Yilmana Densa(14)

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Amhara Livelihood Zone Reports

Yilmana Densa WoredaWest Gojam Administrative Zone

South East Woina Dega Teff (SWT) LZThis is a surplus producing area. Own crop productioncovers the highest proportion of the annual food requirement.Middle and better-off wealth groups rely heavily upon

livestock and crop sales to generate cash income. whilst thepoor and very poor rely on labor. Road access is good.

Central HighlandBarley & Potato (CBP)

LZA dega zone. Poor marketaccess and the significantcontribution of foodpurchases to householdconsumption increases

household vulnerability tofood market shocks. Thebetter-off are the only

wealth group who get morethan half their income fromtheir own production.

Agricultural labor is an

important source of incomefor the very poor, poor andmiddle households.

Abay Beshilo Basin (ABB) LZThis zone suffers from chronic foodinsecurity due to erratic rains, small

landholdings, degraded farmlands,infertile soil, pest infestation, livestockdisease and malaria. Trade across the

river valleys is impossible in the rainyseason. The poor /very poor aredependent on local labor, PSNP and

firewood sales to meet their food needs.

South West Maize, FingerMillet & Teff (SWM) LZ

A food secure area with no

history of relief assistance.Surplus crop production ensuresfood self sufficiency and

generates relatively higher cashincome specifically for the better-off and middle households.

Physical infrastructure is one ofthe best in the Amhara Regionand facilitates dynamic trade.

Contents

Map & livelihood zone descriptionPopulation by livelihood zoneKey parameters for monitoringLivelihood zone profiles

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Amhara Livelihood Profile

Population by Livelihood Zone and Kebele (2005)

Woreda: Yilmana Densa

Zone: W.Gojam

Woreda population 322,373

Livelihood Zone: Livelihood Zone: Livelihood Zone:

LZ Population: 41,473 LZ Population: 52,274 41,850

Population by Kebele: Population by Kebele: Population by Kebele:

Angare 6,639 Abeyot Fir 7,619 Amesalo 5,050

Debay 6,712 Ayebar 6,242 Dinbash 6,336

Fechi 3,108 Chinkulit 8,336 Kokerr 6,059

Gebish 4,386 Deball 7,309 Kotti 5,956

Shebele 2,107 Marega 10,490 Kudad 5,750

Wegila 2,746 Yegebeta S 5,126 Sifatira 4,930

Weleke 3,602 Yezora 7,153 Waleka 7,769Yemoget Garginbit 6,324

Zeganesa 5,850

Livelihood Zone:

186,775

Population by Kebele:

Abika 7,313

Adet Zuria 10,771

Agetta 9,248

Ambattina 6,503Anbessit 8,234

Deber Mawi 10,345

Deme Dinga 5,472

Dewarro 5,983

Engada 6,748

Fittlo Kus 5,954

Genbe 3,618

Geragerra 5,404

Gonji 8,280

Gube 6,055

Kellit 9,184

Kollela Ku 5,785Konch Goshiye 11,384

Koshare 5,030

Menta Debi 5,753

Misbo 4,225

Sekilla 5,552

Senkgna 8,453

Shiba 4,673

Tenkerri 4,447

Tsion 7,321

Weyzazrt 5,636

Yinach 9,408

Abay Beshilo River Basin Central Highland Barley & PotatoSouth West Maize, Finger Millet and Teff

productive

South East Woyna Dega Teff

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Content of the Woreda Profiles

The Woreda Profiles are a compilation of the livelihood information directly relevant

to a single woreda. They provide a map of the woreda showing the livelihood zones

within the woreda, population data by kebele and livelihood zone within the woreda,

the relevant livelihood zone profiles and the key parameters (indicators) formonitoring within the woreda. Please note that sources of food and income, whilst

typical of the livelihood zone, might not be found in all woredas within the livelihood

zone.

Urban Populations

Urban HEAs have not been completed for Ethiopia. Large urban centres are not

included in the livelihood baselines.

Source of Population Data

Note: The 2005 woreda population is that estimated by the Central Statistical

Authority. The list of kebeles in the woreda was taken from the 1994 census and eachkebele's 2005 population calculated by multiplying the 1994 census figure by the

increase in total woreda population since 1994. Information from the 1994 census wasused in preference to other sources of information since this represents the main

official source of population data for the woreda. Difficulties were encountered due to

changes in woreda and kebele boundaries since 1994. Many kebeles have been

combined since 1994. Where kebeles have been renamed or combined since 1994,

woreda officials were asked to assign the old 1994 kebele to one or other new kebele

in the woreda. It was sometimes not possible to locate a kebele (e.g. because woreda

officials did not recognize the name or did not include the kebele in their list). In these

cases an 'unknown' category has been included in the population analysis. A 'notassigned' category has also been included for livelihood zones. Kebeles included in

the 'not assigned' category could not be assigned to any of the livelihood zones in theworeda.

