Presented by Josie Tucker (ODI) at the Nile Basin Development Challenge Science and Reflection Workshop, Addis Ababa, 4-6 May 2011.

1. Baseline research on livelihoods and RWM planning, implementation & innovationJosie Tucker, ODI Nile Basin Development ChallengeScience and Reflection WorkshopAddis Ababa, 4-6 May 2011

3. Arjo – Lowland

4. Bikila – Midland

5. Gudissa – Highland

6. Lelisa Dimitu – Highland

7. Adugna – Highland

8. Fogera:

9. Shaga – Lowland

10. Kokit – Lowland

11. Diba-Sifatira – Midland

12. Wej-Arba Amba – Highland

13. Alem-Ber – Highland

15. March 13, 2011 – Fogera research siteA team of researchers from ILRI and IWMI visited each research site and joined research teams in launching the data collection Another visit to each of the two research sites was made by the consultant to see the progress of the data collection At this stage, 95% of the data collection is completed in the 2 sites The Fogera team has submitted preliminary results of the livelihood data

17. Presence of baboons in large numbers destroying crops

18. Soil erosion is a serious problem - rugged landscape & steep slopes

19. Limited use of extension inputs – fertilizers and seeds

20. Limited opportunity for diversification of income sources

21. Land issues have not been given due attention – some people own more land and the landless constitute up to 30% of the households

22. Some parts of the kebele are suitable for irrigation but farmers complained about shortage of labor due to children attending school Pressing issues include RWM aspects, but there are other serious factors affecting food security which will limit benefits of improved RWM.

25. Conflicts over irrigation waterIrrigation has reduced land available for grazing. HHs have reduced livestock number and cattle are increasingly reliant on crop residue Some farmers practice retreat cultivation. Farmers report that the situation has been changing very fast in recent years, with new production methods being introduced. For example SWC currently being implemented.

28. Woreda offices have an incentive to increase woreda targets to win resources, leading to pressure on implementaters at kebele level

29. DAs’ performance assessment is based on how far targets are met --> limited opportunity / incentive to innovate or listen to farmers.

31. How can CPWF take account of the rapidly changing situation in some woredas in its models?

32. How will CPWF deal with pressing local issues which may be outside the remit of RWM but which are likely to constrain adoption or benefits of RWM?