For more than 400 years, the people of the Konso highlands in Ethiopia have used terracing and traditional farming methods to adapting to their harsh environment, building a globally recognize agricultural system on steep, erosion-prone land.
However, in recent decades, climate change has altered once-predictable weather patterns, making it harder for small-scale farmers to maintain their traditional farming practices and secure their livelihoods.
Farmers are adjusting to changing weather patterns by blending traditional farming methods with new techniques, aiming to safeguard their livelihoods and ensure the land remains fertile and productive.
While experts acknowledge farmers’ efforts to adapt, they warn that these efforts alone will not suffice as climate change impacts intensify, stressing the need for external support to sustain local livelihoods and preserve traditional farming practices.
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KONSO, Ethiopia — As the first light of the morning sun breaks over the hills of Konso, Kawadaya Oldisha, 45, begins his daily routine of inspecting his terraced fields. His family’s small plot, located on the steep slopes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Ethiopia, is where they grow millet, beans and various fruits.
For more than two decades, Kawadaya has relied on dry-stone terracing, a 400-year-old agricultural technique passed down through generations. It’s what has allowed the people of Konso turn their rugged, erosion-prone land into fertile fields.
“It’s how we’ve survived,” Kawadaya says. “Our land is steep and rocky, but we’ve learned to make every inch count. Here, every piece of land is valuable.”
In recent years, climate change has made farming more challenging for Kawadaya and other farmers in the region. Prolonged droughts have reduced crop yields, while extreme rainfall has washed away vital soil and nutrients, threatening both the land’s fertility and their livelihoods.
“The land isn’t what it used to be,” Kawadaya says. “The rains are unpredictable — either too little or too much, coming too early or too late. Every year it becomes harder to grow enough food for my family.”
Last year, Kawadaya lost half of his crops due to floods, and the year before, drought dried out the plants before they could even grow.
Yimer Mohammed Assen is a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn in Germany and lead author of a study on climate impacts in the region. He says that as climate change disrupts once-predictable weather patterns, small-scale farmers are facing a significant challenge in preserving their agricultural heritage. These challenges can lead to potential poverty for the community and degrade the Konso Cultural Landscape, his study warns.
In Tishimale Village, 147 farmers are adopting flood farming to cope with increasingly dry conditions. As a result, they are experiencing greater stability and achieving better harvests throughout the year thanks to the success of these techniques. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
In Tishimale Village, 147 farmers are adopting flood farming to cope with increasingly dry conditions. As a result, they are experiencing greater stability and achieving better harvests throughout the year thanks to the success of these techniques. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
“Localized adaptation and mitigation approaches to the changing climate are needed to sustain both the land and the way of life that depends on it,” he says.
For centuries, the people of Konso have adapted to their harsh environment using terracing and other traditional farming techniques. However, the changing climate has forced farmers to look for new ways to adapt. By combining ancient knowledge with innovative approaches, small-scale farmers in Konso are working to protect their livelihoods and keep the land productive.
Strengthening the terraces
“Terracing isn’t new to us; it’s a tradition passed down from our ancestors, but now it feels like our only hope,” Kawadaya tells Mongabay at his farm in the village of Mechelo.
Although Kawadaya has long practiced terracing, he’s adapted the technique in response to the intensified challenges posed by climate change. He now relies on it even more as a vital strategy for survival.
Kawadaya’s farm spans just 20 meters (66 feet), divided into six carefully crafted terraces. He packs this space with maize, beans, sweet potatoes, and small trees like mango and avocado.
“Terraces help keep the soil in place,” Kawadaya says. “They prevent erosion during heavy rains and retain moisture during dry spells.”
On this plot, he’s implemented several approaches at once. He’s adopting drought-resistant plants, agroforestry by planting trees, using soil bunds, and intercropping. These help provide food for his family and feed for his livestock, while also improving soil health and water retention. By diversifying the crops he grows, he ensures his farm stays productive even with the challenges of climate change, Kawadaya tells Mongabay.
97-year-old Gehano Guchiro Nekayto in Mechelo village, Konso, carefully inspects the dry-stone terraces. Regular maintenance is essential to preserve their function for future generations and ensure sustainable farming for years to come. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
97-year-old Gehano Guchiro Nekayto in Mechelo village, Konso, carefully inspects the dry-stone terraces. Regular maintenance is essential to preserve their function for future generations and ensure sustainable farming for years to come. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
Other farmers are also using these techniques more efficiently and effectively to complement the terracing tradition. They’re experimenting with improved crop varieties, such as sorghum and millet, that are resistant to drought and disease to achieve better yields, Kawadaya says.