Key Parameters

Abay Beshilo River Basin (ABB) - Key Parameters

Item Key Parameter - Quantity Key Parameter Price

Crops Meher Sorghum Meher Teff Meher Other Pulses Meher Maize Honey

Meher Maize (staple) Meher Sorghum Meher Teff Meher Other Pulses Honey

Livestock production Cattle Goats Cattle Goats

Other food and cash

income Firewood Labour weeding/ploughing Labour weeding/ploughing Firewood

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Central Highland Barley & Potato(CBP)-Key ParametersItem Key Parameter - Quantity Key Parameter Price

Crops Meher Teff Meher Barley Meher Irish Potatoes Trees

Meher Maize (staple) Meher Barley Meher Irish Potatoes Trees

Livestock production Cattle Sheep Cattle Sheep

Other food and cash

income Labour Migration Labour: Construction/Urban Firewood

Labour Migration Labour: Construction/Urban Firewood

South West Maize, Finger Millet and Teff Productive (SWM) - Key Parameters


Crops Meher Maize Meher Teff Meher Millet Meher Nug Seed Trees Other Cash Crops Meher Lentils

Meher Maize (staple) Meher Teff Meher Millet Meher Nug Seed Trees Other Cash Crops

Livestock production Cattle Goats Cows milk Chickens Egg sales

Cattle Goats Butter sales Chicken sales Egg sales

Other food and cash

income Labour Migration Labour: Weeding/Ploughing Labour: Harvesting

Labour Migration Labour: Weeding/Ploughing Labour: Harvesting

South East Woyna Dega Teff (SWT) - Key Parameters


Crops Meher Maize Meher Teff

Meher Other Pulses Meher Wheat Trees Honey

Meher Maize (staple) Meher Teff

Meher Other Pulses Meher Wheat Trees Honey

Livestock production Cattle Goats Cows milk

Cattle Goats

Other food and cash

income Labour: Weeding/Ploughing Labour: Harvesting Labour: Weeding/Ploughing Labour: Harvesting

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Abay Bashilo Basin Livelihood Zone

Livelihood ProfileAmhara Region, Ethiopia

Abay Beshilo Basin Livelihood Zone (ABB) October 2007

1

Zone Description

The Abay Beshilo Livelihood Zone is a food insecure

area with a very long history of relief assistance. Theworedas with kebeles within the LZ are located in various

administrative zones of the Amhara region: East Gojam

(Aneded, Awabel, Baso Liben, Dejen, Enarj Enawga,

Enbise Sar Midr, Enemay, Goncha Siso Enese, Guzamn,

Hulet Ej Enese, Shebel Bereta), West Gojam, (Yilmana

Densa); South Gonder (Dera, E & W Esite, Simada, TachGayint); and South Wollo (Debrasina, Mehal Sayint,

Tenta, Wegde). The Abay Beshilo Basin Livelihood

Zone is a narrow, elongated area comprising the lowland

(kola) parts of the woredas listed above. The LZ runs

beside the River Abay, and beside its tributary the Beshilo

River and is a long distance from major roads and towns.

The population is relatively scattered.

The vegetation is bush and shrubs. Natural resources in this zone include gypsum and gum arabic acacias. It is a mixed

production system with both crops and livestock. The dominant crops include sorghum, teff, maize and haricot beans.

Crop production is entirely rain fed, except in small number of localities where small-scale water harvesting practices

have been recently introduced by the Office of Agriculture and Rural Development. There is only one rainy season

kremt - and it is important for the cultivation of both long and short cycle crops. The area is characterized by high

temperatures, erratic rainfall and sandy soils. These factors contribute to the high rate of evapo-transpiration and poor

water holding capacity. The combination of moisture stress and poor soil fertility is the limiting factor for agricultural

production. There is a high prevalence of crop pests and disease, and no utilization of treatments or chemical fertilizers- so yields per hectare are very low.

One of the most important determinants of wealth is the ownership of livestock in general and ownership of plough

oxen in particular. Ownership of a pair of oxen allows better off households to prepare their land on time and rent-in the

land of poor and very poor households on a contractual basis. The most common livestock diseases include

pasteurellosis (all livestock), black leg (cattle and equines) and liver fluke (sheep and cattle). Regarding livestock

production, goats are dominant. There is a high prevalence of livestock disease in the area and intervention in this

regard is minimal. However, the area has uncultivated land that can be used as grazing to enhance livestock

production.

Poor physical infrastructure and complete obstruction of transportation during the rainy seasons also increase the

problem of access to food and cash income. A substantial part of the livelihood zone, particularly areas along the river

bank, are completely inaccessible even during the dry season.

In a typical year, better-off and middle households rely upon livestock and crop sales as a means of generating cashincome. For the poor and the very poor the productive safety net program (PSNP) is the major source of cash income

even in a typical year in many woredas in the LZ. The Safety Net programme is implemented (particularly in the

eastern parts of the LZ) for six months in a year and beneficiaries are paid mainly cash.

Markets

Market access is bad in this livelihood zone. Trade interaction across the river valley is minimal during the dry season

and totally impossible during the kremt (rainy) season. Poor physical infrastructure and the remote location of the

livelihood zone are the major limiting factors that restrict trade with external markets as well as between different

markets within the livelihood zone.

1Fieldwork for the current profile was undertaken in October 2007. The information presented refers to September 2005-August 2006 (EC Meskerem

1998 to Nehase 1998), a good year by local standards. Provided there are no fundamental and rapid shifts in the economy, the information in this

profile is expected to remain valid for approximately five years (i.e. until 2012). ). The exchange rate January 2006 1USD = 8.767 ETB.

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Abay Beshilo Basin Livelihood Zone

May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr.

