Conserving soil and managing water in the highlands

Abstract

Spectacular mountainous topography is a typical view of east Hararge zone, Oromia region. In this chain of mountains, several woredas rich in natural resources are located; and Kersa woreda is one of the well-known woredas in the area. Watching the landscape of Kersa and its neighbouring kebeles is a feast for eyes of a visitor but for the community it’s a threat that sends down devastating running water to the farms and residential fields during every rainy season. In the contrary, during the dry seasons, the community suffers from scarcity water to their farming activities. Although the woreda is known for production of cash crops such as coffee, ‘chat’ and vegetables, the struggle with seasonal changes that affect the water sources has been a challenge for farmers.