Reducing soil degradation to increase resilience to climate change and strengthen livelihoods in Ethiopia.

Soil degradation is a major problem in Ethiopia. Depletion of soil organic matter is a cause of low agricultural productivity, as soils become less fertile and less resilient to extreme weather events, which are expected to increase with climate change. Further, this could increase the risk of crop failure and soil erosion, and soil carbon and nutrient losses. Low soil fertility is linked to poverty. Therefore, farmers need support to invest in soil conservation measures and to more effectively use organic resources, such as dung, to restore soils. If used effectively, such measures could be successful in addressing soil degradation

State-of-the-art approaches for evidence-based springshed management to increase resilience to climate change in Nepal

• A thorough understanding of spring systems is essential to design evidence-based springshed interventions. The necessary information can be collected by conducting hydrometeorological monitoring, hydrogeological assessments and isotope analysis. • Springs are recharged by a combination of both surface water and groundwater sources that may extend beyond administrative and surface water boundaries. Identification of the nature and seasonality of springs provides a basis for prioritization of springs and design of interventions. • Considering a broader landscape approach, integrating the management of forests, agricultural fields, soils and water systems over larger areas, is recommended for longterm springshed management and to ensure adequate water supplies under conditions of climate change

IWMI Strategic plan 2009-2013: water for a food-secure world

Strategy planning / Research institutes / Institutional development / Research priorities / Water resource management / Water governance

The food and water crisis

Food production, Food supply, Urban agriculture, Water use

Improving soils and boosting yields in Thailand

Soil improvement / Clay / Bentonite / Crop production / Vegetable growing / Yields / Thailand

Improving performance and financial viability of irrigation systems in India and China

Irrigation systems / Groundwater irrigation / Energy / Cost recovery / India / China

Development of effective water-management institutions, final report, vol.IV, appendix II: action plans

Water resource management / Irrigation management / River basin development / Erosion / Sedimentation / Development plans / Water policy / Institutions / Water allocation / Case studies