Rainy Seasons Dry Kremt Bega (dry season) Belg

Legend cons. green harvest weeding plantin

shoats cattle/shoats land re cattle

Other

Rainfall Pattern

May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr

a zeHaricot bean

SorghumTeff

ves oc sa es

Milk productionCrop sales

MalariaHunger seasonLocal labor

Cattle in heat

As crop production is very small, almost all agricultural products are consumed locally and whatever is supplied to the

local market does not exceed the local demand. Haricot beans are the only crop supplied to external markets in urban

areas (Dejen, Mota and Debre Tabor) as well as Dessie and Addis Ababa. When grain is unavailable in the local market

during the hunger season, maize is supplied to the livelihood zone from surplus producing areas in Gojam and other

regions. Livestock and livestock products are sold in the major towns within the livelihood zone. The only opportunity

in terms of employment is the local agricultural labor.

Seasonal Calendar

Of all agricultural activities, land preparation (March-June) and weeding (July-September) are the most laborious and

time-consuming activities. Agriculture is entirely dependent on kremt rains that last from June to September. Maize isharvested green from September to October and the main food crops, sorghum and teff, are harvested in November.

Except in December and January when both cattle and goats are sold, different types of livestock are sold at different

times of the year. Goats are sold around the major Christian Festivals (New Year, Christmas and Easter); cattle are sold

in the months when there is no need for oxen for agricultural activities.

Whilst migratory labor is not common, some people travel to Tapi, Metema, Wollega, Nazareth, Bale Goba and

Humera for work in December and January. Local employment opportunities are available for a relatively longer

period of time starting with weeding in July to harvesting in November.

The hunger season and the period of highest dependence on market for food purchase lasts for about two months in

September and October.

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HH sizeLand area

cultivatedLivestock/asset holding Other assets

Very

Poor 3-5 0-1 timad 1-3 chicken none

Poor 4-6 0-2 timad3-5 goats,0-2 cattle, 1-3

chickennone

Middle 5-7 4-7 timad

6-8 goats, 1-3 oxen, 2-4

cattle, 0-2 donkey, 1-3

chicken

0-2 beehives

Better-

off6-8 8-10 timad

12-14 goats, 2-4 oxen, 5-7

cattle, 1-3 donkey, 1-3

chicken

2-4 beehives

4 timads=1 hectare

Wealth Groups Characteristics

0% 20% 40%% of households

Wealth Breakdown

Wealth is determined by land owned and cultivated, livestock possession (plough oxen, cattle and goats) There is a big

difference in the ownership of land, with the better-off owning three times more land than the very poor. Differences

in land cultivated are even greater ranging from 0-1 timad for the very poor to 8-10 timads for the better-off. This

reflects the fact that the poor and very poor do not have oxen and so are unable to cultivate all their own land, and so

rent out part of their land to the middle and better-off with an equal (half) crop sharing arrangement.

Sources of Food A good year (2005-06)

The contribution of own crop production to the

annual food requirement of the different

households positively correlates with the

economic status of the wealth groups,

consistently increasing from the very poor tothe better-off. In a typical year, while the

middle and better-off households cover more

than 75% of their annual food needs, the poor

and very poor can only afford to cover slightly

more than 40% and 30% of their requirement

respectively.

All wealth groups, though to a different extent,

partially rely on the purchase of food to make

up their annual food deficit. The contribution

purchase food ranges from 5% to the better-off

to more than 50% for the very poor.

Consumption of livestock products is only

relevant to the better-off and middle. However,the better-off consume more as a result of

In the graph, food access is expressed as a percentage of minimumfood requirements, taken as an average food energy intake of 2100

kcals per person per day.

owning a larger number of livestock. The poor and the very poor receive food from the PSNP program.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

V.Poor Poor Middle Better-off

Payment in kindSafety net

Purchase

livestock prod.

crops

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Sources of Cash a good year (2005-06)

The graph provides a breakdown of total cash income according to incomesource.

Incomes in this livelihood zone are generally

low. There are differences in the

composition and relative importance of

income options available to the different

wealth groups. The middle and the better-off

get most of their income from livestock andcrops sales, whilst the poor and the very poor

are dependent on self-employment (firewood

and charcoal sales), local agricultural labor, a

little labor migration and the safety net

program. In all except the very poor wealth

group, livestock provide more income than

crops.

Annualincome (ETB)

900-1200 1300-1500 1400-1800 2250-2650

Expenditure Patterns a good year (2005-06)

Annual expenses are divided into

eight different categories. All

wealth groups purchase vetch, the

very poor, poor and middle also

purchase staple food (sorghum) in

addition the very poor also

purchase maize. With the

exception of the very poor, all

wealth groups invest in animal

drugs and tools. The middle and

better off also hire local labor. The

poor and the very poor have limited

resources to invest in production ofeither crops or livestock.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


othergiftstaxclothessocial sev.inputswaterHH itemsnon-staple foodstaple food

The graph provides a breakdown of total cash expenditure by category of expenditure.

The amount of cash spent on each category as well as the quantity and quality of items purchased varies depending on

the economic status of each socio-economic group.

All wealth groups except the better-off purchase staple food. Non-staple food purchase by the very poor is higher as

they purchase more pulses than the other wealth groups whose own production is marginally more diverse. While

expenditure on staple food decreases with increasing wealth, expenditure on clothing and social services follow the

reverse trend.

