Sowing the Seeds of Change: Introducing Maize- Forage Legume Intercropping in Hawassa Zuria district, Ethiopia

In the fertile heart of Ethiopia's southern region, a quiet yet powerful agricultural development is taking root. The Ukama Ustawi (UU) initiative by CGIAR is empowering farmers to improve their lives through sustainable maize-legume intercropping innovations. These practices aren't just boosting crop yields; they're revitalizing the land and nourishing communities.

The UU initiative and the Sidama Region Agricultural Research Institute (SIRARI) introduced four new forage legume varieties-two each of cowpea and lablab-to farmers in the Sidama Region's Hawassa Zuria district. These legumes enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, suppress weeds by creating a more diverse environment, and produce high-quality livestock feed. With training for 100 farmers, the project is fostering a new generation of sustainable agriculturalists.

This story explores the experiences of farmers in the Hawassa Zuria district who have embraced the techniques and are reaping significant benefits for their livelihoods and the environment. It also highlights the collaboration between the UU Initiative and SIRARI in delivering these results.

Moges Hailu, a smallholder farmer from Hawassa Zuria woreda, Shemena, Midregenet kebele, was facing challenges with traditional maize monoculture. His cattle were malnourished, and his maize crop infiltrated by weeds. After participating in joint training provided by the UU project and the Sidama Region Agricultural Research Institute (SIRARI), Moges experimented intercropping of maize with cowpea and lablab legume forage options.

Moges Hailu, feeding his ox a mix of maize and forage legumes at Hawassa Zuria District (Photo Credit Rahel Abiy, ILRI, 2024)

This method is showing promising results. The nutritious forage from his intercropped plants is helping to improve his cattle's health and productivity. "I've noticed a real difference in my cattle's overall well-being," Moges shared.

Moges also observed a positive impact on his soil. "The texture has improved, and I believe the intercropping system has enhanced its fertility," he explained. Additional data and analysis will provide a more complete picture of the long-term benefits.

Encouraged by his initial success, Moges plans to expand his farming land and implement maize-legume intercropping on a larger scale. The introduction of nutritious forages will allow him to fatten more cattle and grow his agricultural business, as cattle fattening business pays well in this area.

Aberra Dula, a fellow farmer from the kebele echoed a similar experience. "Before intercropping, our family was barely making ends meet," he recalled. "Now, our livestock is healthier and more resilient."

Aberra's wife, a dairy farmer, has also seen significant improvements. "I can now make butter every day, which was previously impossible," she says. The quality of the milk has also improved.

Aberra Dula in his maize-forage legume intercropped farm, Shemena Midregenet (Photo credit: Rahel Abiy, ILRI, 2024)

Mara Dingama, a farmer from Mekbasa Korke kebele, previously cultivated maize on his land. After participating in a training program, he became convinced that maize-legume intercropping could significantly improve his agricultural practices.

"I was excited to start farming with this new method," Mara said. "I hoped to improve soil fertility, increase milk productivity, and fatten my cattle." He planted two varieties of cowpea lablab alongside his maize.

Mara Dingama in his maize-forage legume intercropped farm, Mekbasa Korke Kebele (Photo credit: Rahel Abiy, ILRI, 2024)

Feeling a sense of responsibility to his community, Mara strove to be an exemplary farmer. He followed proper agronomic practices for the planted legumes and maize, including timely weed removal and proper feeding of his cattle.

Mara's dedication to intercropping paid off, even in the face of a rain shortage that affected maize productivity in the Hawassa Zuria region. Other farmers who planted the legumes agree with Mara that the relatively drought-tolerant legumes compensated for the loss of maize due to climate stress and provided them with quality feed biomass for their fattening animals.

Although still early in the process, any positive change can feel like a breath of fresh air. As time progresses, the full benefits of these practices are expected to become more apparent. Researchers are closely monitoring the crop growth, soil health, and sustainability of these new farming methods.

Maize-legume intercropping offers numerous benefits that extend beyond individual farms. Enhanced soil health and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers contribute to a healthier environment for the entire community. Increasing milk and meat production can also improve food and nutritional security. When adopted on a larger scale, this innovative approach can boost the incomes of women through the sale of milk and milk products.

Under the guidance of Dr. Mergia Abera, SIRARI senior forage feed, and crop expert, the Farmer Training Center (FTC) serves a dual purpose. It is a training ground for neighboring farmers to put theory into practice. But it is also a dedicated data collection site where agronomic data, yield information, and vital soil samples have been meticulously stored. This information, Dr. Mergia explains, will be the bedrock for future research, paving the way for even more effective agricultural strategies.

SIRARI FTC Site Lablab and Cowpea variety (Photo credit: Rahel Abiy, ILRI, 2024)

As more farmers adopt maize-legume intercropping, the positive impact on Ethiopian agriculture will continue to grow. This innovative practice offers a sustainable and resilient solution to challenges facing smallholder farmers, while also contributing to healthier communities and a more sustainable future. The growing success of maize-legume intercropping in Hawassa Zuria is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration.

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