Agricultural intensification in Ethiopia: Review of recent research

Abstract

This review of research presents recent agricultural studies conducted in Ethiopia. After a brief contextualization of the discourse regarding agricultural research globally, material specific to Ethiopia is discussed in themes, synthesizing the types of findings, summarizing the trends and highlighting knowledge gaps. A review of this nature makes diverse research results available and accessible, facilitates knowledge translation and enables researchers to identify areas for future research.

High semi‐natural vegetation cover and heterogeneity of field sizes promote bird beta‐diversity at larger scales in Ethiopian Highlands

“…Increasing landscape heterogeneity at larger scales, both in terms of farming system and landscape complexity, would result in multifunctional agroecosystems supporting both agricultural biodiversity and key associated ecosystem services upon which smallholders depend (Baudron et al, 2019; Fischer et al, 2014; Tscharntke et al, 2012). However, as incentives to intensify farming practices (Headey et al, 2014; Logan, 2014) and land grabbing are widespread in Ethiopia (Fischer et al, 2017), we urge that efforts to maintain a sustainable balance between these two farming systems (large vs. small scale) are bolstered. If large‐scale intensive farms were to become dominant, Ethiopian Highlands' agroecosystems could undergo the same dramatic biodiversity erosion that is observed in Western industrialized countries (Donald et al, 2001).…”

“…pesticides, chemical fertilizers and enhanced crop varieties; Marcacci et al, 2020; Tadele, 2017). They contrast drastically with the traditional small‐scale farms where most labour is done manually and production is mostly dedicated to subsistence farming (Taffesse et al, 2013; Logan, 2014; see Figure 1).…”

“…They contrast drastically with the traditional small-scale farms where most labour is done manually and production is mostly dedicated to subsistence farming (Taffesse et al, 2013;Logan, 2014; see Figure 1).…”

Habitat preferences of the Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) in its prime wintering grounds, the cereal‐dominated Ethiopian Highlands

“…This preference is in line with studies conducted on the breeding grounds, where these structures are important for singing, resting and nesting (Berg 2008, Menz et al 2009, Brambilla et al 2016, S alek et al 2018. However, given the expansion of smallholders in Ethiopia (Central Statistical Agency (Ethiopia) and ICF International 2016) and their need for fire wood and timber (Fentie et al 2013, Logan 2014, tree cover has decreased dramatically in recent decades, leading to landscape simplification. Moreover, the remaining grove structures are often composed of only a few tree species (mainly eucalyptus and Juniperus sp.)…”

“…However, given the expansion of smallholders in Ethiopia (Central Statistical Agency (Ethiopia) and ICF International 2016) and their need for fire wood and timber (Fentie et al . 2013, Logan 2014), tree cover has decreased dramatically in recent decades, leading to landscape simplification. Moreover, the remaining grove structures are often composed of only a few tree species (mainly eucalyptus and Juniperus sp.)…”