“More than 80% of the land in Konso has now been terraced, with more farmers adopting this practice to tackle the challenges of climate change,” says Kussie Belay, head of the agriculture office in Karat Zuria, the district that’s home to the UNESCO-listed Konso Cultural Landscape. “This shift is helping farmers increase their yields and secure a steady food supply.”
Terracing is labor-intensive, requiring constant effort to construct stone or soil barriers, repair damage, and clear debris, But for Kawadaya and his fellow farmers, terracing is no longer optional; it’s a necessity.
And the challenges go beyond unpredictable weather. Rising temperatures have contributed to reduced soil fertility and an increase in pests and diseases, further complicating farming efforts.
“Soil fertility is declining due to erosion and overuse. Pests and crop diseases are worsening because of warmer temperatures,” Kawadaya says. “To maintain soil fertility, we need to regularly apply compost and manure, which increases the workload.”
“Traditionally, farmers have relied on animal manure to restore nutrients to the soil,” Belay says. “This practice is deeply rooted in our culture, and it has become even more crucial as we face these new environmental challenges.”
A woman at Mechelo Kebele in Konso, Ethiopia, harvests moringa leaves from trees on her small terraced farm. Moringa trees are vital for food security, offering essential nutrients during the dry season. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
A woman at Mechelo Kebele in Konso, Ethiopia, harvests moringa leaves from trees on her small terraced farm. Moringa trees are vital for food security, offering essential nutrients during the dry season. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
Harnessing the flood
It’s midday in the Konso village of Tishimale. While most people seek shelter from the scorching sun, Belachew Bessaya and his fellow farmers march toward the riverbank, shovels and hoes slung over their shoulders.
“We can’t afford to waste a moment,” Belachew says, his eyes fixed on the river ahead. “With the rains failing, this is the only way we can save our crops — if we don’t, they will die.”
Today, the highlands have received some rain, and the runoff from the mountains is beginning to reach Belachew’s village through rain-swollen rivers. The farmers quickly begin diverting the water from the river into the canal that leads to their fields to irrigate their crops.
Every drop holds immense significance for this climate-battered land.
At 45, Belachew, a father of eight, has spent 25 years as a small-scale farmer growing millet, teff and soybeans, relying on rainfall. He recalls a time when the rains were consistent, harvests were plentiful, and droughts were less frequent. Over the past decade, though, prolonged droughts have led to poor harvests, forcing many farmers to turn to food assistance.
“Five years ago, the drought hit, and the rain never came. My millet withered, and I had nothing to harvest. It felt like the land had turned against us,” says Belachew, who chairs the local farmers’ association. “I had to rely on food aid to feed my family.”
Belachew stands on his farm, carefully monitoring the water flow while holding his hand tools. Image by Solomon Yimer.
Belachew says that was the moment he and the other farmers realized they needed to find solutions to the crisis if they wanted to continue farming despite the harsh conditions.
“We had to act quickly, or we’d lose everything,” he says. “Using the floodwater to irrigate our fields was our only option.”
Flood farming involves diverting seasonal floodwater runoff from rivers to irrigate crops, particularly in areas with limited rainfall. When the rivers swell, villagers channel the water into fields for two to three irrigation cycles, using basins and small canals to control the flow. Although short-lived, this water helps crops fully mature, and provides a more reliable harvest, even during droughts.
“Now, we have more control over the water, and our harvests have been better — three times a year — unlike other farmers who still depend only on rain,” Belachew says.
In Tishimale, 147 farmers are currently using flood farming as an adaptation to the changing dry conditions. Another three other villages are adopting this technology.
“The flood irrigation gives farmers greater reliability and flexibility in ensuring our crops receive the necessary water, especially during dry periods,” says Orkaido Gehano, an agricultural expert in the district.
“Now, farmers are more secure and able to get good yields throughout the year, thanks to these techniques,” he adds.
