In southern Ethiopia, the Konso people have upheld a 400-year-old agricultural tradition that has been vital for their survival in a challenging environment. The terracing system they developed is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its ability to prevent soil erosion, conserve water, and enhance agricultural productivity in the region’s semiarid climate. At the heart of this system are the elders, who pass down their knowledge and techniques to younger generations, ensuring the sustainability of the farming practices.
Gehano Guchiro Nekayto, a 97-year-old elder from the Konso community, has spent his life maintaining these terraces, which are essential for farming in the steep, rocky terrain. Having learned the art of terracing from his father, Gehano continues to teach his children and grandchildren, ensuring that the techniques are passed down. The terraces are not just a farming method for the Konso people; they are an integral part of their cultural identity. The terraces prevent soil erosion, maintain soil fertility, and store water, making it possible to grow crops in an area that would otherwise be too harsh for farming.
The process of building and maintaining the terraces is a skill passed down through generations. The Konso people use carefully selected stones to construct the terraces, ensuring that each stone fits perfectly to create a stable structure. The terraces must be regularly maintained, with stones replaced and soil reinforced to prevent damage from heavy rains. This technique, which has been honed over centuries, allows the community to grow a variety of crops, including soybeans, sorghum, and fruit trees, ensuring food security in an otherwise dry and arid region.
However, the traditional terracing system is under threat. Population growth, urban migration, and climate change are placing increasing pressure on the land and the farming practices. Many young people are leaving the rural areas for cities, seeking better economic opportunities, and in doing so, they are abandoning the farming traditions that have sustained their community for centuries. The loss of this knowledge poses a serious risk to the survival of the terracing system and the community’s agricultural practices.
Climate change has exacerbated the challenges faced by the Konso people. Unpredictable rainfall patterns, extreme temperatures, and flooding have caused damage to the terraces, reducing agricultural productivity. The combination of these environmental factors and the migration of young people to urban areas is threatening the transmission of critical knowledge and weakening the community’s connection to its land.
Despite these challenges, elders like Gehano remain committed to preserving the terracing tradition. They continue to teach the younger generation, emphasizing the importance of the terraces not just for farming, but for maintaining their cultural heritage. The community’s strong cultural values ensure that even those who leave for the cities understand the significance of the terraces and may return to help preserve them.
For the future, it is crucial to continue passing on this knowledge to younger generations and to find ways to adapt the terracing system to the changing climate. The Konso people’s resilience and their deep connection to the land offer valuable lessons for sustainable farming practices in other parts of the world. By preserving the terracing system, the Konso people not only protect their food security but also safeguard a vital part of their cultural identity for future generations.