narration.
5. Summary of Results, Strengths and Weaknesses
The study result revealed that large proportion of the cultivated land and degraded slopes were
utilized for coffee production. According to the vegetation assessment, 29 plant species were
identified with 38% trees, 44.8% shrubs and 17.2% fruit trees. Shannon Index was also 2.87
which has good implications of the system for species diversity. The DBH (Diameter at Breast
Height) results indicated that trees and shrubs were restored after rehabilitation of degraded land.
As the socioeconomic survey indicated, smallholder farmers were interested in coffee-based
rehabilitation in beliefs that the system improves soil organic matter and their livelihoods
through diversification of source of income from land. Currently, smallholder farmers are in
favor of more integrated land use systems for sustainable land uses. As strength, the findings of
this study provide evidence that demonstrate the potential of coffee production system for land
rehabilitation and restoration and improvement of the livelihood of smallholder farmers.
6. Lesson to Local Context
Land degradation is a serious problem in Wolaita Zone which affects agricultural productivity,
natural resources and livelihood of farmers. The agroecology is suitable for coffee production
even though land holding size is smaller. Therefore, it is better to apply this system to tackle
degradation problem as well as improving the livelihood of smallholder farmers in sustainable
way.
7. Recommendations
Studies should be conducted, gaps need to be identified, and solutions and recommendations
should be provided. This could help Government Sectors, institutions, and Non-Government
Organizations to pay attention and work towards it.
8. Implementation Strategies
Conduct in depth assessment on the existing gaps, do convincing proposals and build capacities,
create awareness and implement it.
9. Challenges
Less attention is given by concerned body and motivation, lack of sufficient fund, weak and
inappropriate policies and infrastructures.
10. Proposed Solution

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Setting appropriate goals, allocating sufficient financial support, public awareness, education and
training particularly for smallholder farmers, integrating sectors, concerned bodies like GOs,
NGOs and other institutions are necessary to accomplish such objectives.