The process of diverting floodwaters was initially very difficult, requiring hard physical labor and constant effort. Digging hand-dug canals through tough soil under the sun was exhausting, and maintaining them was challenging due to erosion, clogs, and unpredictable water flow. Sometimes floods damaged the canals, requiring rebuilding. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
The process of diverting floodwaters was initially very difficult, requiring hard physical labor and constant effort. Digging hand-dug canals through tough soil under the sun was exhausting, and maintaining them was challenging due to erosion, clogs, and unpredictable water flow. Sometimes floods damaged the canals, requiring rebuilding. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
In Tishimale village, Konso, Belachew and his fellow farmers work tirelessly to divert floodwaters into their fields, a vital task that continues throughout the year. Every drop of rain is crucial in this moisture-stressed land, and whenever it rains, every family member rushes to their field, day or night, to open canals and manage the water flow. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
In Tishimale village, Konso, Belachew and his fellow farmers work tirelessly to divert floodwaters into their fields, a vital task that continues throughout the year. Every drop of rain is crucial in this moisture-stressed land, and whenever it rains, every family member rushes to their field, day or night, to open canals and manage the water flow. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
In Tishimale village of Konso, farmers adapt food irrigation techniques to grow crops during dry periods. After diverting floodwater to the area, they use diesel pumps to irrigate farms located in higher regions. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
In Tishimale village of Konso, farmers adapt food irrigation techniques to grow crops during dry periods. After diverting floodwater to the area, they use diesel pumps to irrigate farms located in higher regions. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
Small canals and basins are used to direct and manage seasonal floodwaters, allowing the water to irrigate the crops for two to three cycles. Though the floodwaters don’t last long, they provide enough water for the crops to grow and fully mature, ensuring a better harvest. Image by Solomon Yimer.
Small canals and basins are used to direct and manage seasonal floodwaters, allowing the water to irrigate the crops for two to three cycles. Though the floodwaters don’t last long, they provide enough water for the crops to grow and fully mature, ensuring a better harvest. Image by Solomon Yimer.
It wasn’t easy at first. The process requires immense physical labor and constant effort.
“Digging the canals by hand was grueling work,” Belachew says. “Sometimes we had to dig through tough, uneven soil, under the scorching sun, with only hand tools. Even after the canals were built, we had to maintain them, dealing with clogs and erosion. But the hardest part was the uncertainty of the water — sometimes the river’s flow would decrease or dry up. Other times, flooding washed away canals and forced us to rebuild them again.”
Another challenge is that the water can only reach farmlands close to the riverbank and those with the right slope to naturally channel the water through the canals. This means plots that are nearby but on a higher slope don’t receive water. To solve this, farmers use water pumps to push water from the canals up to these higher fields.
“Previously, we only used the traditional way to water the farms, and large areas of land remained unproductive. For instance, my farm is close to the riverbank, but the land is uphill, and there are gorges in between, so the technique didn’t work,” Belachew says. “With money I earned by selling produce from other irrigated farms nearby, I bought a diesel generator, which allowed me to pump water to my farm and cover more of my land.”
This success encouraged other farmers to use water pumps to benefit from flood farming. “With the diesel pump, the water is pushed quickly and effectively, allowing us to irrigate our farms faster and with the right amount of water,” Belachew says.
In Tishimale village, Konso, Ethiopia, a hand-dug canal channels seasonal floodwaters to irrigate fields. Image by Solomon Yimer.
In Tishimale village, Konso, Ethiopia, a hand-dug canal channels seasonal floodwaters to irrigate fields. Image by Solomon Yimer.
However, this solution has its downside: the availability and rising cost of fuel pose challenges for small-scale farmers.
Despite the hope that flood farming brings, farmers say they’re concerned it may not be sustainable in the long term. After irrigating his land, Belachew takes us to the riverbank from where he diverted the water to his fields. He shows us how the strong current is eroding the riverbank, carving deep gorges that eat into the farmland. This erosion threatens the future of the irrigation system, making it impossible to build new canals.
“The land we rely on for irrigation is slowly being swallowed by the very river that sustains it. If this erosion continues, we fear that not only will our current system be lost, but our future ability to farm will also be at risk,” Belachew says, saying they need support to build embankments that will protect the land and sustain farming.
Safeguarding soil, sustaining livestock
In Sorobo village, 35-year-old Birhanu Dinote walks through a patch of tall, thick elephant grass that has become essential to the survival of his livestock.
“During the dry season, I rely on the elephant grass to feed my cows,” Birhanu says. “It grows even without rain and is full of nutrients.”
For the past 10 years, Birhanu has balanced farming and livestock herding, growing crops like teff, millet and beans, while raising cattle and sheep to support his family. Birhanu used to feed his livestock with crop leftovers and tree fodder, relying on rainfall to stay self-sufficient and earn income from selling animals.