Hazards

In this Livelihood Zone, erratic rains, pest infestation, livestock disease and malaria are the recurring problems

affecting agricultural productivity and human wellbeing.

Erratic rains. Drought, which can include both insufficient rainfall and uneven distribution over the rainy season, isthe single most important cause of acute food insecurity in the livelihood zone.

Crop pests are a chronic problem in the livelihood zone, of which the most hazardous are stalk borer (sorghum and

maize), Wollo bush crickets (teff), aphids (all crops), and cut worm. Root rot is also a problem.

Livestock disease. Anthrax (cattle and goat), goat pox, black leg, and internal and external parasites (cattle and goats)

Malaria. Endemic and highly prevalent especially in September and October - the months immediately after the rainy

seasons. In years of high incidence, food security can be affected because farmers may not be able to work during the

critical seasons of agricultural activity and labor migration.

Weed. Striga (sorghum and maize)

Coping Strategies

Coping strategies employed by different wealth groups vary depending upon various factors including phase and

frequency of the hazard and the asset base of households.

Sale of labor and labor migration. This strategy is particularly employed by the poor and the very poor. Compared to

the other wealth groups, poor and very poor households have fewer options that they can use in bad years. Their main

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


other

safety nets

agr.labour

self-employment

livestock sales

l/stock prod. sales

crop sales

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option is to increase the number of people working and the duration (both locally and outside of the zone).

Increased sale of livestock. This is an important strategy for better-off and middle households. These wealth groups

try to maintain the productive assets until all efforts to protect asset depletion are no more applicable. Sale of livestock

is less of an option for the poor and very poor who may only be able to sell a small number of additional goats (poor)

and poultry (poor and very poor).

Switching of expenditure from non-food to staple food items. This is a common strategy for expanding purchases in

a bad year. In a bad year, households report reducing expenditure on a range of non-food items and purchase staplefood. Some of these strategies have very negative effect in the case of reduced minimum non-staple items such as

expenditure on schooling basic inputs. Reduced expenditure on non-food items can be purchasing either lower quality

or small quantity.

Firewood and charcoal sales. This is specifically employed by poor and very poor households only.

Summary

Communities residing within the Abay-Beshilo Livelihood zone suffer from chronic food insecurity due to a

combination of various factors including erratic rains, small landholdings, highly degraded farmlands, infertile soil,

pest infestation, livestock disease and malaria. Poor physical infrastructure is also a serious problem in the livelihood

zone. Trade interaction across the rivers valley is very minimal during the dry season and totally impossible during the

kremt season.

The middle and better-off can barely produce much more than their annual food needs, whilst the poor/very poor are

dependant on food purchases. The main food crops cultivated are sorghum, teff and maize. Livestock are an importantsource of income for the middle and better-off households with over half of their income coming from livestock sales

and livestock product sales.

The very poor one-fifth of the population cultivate very small amounts of land - less than they have available, because

they do not have oxen to provide draught power for land preparation. They are forced to purchase a significant portion

of annual food needs, and their major income sources are precarious: local labor, PSNP and firewood sales.

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CBP - Central Highland Barley and Potato.doc


Central Highland Barley and Potato Livelihood Zone (CBP)

August 20071Zone Description

The Central Highland Barley and Potato livelihood zone

(CBP) spreads across Bure, Dega Damot, Dembecha, Jabi

Tehnan, Mecha, Quarit, Sekela, and Yilmana Densa woredas

in West Gojam; Ankasha, Banja, Fagta Lakoma,, Guagusa

Shikudad, and Guangua woredas in Agew; and Awabel,

Bibugn, Debay Telatgen, Enarj Enawga, Enbise Sar Midir,

Enemay, Goncha Siso Enese, Gonje, Hulet Ej Enese,

Michakel and Senan woredas in East Gojam. The majestic

Choke and Lake mountains are prominent features of theterrain in this predominantly dega area. Temperatures average

a temperate 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. The source of the Blue

Nile is located in this zone, reliably fed by the substantial

1200 to 1400 mm of rainfall that falls on the zone yearly.

Vegetation is moderately dense, comprised mostly of

eucalyptus and juniper trees. Bamboo is grown around the

homestead for construction of household furniture and

equipment. The population is very dense, at 210 to 220 people per km.2 In most cases humans and livestock share water

from the same source (rivers and streams); when they dont humans use wells and springs. There is no payment for water

for humans except in woreda towns. The zone is well connected to surrounding areas via the Debre Markos-Enjibara

highway which runs through it.

Mixed production of crops and livestock are the cornerstone of this zones economy. Agriculture activities are dependenton the kremt rains which fall from May to October. Some households use irrigation, particularly for potato production.

The main crops cultivated are barley and potato, the bulk of it produced for household consumption. Extensive

degradation and high soil acidity have reduced the agricultural potential of the region. Manure from cattle is an important

productive input in this zone. Draught power is provided mainly by horses, which are cheaper to maintain than oxen.

Land preparation is done by men. Women assist with weeding and harvesting activities. Hiring labour is untypical for any

wealth group. The main hazards to crop production are late blight which affects potatoes, and smut and rust which affect

barley. Traditional disease and pest control measures are used to prevent the spread of disease. This zone suffers from a

food deficit every year.

