Ethiopia is facing increasing challenges from climate change, including erratic rainfall, soil erosion, and longer dry seasons. With a rapidly growing population of more than 120 million, the country’s agricultural systems and natural resources are under significant pressure. To address these challenges, the Scaling Conservation Agriculture-based Sustainable Intensification (SCASI) project, launched in March 2022, offers a promising solution. Implemented by CIMMYT and CFGB networks with financial support from the Development Fund of Norway, SCASI integrates Conservation Agriculture-based Sustainable Intensification (CASI) practices to improve productivity while conserving natural resources.
CASI is a comprehensive production system combining conservation agriculture (minimum tillage, mulching, and crop rotation) with improved seeds, fertilizers, and best management practices to increase productivity and improve soil health. The approach also optimizes mixed crop-livestock systems by reducing competition for crop residues and promoting alternative fodder crops, agroforestry, and other locally adapted innovations.
The initiative was implemented in eight districts across the Amhara, Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz, and South Ethiopia regions, each with unique agricultural contexts. Around 15,000 households, benefiting over 75,000 smallholder farmers, have been capacitated and gained access to sustainable practices that have improved their productivity and livelihoods. The project fosters a unique partnership between national institutions, international organizations, and NGOs to support and scale up CASI practices. Partners contribute based on their expertise, capacity, and thematic focus, creating a collaborative and inclusive process.
The SCASI project uses a partnership-driven approach, with CIMMYT leading action research, the Ministry of Agriculture aligning policy, and NGOs engaging communities. This approach is supported by a comprehensive framework, including large-scale demonstrations, action research to adapt practices to local needs, and capacity building to empower farmers and stakeholders for sustainable adoption and scalability. Host farmers play a key role in sharing knowledge and skills through farmer field schools (FFS), self-help groups (SHG), and social networks.
The impact of SCASI has been significant, particularly in improving productivity and soil health. By adopting practices such as minimum tillage and using crop residues as mulch and compost, farmers have seen dramatic increases in maize yields. These practices also save time on weeding and reduce production costs. In August 2024, a field visit by donor representatives and implementing partners to the Benishangul Gumuz Region and Wolaita Zone highlighted the positive results of the project. In total, 3,700 hectares of agricultural land in the Asosa zone have adopted SCASI practices, demonstrating the project’s widespread impact.
The success of SCASI is also evident in individual farmer experiences. In the Asosa zone, farmers like Beshir Hitman have expanded their operations from 0.4 hectares to 2.5 hectares, benefiting from increased crop production and time-saving practices. In the Wolaita zone, farmers like Adanech Bebiso have seen their maize harvests increase from 6 to 16 quintals, significantly improving their livelihoods.
The reduction of multiple tillage and the production of organic fertilizers have also empowered women to become more actively involved in farming. The availability of fodder has opened new opportunities for livestock fattening and dairy production, further diversifying farmers’ income sources. The establishment of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) has become a valuable platform for technology transfer, financial savings, and access to credit, supporting agricultural and business endeavors.
Looking ahead, sustained commitment to institutional capacity building, integration of CASI-friendly policies, and resource mobilization will be critical to sustaining the momentum of SCASI. Expanding the initiative’s reach will foster a more resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural future, helping Ethiopia adapt to diverse agro-ecological conditions while improving food security and empowering communities to thrive in the face of climate challenges.
