This chapter describes the distribution, use and importance of Vertisols in Ethiopia and indicates the study sites of the Joint Vertisol Project. Land and soil features are examined with particular reference to parent materials and landscape features, soil characterisation (colour, texture and depth-to-root-restricting layer). Distribution of Vertisols along the 12 physiographic regions of Ethiopia is described, the major agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia is listed, and distribution of Vertisols and their associations in Ethiopia is shown.

This participatory video titled “Don’t destroy the environment” was filmed, produced, and directed by a group of 9 farmers and community members from Kunzokalla Village in Jirapa District, Upper West Region of Ghana.

Discover the opportunities that drylands hold to help tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges in this short animation created by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and the CGIAR Research Program on Dryland Systems.

Art and Motion: Nathalia Mejía https://www.behance.net/nathaliamejia...

Music: Dryland by © Davide De Gregorio http://www.ddgproject.com / BMI Work No: 020554963

There are diverse opinions as to what an ecoregional research approach should involve. Ecoregional research is meant to fill gaps in natural resources management research, rationalise overlapping mandates, provide focal points and streamline interactions between NARS (National Agricultural Research Systems) and CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) centres. This paper describes the institutional structure and technical operation of the proposed ecoregional programme in sub-humid West Africa.

In the arid, low biomass producing areas of Ethiopia, Acacia woodlands suffered a severe degradation due to exploitation for various uses, and conversion to grazing and cultivated lands. However, little is known on the impact of agricultural land uses on soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) stocks, and other soil quality indicators. This study was planned to evaluate SOC and TN stock changes under parkland agroforestry (PAF), managed pastureland (MPL), and treeless cropland (TLCL) regimes by considering the remnant protected woodland (PWL) as a reference.