The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) is working alongside key partners to introduce FarmDESIGN, an advanced tool designed to help farmers in Central Ethiopia Regional State create optimized and efficient farm plans. This initiative, part of the CGIAR Initiative on Mixed Farming Systems, aims to promote sustainable intensification by offering farmers solutions to enhance resource use, productivity, and environmental conservation.
Enhancing Farm Performance with FarmDESIGN
FarmDESIGN enables farmers to optimize farm inputs, diversify crops, integrate livestock components, and implement intercropping techniques. By balancing trade-offs between food production, income generation, and soil organic matter (SOM) conservation, the tool helps farmers develop sustainable land management strategies for improved resilience and productivity.
During a July 2024 focus group discussion in Shurmu Kebele, Lemmo District, Ethiopia, farmers shared their key priorities and areas for improvement. This feedback informed the initial implementation of FarmDESIGN, allowing it to generate farm-specific recommendations.
Hands-On Training to Boost Adoption
Recognizing the importance of practical knowledge, the initiative conducted a training session from October 3–6, 2024, in Shurmu. Twenty-one farmers from diverse income groups (low, medium, and high) participated, receiving tailored training on:
- Manure management and compost production
- Intercropping techniques
- Home garden management
Farmers praised the hands-on approach. Gezahign Abeiyo, a participating farmer, expressed enthusiasm, stating:
“I am excited to try what I learned. Next year, I will gather materials like leaves, grass, and animal waste to make compost. I have realized that compost is a much better way to enrich the soil than just spreading manure.”
Key Takeaways from FarmDESIGN Implementation
The farmers found FarmDESIGN to be highly relevant and practical, with notable benefits:
✅ Tailored Recommendations: The tool provided customized farm management strategies based on each farmer’s conditions.
✅ Knowledge Enhancement: Farmers gained insights into composting, manure management, and intercropping.
✅ Skill Development: The tool encouraged record-keeping and farm planning, crucial for long-term success.
Sustaining the Impact of FarmDESIGN
To ensure long-term success, the initiative is working closely with the local agricultural office in Shurmu Kebele to provide ongoing support and monitoring. By fostering collaboration between farmers, researchers, and agricultural experts, the project aims to enhance food security, boost farm productivity, and promote environmental sustainability.
As Helen Keller famously said:
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
This initiative was organized by the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, in collaboration with the CGIAR Initiative on Mixed Farming Systems, Lemmo Woreda, and Wachemo University.