Abstract

The livelihood of farmers in Gotu-Onema, central rift valley of Ethiopia has been vulnerable for recurrent drought and other socioeconomic stressors. It is getting worse despite disciplinary research and technology transfer efforts to reverse the situation. As a result of this failure, an action oriented research has been implemented between 2004 and 2009 using 64 selected pilot farming households with the objective of reducing household vulnerability through institutionalization of agricultural input supply and participatory variety development. In addition to continuous assessments, semi-structured surveys were made to understand initial livelihood context and impact of interventions. The process has been managed to be participatory where farmers prioritized their problems and actions were taken accordingly. The results of the study show that farmers’ livelihood has been improved during the first consecutive three seasons despite drought caused productivity setback in the fourth season. Pilot farmers have been able to follow cropping calendar and other appropriate farming recommendations. Moreover, social learning as a result of the action research has led to the establishment of cooperative to ensure sustainable input supply and market. By the end of the project period, farmers have been technically and institutionally equipped to better respond to the causes of vulnerability.

Key words: Vulnerability, action research, livelihood, Gotu-Onema.