Raising sheep, cattle and horses is a key economic strategy. Sheep are the more commonly sold livestock, usually

between the ages of 4 to 12 months. The demand for sheep peaks during religious festivals. Cattle are valuable

possessions mostly owned by wealthier households, and serve as longer term investments. Few cattle are sold. Mature

cows are sometimes sold after 7 or 8 years of age, and thereafter replaced from within the herd. Livestock free-graze and

feed on crop residues and/or collected grass. Children are responsible for herding livestock. The main hazards to livestockproduction are pasteurellosis, internal parasites, black leg, and anthrax. Internal parasites affect all livestock,

pasteurellosis in sheep and cattle, and black leg in cattle. Treatments for these diseases, including vaccinations, are

available from both the Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development (BoARD) and the market for cash. The same

applies to inputs for livestock production.

Other important economic activities are wage labour and the sale of eucalyptus trees. Migratory labour opportunities are

available in Shindi, Humera, Wollega, and Metemma for maize and sesame weeding and harvest. Migration is a male

activity, undertaken from June to August and from November to December.

1Field work for the current profile was undertaken from 4/17/2007 to 5/2/2007. The information presented refers to October 2005-

September 2006 (EC Tekemt 1998 to Meskerem 1999), a relatively good year by local standards (i.e. a year of above average

production and rural food security, when judged in the context of recent years). Provided there are no fundamental and rapid shifts in

the economy, the information in this profile is expected to remain valid for approximately five years (i.e. until 2011). The reference

year exchange rate: 1USD=8.82 ETB.

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Casual urban labour opportunities, predominantly for men, are available in neighbouring towns, peaking from June to

August, though they are available throughout the year. The poor and very poor groups buy eucalyptus trees from the

middle and better-off groups; older trees tend to be split and sold mainly for firewood, and younger trees are sold as poles

for home construction. This happens throughout the year. There are no specific credit programmes in this zone, though

some households take credit from the Amhara Credit and Savings Institution.

Markets

Potatoes are the main crop traded. They are transported from local markets to markets in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, andGondar. There is demand all year round, though the peak trading period is from July to September. Maize and finger

millet are imported into the zone when local food supplies have been exhausted, from June to December. They are

brought in from surrounding areas in Birsheleko, Bure and Shinde.

Sheep and cattle are the popular livestock in the market. Sheep sales increase during the religious festival season in April

(Fasika/Easter), September (EnkutatashNew Year) and January (Genna/Christmas). Cattle demand peaks in March and

April, though both types of animals are sold throughout the year.

Poorly maintained roads winding through the mountains are the biggest barrier to the inflow of traders and commodities

into the zone. Residents of the zone usually walk up to 6 hours to visit the market.

In this chronically food insecure zone, in normal times 75% of households have at least one member who migrates to

Metema, Humera, Wollega, Shindi, and Birsheleko in search of agricultural work. The first wave of migrants leaves

between June and September for weeding labour, and a second wave leaves for harvesting labour in November andDecember. A minority of some 25% seek opportunities within the towns in surrounding areas.

Seasonal CalendarMar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb

Seasons

Legend harvest Weeding planting

Land Preparation

Other

Labour migration

Rainfall Pattern

Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb

Meher

Eucalyptus sales

Hunger season

Food purchase

Urban labour

Cattle (in-heat)

Livestock sales

Livestock births

Milk production

Potato

Barley

Kiremt TibiBega

There are four main seasons in the zone, namely bega (dry) from March to May, kremt (rains) from June to August (main

rainy season), tibi from September to November, and meher from December to February (harvest season).

Agricultural activities are planned around the kremt rainy season. Land preparation for short-cycle potato cultivation

begins in January, whilst for long-cycle barley it begins in June. Eucalyptus sales peak in April, May and June. Urban

labor is most common from June to August, whilst milk output peaks from July to November. The food purchase season

is relatively lengthy, peaking for 6 months from July to December.

The livestock season begins in July soon after the rains commence. An increase in cattle sales is seen between Marchand May as households seek to purchase draught power for the upcoming land preparation period, whilst sheep sales peak

during festival months (April, September and January).

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HH sizean area

cultivatedCrops cultivated Livestock Holding Other

VeryPoor

4-6 0-2 timad barley, potato 2-5 sheep, 0-3 hens 0-40 eucalyptustrees

Poor 5-7 0-3 timad barley, potato4-8 sheep, 0-1 horse,

1-3 hens

70-200 eucalyptus

trees

Middle 5-7 3-5 timad barley, potato1-3 cattle, 6-12 sheep,

1 horse, 2-4 hens

100-300

eucalyptus trees,

0-125 bamboo

Better-

off6 -7 5-7.5 tim ad b arle y, potato, teff

3-4 cattle, 0-1 oxen,

8-14 sheep, 2 horses,

2-4 hens

250-750

eucalyptus trees,

0-200 bamboo


0% 20% 40%% of households

Wealth Breakdown

The main determinants of wealth are the amount of land owned, the ownership of cattle and sheep, and the ownership

of horses for draught power. Land holdings in the zone are generally small, ranging from 0-2 timads, 2-4 timads, 3-5

timads and 3.5-5 timads for the very poor, poor, middle and better-off respectively.2 Ownership of horses is important

for productivity because access to draught power determines household capacity to utilise available land holdings. The

poor who havent the capital to obtain their own draught power, or who lack family labour, are compelled to rent-out

land to the better-off, who have the capacity to cultivate more than they own. Land rental arrangements usually dividethe harvest from the rented land equally between the two parties. The biggest barrier to poor household ownership of

draught power is the lack of capital; the main constraints on crop production among the poor are land degradation;

shortage of farmland and crop diseases affecting barley and potato.

