This dissertation explores innovations in index-based risk transfer products (IBRTPs)

as a means to address an important isurance market failure that leaves many poor and

In Africa, where most agriculture is rainfed, crop growth is limited by water availability. Rainfall variability during a growing season generally translates into variability in crop production. While the seasonality of rainfall in the drier rangelands can play a significant role in productivity, rain-use efficiency (RUE)—the amount of biomass produced (in kilograms of dry matter per hectare) per millimeter of rainfall—also drives production.

This leaflet describes one method of rainwater harvesting – using hoops. This method is particularly suited to pasture production in dry areas.

The study was conducted in 2006/07 in Metema district, North Gondar Zone of Amhara

region, Ethiopia, with the objectives to characterize the existing rangeland and to

determine the feed resources utilization practices, to assess the natural grazing land

condition based on herbaceous, woody and soil condition and to evaluate the chemical