relation: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4801/
title: Smart Farming for a Secure Future: Balancing Climate Smart Solutions & Enhancing Food Security in Ethiopia
creator: Mayhew, Emma
description: In the face of climate change impacts, Ethiopia grappling with the imminent threat of famine and food insecurity. The agricultural sector, crucial to the nation's economy, is especially vulnerable. This underscores the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of the complexity of food security and potential solutions in Ethiopia. This research investigates the possibility of integrating Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) solutions to boost food security in the country. In light of the growing prominence of digital solutions in agriculture and aligned with the government's 'Digital Ethiopia Strategy 2025', the research places particular emphasis on discerning the potential of high- and low-tech solutions in the country. High-tech solutions are defined as advanced technologies like precision agriculture, modified crops and digital services; and low-tech approaches as practices such as sustainable land use techniques and water storage. Using the socio-technical-ecological systems (STES) framework, it aims to explore the readiness and broader implications for these solutions. A spatial analysis is conducted to measure digital readiness, existing agricultural services, and the state of food security in each administrative zone. Subsequently, a qualitative survey, involving experts, broadens the investigation. It advocates for the integration of high- and low-tech solutions, deeply rooted in local contexts and socio-technical-ecological realities. Barriers to CSA adoption, such as access, affordability and socio-cultural influences underscore the need for using adaptive governance and participatory, bottom-up strategies. The study emphasizes the indispensable role of flexibility, and community consultation in shaping place-based CSA initiatives, with low-tech approaches forming the foundation complemented by improved digital literacy and improved access to information. The study calls for further reflection on self-sufficiency, sovereignty, and food sustainability to enhance existing plans and advocates for a shift towards broader metrics of success.
date: 2024
type: Thesis
type: NonPeerReviewed
format: text
language: en
identifier: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4801/1/Thesis--Smart-Farming-for-a-Secure-Future.pdf
identifier:   Mayhew, Emma  (2024) Smart Farming for a Secure Future: Balancing Climate Smart Solutions & Enhancing Food Security in Ethiopia.  Master thesis.