Livestock ownership is also important for building household capacity to cope with livelihood shocks. The interest in

generating new stock favours the ownership of mature female animals. Sheep provide most of the regular income from

livestock. Cattle are more valuable assets, and they are owned only by the middle and better-off households. They arelonger term investments. Beyond a lack of money, the biggest barrier to ownership of livestock is lack of feed:

livestock production in the zone is limited by diminishing availability of grazing land. The better off at times grow

pasture on a portion of their land to feed their cattle.

The search for work is the main livelihood strategy for poor households, and so they depend on the availability of

workers in the family for a significant portion of their income.


Crop production accounts for 60% to

70% of the better-off householdsfood, and around half of the middle

groups. The poor and very poor

obtain one-third and one-fifth of their

food from own crop production. Themain crops consumed by all wealth

groups are purchased maize and

finger millet, and home-grown

potatoes and barley. Food purchase

increases in importance as wealth

decreases. Vetch is also purchased,

the middle and better-off groups

purchasing more than the poor. The

zone is not in the Safety Net

programme and received no food aid

during the reference year, even

though there is a chronic food gap for

all apart from the better-off.

In the graph, food access is expressed as a percentage of minimum food

requirements, taken as an average food energy intake of 2100 kcals per personper day.

2 1 timad equals 0.25 ha

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%


purchase

payment in kind

livestock prod.

crops

Page 12


13/23


0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


firewood and tree sales

labour sales

livestock sales

l/stock prod. sales

crop sales

Payment in kind provides on between 5% and 10% of food for the very poor, poor, and middle households, mainly for

work done outside the zone. The participation of the middle households in work migration, unusual elsewhere, reflects

the high levels of poverty and food insecurity in the livelihood zone. The consumption of eggs, butter, and milk is

general indicator of well being. The limited contribution of livestock products, between 1% and 2% for the middle and

better-off, confirms that households cannot afford to consume luxury items. The significant contribution of purchases

demonstrates low self- reliance arising from low productivity and small land holdings. Poor market access (due to

absence of road access, mountainous topography and distance from the market) and the significant contribution of foodpurchases to household consumption, accentuate household vulnerability to food market shocks.


The graph provides a breakdown of total cash income according to incomesource.Annualincome(ETB)

1850-2350

1750-2250

1950-2350

2250-2750

The majority of households earn

most of their income from

agricultural wage labor. Most of this

is earned from labour migration,

whilst a smaller contribution comes

from casual labour, mostly

construction, in local towns. Paid

work provides three-quarters of

income for the very poor and poorhouseholds, and half of the middle.

Livestock sales give between one-

third and one-half of better-off

income, one-quarter for the middle,

one tenth for the poor and 5% for the

very poor all mostly from sheep

Chickens Are also sold by

everybody.

Livestock product sales contribute 2% to the very poor and poor incomes, and between 5% and 10% to the middle andbetter off households respectively. The poor households sell mainly eggs, while the better-off also sell butter.

The sale of potatoes is an important source of income for the better-off, and overall crop sales average one-quarter oftheir income, while the middle and poor earn a less distinguished 5%.

Eucalyptus sales and firewood sales play an important role in income for all wealth groups.


Purchasing staple food is the

largest expense for all groups.

Staple food expenditure increases

as wealth and crop production

decrease. There is limited cash

left for income for non-staple food

purchases, comprised mainly ofpulses (for all groups) andpotatoes (for the poor and very

poor). This takes up 3% of very

poor and poor expenditure and

one-tenth of the middle and

better-offs.

The graph provides a breakdown of total cash expenditure according to category ofexpenditure.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


other

tax

clothes

social serv.

inputs

HH items

non-staple food

staple food

Page 13


14/23


Household items, namely kerosene, utensils, soap and milling fees comprise the second largest expenditure for all

groups, taking up between 10% and 20% of very poor and poor expenditure income, and a quarter of the middle and

better-offs. The bulk of the expenditure on this line is spent on milling.

The better-off households invest one-fifth of expenditure on livestock restocking, credit repayment, and animal drugs.

This reflects an effort to build and protect livestock holdings. The middle spends 10% of total expenditure on animal

drugs, while the poor expend only 1%.

Investment in education and access to health services is 3% for the very poor and poor, and 5% for the middle and

better-off. Clothes expenditure comprises 7% of expenditure for the very poor, poor, and better off, and 8% for themiddle.

Hazards

The major hazard in the zone is land degradation which not only undermines present productivity but also threatens

future crop yields. Soils in the zone are infertile and acidic.

The prevalence of potato blight is a chronic problem affecting potato yields.

The shortage of pasture and forage diminishes livestock condition, and prevents ownership of larger livestock herds.

Hailstorms and frost are further hazards occurring every year.

Coping Strategies

The poor households general lack of access to productive activities forces them to intensify the search for migrantwork opportunities during bad years. People migrate to more distant areas, and additional household members join the

search for work. The sale of firewood is an additional coping strategy for the poor. The extent to which firewood sales

can be expanded is limited by availability of firewood and ability of the market to absorb the increased supply of

firewood.