Birhanu Dinote cuts elephant grass on his farm in Sorobo village, vital for feeding his livestock during dry seasons. After a severe drought in 2023 destroyed his crops and most of his animals, the grass became essential for his surviving cattle and sheep. His efforts with the grass are now key to keeping his livestock alive. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
Birhanu Dinote cuts elephant grass on his farm in Sorobo village, vital for feeding his livestock during dry seasons. After a severe drought in 2023 destroyed his crops and most of his animals, the grass became essential for his surviving cattle and sheep. His efforts with the grass are now key to keeping his livestock alive. Image by Solomon Yimer for Mongabay.
Then, in 2023, a severe drought hit Birhanu’s village, with no rain for nearly 11 months. As a result, all of his crops failed, and animal feed became scarce.
“As the drought dragged on, we had nothing left to eat or feed my livestock,” Birhanu says. “They grew weaker and weaker, and many died from starvation.” He lost nearly all of his animals; his herd of eight head of cattle and a dozen sheep was whittled down to just one cow, two oxen and five sheep.
“When my animals died, I felt hopeless because they were my lifeline. I couldn’t farm without them, and they were also my source of food and income,” Birhanu says.
When local agricultural workers recommended planting elephant grass as a fast-growing species known for its drought resistance and use as animal fodder, Birhanu quickly planted it along his farmland. Today, the grass grows tall, and he now feeds it to his animals.
“It has greatly improved my animals’ health and solved the problem of fodder shortages,” he says. “My livestock could also survive through tough times.”
Elephant grass thrives in poor soil and needs minimal water, making it a sustainable option for farmers, especially in regions with unreliable rainfall or frequent droughts. Once planted, it develops deep roots that can reach impressive depths, thriving even after just one short rain period.
As grazing fields dry up, farmers like Birhanu have started growing drought-resistant fodder like elephant grass, alongside dry-stone terracing. This ensures reliable feed during droughts while preventing soil erosion and managing water runoff during heavy rains at the same time.
“The grass helps prevent soil erosion, and that’s been key to getting good harvests,” Birhanu says. “Without it, the heavy rains would wash away the soil, and our land wouldn’t be as productive.”
For Gehano Guchiro Nekayto, these terraces aren’t just a method of farming; they’re the lifeblood of his community and represent a vital connection to land and cultural identity. Image by Solomon Yimer.
For Gehano Guchiro Nekayto, these terraces aren’t just a method of farming; they’re the lifeblood of his community and represent a vital connection to land and cultural identity. Image by Solomon Yimer.
The local agriculture office also encourages these efforts and is working to expand the adaptation of elephant grass to other farmers in the district, which many have welcomed.
Yet despite the progress in fodder and terracing, Birhanu also grapples with the challenge of declining productivity in local livestock breeds. So he’s now exploring the possibility of introducing more resilient and productive breeds, but getting them remains a challenge.
“My cattle and sheep no longer produce as much milk or meat like they used to,” he says. “I’ve been trying to find more resilient breeds, but it’s difficult on my own. I’m hoping the government can support us in accessing breeds.”
For all of these promising efforts, smallholder farmers in Konso still struggle to ensure food security due to recurring droughts, unpredictable rainfall, land shortages, declining soil fertility, and rising food demand.
Experts say it’s key to continue adopting innovative and adaptive solutions as the farmers are already doing.
“The land’s productivity has steadily declined over time. While the people remain resilient, the landscape cannot sustain itself without further action. Farmers’ adaptive capacity alone will not suffice, as the effects of climate change continue to intensify,” says Mohammed Assen of the Center for Development Research.
According to him, many young people in Konso no longer see farming as a sustainable or worthwhile career due to challenges like climate change, economic pressures, and limited opportunities.
“Without external interventions necessary to support local livelihoods, the traditional farming practices and local knowledge that have shaped the region’s culture and landscape could be lost, along with a vital part of its heritage,” he warns.
Banner image: In Tishimale Village, Konso, Belachew and 147 other farmers use flood farming techniques to grow crops three times a year. Without these methods to adapt to the drought and the shortage of rain, it would be impossible to grow sustainably in this dry region. Image by Solomon Yimer.
Sustaining a 400-year-old Ethiopian farming tradition: Interview with elder Gehano Guchoir
Citation:
Assen, Y. M., Kura, A. L., Dube, E. E., Mensuro, G. K., Debelo, A. R., & Gure, L. B. (2024). Climate change threats to UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites: Empirical evidence from Konso Cultural Landscape, Ethiopia. Sustainability, 16(19), 8442. doi:10.3390/su16198442
Gashure, S. Adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers to climate variability and change in Konso, Ethiopia. Sci Rep 14, 19203 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70047-9
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