Research for Development (R4D) Learning Series – Issue 4
Citation:
Mekuria, W.; Barron, J.; Dessalegn, M.; Adimassu, Z.; Amare, T.; Wondie, M. 2017. Exclosures for ecosystem restoration and economic benefits in Ethiopia: a catalogue of management options. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). 28p. (WLE Research for Development (R4D) Learning Series 4). [doi: 10.5337/2017.204]
Abstract
In Ethiopia, exclosures are becoming increasingly common. An exclosure is a piece of degraded land that has been closed off to prevent interference from people and animals, allowing it to recover and become productive again. Establishing exclosures has been proved to strengthen incomes and livelihoods of smallholders, while revitalizing the ecosystem. However, the success of an exclosure hinges on support from the local community. Community members have incentive to participate in and protect exclosures only when they can expect to gain short-term benefits, such as access to additional livestock fodder or other assets. Addressing some of the challenges that establishing an exclosure creates, such as fuelwood shortages, can also help garner support from local communities. This catalogue presents nine management options that generate increased short-term benefits for communities, while still contributing to the exclosure’s long-term goal, namely regeneration of degraded land. These nine management options can be used in developing and implementing exclosure management plans, and they can be combined in whichever manner is most fit for the local context. This catalogue is directed at regional and district-level practitioners involved in restoration of degraded lands and establishment or management of exclosures.
ISSN 2522-7106 (Print)
ISSN 2522-7076 (Online)
ISBN 978-92-9090-850-0
Enhancing capacity for system transformation
Strengthening and sustaining the enabling environment
Enabling gender and youth inclusion
Brokering knowledge for sustainability
Cultivating scaling preparedness
Fostering scaling partnerships
Co-developing innovation bundles
Scaling farmer-led irrigation requires strengthening human capacity and knowledge exchange among all actors and stakeholders involved. IWMI takes an action research approach, working with national and international research institutions, governments, extension agents and public and private organizations to co-develop the scaling ecosystem and strengthen capacity to drive scaling networks and collective action. We support the 
A lack of affordable credit, particularly for women and resource-poor farmers, is one of the main barriers to expanding farmer-led irrigation in low- and middle-income countries. But 
The ability of farmers to engage in or expand irrigation depends on the prevailing socioeconomic, ecological and political contexts, which are often complex, non-linear and changeable. Overcoming systemic barriers to farmer-led irrigation development while taking advantage of existing opportunities 
Population pressure and increasing water competition in a changing climate require us to take stock of the availability and use of water across scales. Water availability not only influences farmers’ commercial prospects but also irrigation-related enterprises and agri-businesses. Greater water scarcity could jeopardize irrigation and agricultural markets while excessive water use can lead to declining ecosystems, water quality and soil health. IWMI advises development partners and the public and private sectors on all aspects of water resource availability and use through a variety of advanced modeling and remote-sensing products and tools, including 