The better-off respond to hardship through the increased sale of livestock. However, existing livestock herds are small

in the zone and major or prolonged shocks can seriously deplete herds. Their secondary strategy is to increase the sale

of eucalyptus.

Summary

Extensive degradation and high soil acidity severely undermine agricultural production in this dega zone. Crop

production is particularly low for the poor and very poor who are constrained by poor availability of cultivable land

and the lack of draught power. Low crop production increases household dependence on the market to access food. Thecommonly purchased crops are finger millet and maize, and modest amounts of potatoes and pulses. The participation

of middle households in labor activities in exchange for food is indicative of the high levels of food insecurity in the

zone. Poor market access and the significant contribution of food purchases to household consumption, accentuateshousehold vulnerability to food market shocks. The better-off are distinguished as the only wealth group earning more

than half their income from primary production activities with potatoes falling a long way behind livestock as a cash

earner. The search for agricultural work opportunities is the main income earning strategy for the very poor, poor and

middle households. Expenditure on social services and clothes is low for all wealth groups.

Page 14


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South West Maize Livelihood Zone


South West Maize, Finger Mil let

& Teff Livelihood Zone (SWM) August 20071Zone Description

The South West Maize livelihood zone isone of the historically food secure areas inAmhara Region. It spreads across: WestGojam (Achefer, Bahir Dar Zuria, Bure, DegaDamot, Dembecha, Jabi Tehnan, Mecha,Quarit, Sekela, Seme Achefer, Wemberma,Yilmana Densa woredas); Agew (Ankasha,Banja, Dangila, Fagta Lakoma, Guagusa

Shikudad, Guangua); and East Gojam (Debre

Elias, Michakel). It is predominantly located

in woina dega agro-ecology with some partskola. Vegetation consists of scattered

indigenous tree species like Cordia africana,

and wild fig as well as planted eucalyptus

trees around homesteads and on communally

owned land. Natural resources include fish in

Lake Tana for the minority who live by the

shore, sources of spring water, and sand

deposited in the lake and rivers which can be

used for construction purposes.

The major rivers in the zone are Abay (the Blue Nile) as it leaves Lake Tana, Temecha, Birr, Bulla, Fetan, Ayehu,

Zingini, Koga, Bicolo Abay and Andasa. The major towns are Bahir Dar, Merawi, Durbete, Adiskedam, Kosober,

Chagni, Gimjabet, Bure, Finoteselam, Dembecha, Feresbet, Amanuel and Gebezemariam. The zone is traversed by

the main Addis Ababa-Gonder tarmac road. The other roads which connect the livelihood zone with other regions

are Bure-Wolega and Kosober-Metekel gravel roads. There are numerous natural and historical tourist attractions.

Lake Tana, Lake Zengena and Tis Abay (Blue Nile falls) are the major natural attractions. Kibran Gebriel, Ura

Kidana Mihret, Zeghe Giorgis and Sigade Mickael are historical religious sites also visited by foreign tourists.

A mixed farming system in practiced in this zone (with a heavy accent on crop production). In terms of topography

the zone is predominantly plain with some hills. The soils are mostly red and moderately fertile and agriculture is

rainfed; this zone has a high production potential. The rainy season (kremt) is relatively long and lasts from May to

October. Total annual rainfall is comparatively very high with along-term mean of 1366 mm per annum. In most

years the amount of rainfall is highly favourable for different crops, the most important of which are maize, finger

millet and teff. Chillie Peppers are also cultivated as a cash crop. Oxen-plowing is used to prepare the land whilst

weeding an harvesting require the most labor and are activities for which the middle and better-off hire both local

and migrant workers. The main hazards to crop production are an array of pests and diseases including African boll

worm, grasshopper, maize stalk borer, aphids and root rot. These are treated both by traditional methods andchemicals available from the BoARD and the market for cash and credit. Agricultural inputs such as fertilizers,

improved seed and pesticides can also be obtained from the BoARD and the market. This contributes to making the

zone comparatively productive.

The main types of livestock are cattle sheep and goats which free-graze and are fed grass/browse and, in the case of

cattle, hay and crop residues as well. Their main water sources for animals are the rivers in the livelihood zone,

which they share with humans. Sheep cattle, chickens and goats are all sold as well as livestock products such as

butter, eggs, hides and skins. The main livestock diseases are anthrax, lumpy skin disease, black leg, pasteurellosis,

trypanosomiasis and internal and external parasites. Treatments are available from the BoARD and the market for

cash and credit, whilst some vaccinations are free.

1

Field work for the current profile was undertaken from September to October 2007. The information presented refers to November 2005-October2006 (EC Meskerem 1998 to Nehase 1998), a good year by local standards. Provided there are no fundamental and rapid shifts in the economy, the

information in this profile is expected to remain valid for approximately five years (i.e. until 2012). The reference year exchange rate: 1USD =

8.56ETB.

Page 15


16/23


Fishing is another important economic activity for a minority, done from July-September by men and boys from all

wealth groups. They use traditional methods such as fishing nets, Berbera poison, fishing hooks and hand-scooping

during over-flooding. There are credit packages available in this zone for agricultural inputs, sheep rearing and petty

trade; all groups take advantage of these.

Own crop production covers the highest proportion of the annual food requirement of all wealth groups and the zone

produces a food surplus almost ever year. In a typical year, all wealth groups, except the very poor, have a high reliance

upon crop sales as a means of generating cash income, and to lesser but important extent livestock and butter sales. For

the very poor group, paid work is overwhelmingly the biggest source of cash.

