Enhancing smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate change through integrated farm management in Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the perceived effects integrated farm management (IFM) intervention, specifically terracing and agroforestry solutions, by the Terracing, Agroforestry and Farm Optimization (TAF) project on smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate change in the South Gondar Zone, Northern Ethiopia. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through interviews with 17 purposively selected key informants, supplemented by document reviews and empirical literature, and were analysed thematically within the OECD/DAC evaluation framework. Findings reveal that the TAF project successfully established a network of Farm Innovation Agents (FIAs) and strengthened multipurpose cooperatives to promote Fanya Juu terracing and agroforestry practices. Participants reported that these interventions contributed to enhance household and community resilience by diversifying agricultural production, improving incomes, and promoting sustainable land management. The engagement of model farmers and the commission-based FIA approach played a pivotal role in fostering private extension system. The findings highlight the importance of expanding FIA networks, reinforcing farmer-to-farmer learning, and strengthening private extension mechanisms to ensure the long-term sustainability and scalability of IFM practices. The study concludes that IFM represents a promising strategy for building climate resilience, though sustaining its benefits requires stronger institutional support and policy frameworks that formalise and reinforce private extension roles. Similarly, scaling up IFM approaches is crucial for advancing climate-resilient agriculture, and contributing to broader global efforts to address climate change and food insecurity. These findings are particularly crucial to inform future policies that promote private extension systems and integrated land management in similarly vulnerable, semi-arid environments.