Markets

A good road network facilitates trade within the livelihood zone and between the zone and external markets.

Furthermore, most of the rural markets are close to a town market. The biggest market in the Livelihood Zone is Bahir

Dar. Other major markets include Merawi, Kosober, Chagni, Gimja Bet, Bure, Finote Selam and Dembecha. All these

markets serve as the centers of supply for local consumers and transit to other markets outside the zone. The main crops

sold are teff (January to May), maize (January to March) and peppers (December to March). As a surplus producing

area, this zone supplies a large amount of teff and maize to Tigray, North Wollo, South Wollo, Gonder and Metemma

throughout the year.

The main livestock sold on the market are cattle, small stock, chickens together with eggs. The military training centre

in Bir Sheleko is a big market for small stock and cattle supplied from the zone. Cattle are also exported to Debre

Markos, Addis Ababa, Metemma and Sudan from September to June. Most casual labor performed by people in the

zone is done in the local rural area, especially at weeding and harvesting times. However, Bahir Dar and other urban

centers within the livelihood zone offer some urban employment opportunities for laborers from their surroundings.

There is also some work migration outside the zone to Metemma, Bir Sheleko and Welega (region 4) and Bullen

(Region 6) between June and September.

Seasonal Calendar

Land preparation from February to June, weeding from June to September and harvesting from November to December

are the most laborious agricultural activities. Since the rainfall duration is long there are no short cycle crops in this

zone as in drought-prone areas. The major crops are mostly grown in single stands, but sometimes sorghum is

intercropped with haricot or faba beans. In terms of cattle, farmers try to control breeding so that calves are born in the

wet season. There is a regular pattern of seasonal migration in this zone; for example urban labour migration occurs

during the off season (January to April). Employment opportunities are available in external labour markets from Juneto August in Benishangul and from October to December in Metemma. Bahir Dar and other urban centres in the zone

also offer urban employment from June to August. Local agricultural employment is available for a relatively longer

Page 16


17/23


HH sizeLand area

cultivatedCrops Cultivated Livestock Other assets

Very

Poor4-6 1-2 timads

Green maize, Maize,

Finger Millet2-4 hens

15-25 eucalyptus

tree

Poor 5-7 2-4 timads

Green maize, Maize,

Teff, Finger Millet,

Noug

0-2 oxen, 0-2 cattle, 0-

4 sheep, 3-5 hens

90-110 eucalyptus

tree

Middle 6-88-10

timads

Green maize, Maize,

Teff, Lentils, Finger

Millet, Noug


5 sheep, 0-2 donkeys,

2-4 hens

400-600 eucalyptus

tree

Better-

off7-9

10-14

timads

Green maize, Maize,

Teff, Lentils, Finger

Millet, Noug, Pepper


7 sheep, 0-2 donkeys,

2-4 hens

1000-2000

eucalyptus tree

4 timads=1 hectare

Wealth Groups Characterist ics

0% 20% 40%

% of households

period of time, from weeding from July to August to harvesting in November and December.

Except in April when both cattle and small stock are sold, different types of livestock are sold at different times of the

year. While small stock is sold in April (Easter), September (New Year) and January (Christmas), cattle are sold from

February to June.

Wealth Breakdown

Wealth is determined by the size of land owned by households, by the number of eucalyptus trees owned and by herd

size in general and ownership of plough oxen in particular. On the basis of these criteria, four distinct wealth groups

(very poor, poor, middle and better-off) were identified. There is a big difference in the ownership of land between the

different wealth groups. Land area owned (in contrast to land area cultivated) ranges from 2-4 timads for the very poor

to 9-11 timads for the better-off. But because the poorer farmers lack oxen and also lack the money to pay for inputs,

they lend land to wealthier farmers for a share of the harvest. The poor similarly lack money for animal purchase and

animal feed (due to land shortage), and if they cannot afford to rent oxen and do not rent-out land they often exchange

oxen usage for their labour. The wealthier are limited in numbers of livestock because of lack of grazing land, lack ofcrop residues and lack of labour to look after the animals. They tackle these constraints by purchasing animal feed from

those without animals and by employing children from the poorer wealth groups. Lake and river fishing is not as

common as might be expected: among poorer households this is due to lack of equipment, lack of money and lack of

skilled labour, whilst the better-off it is also due to lack labour and equipment but also to limited awareness of the

activity.


Own crop constitutes the highest source of

annual food for all wealth groups,

indicating the comparatively high

productivity of the zone. The main crops

consumed by the poor are maize, finger

millet whilst the wealthier also consume

teff rather than selling it all. Wealthier

people are self-sufficient in grain, but

choose to buy oil and extra pulses and

some meat. Poorer people need to buy

grain (especially maize) as well as some

pulses.

Consumption of milk and butter is for the

wealthier only, from their own herds.

Payment in kind for the very poor refers

here to meals given by rural employers on

work days.In the graph, food access is expressed as a percentage of minimum food

requirements, taken as an average food energy intake of 2100 kcals per person

per day.

Page 17


18/23



The graph provides a breakdown of total cash income according to incomesource.

V.Poor Poor Middle Better-offAnnual

incom e (ETB)1050-1550 1300-1800 3600-4100 6150-6650

Crop sales are the main income sources

for all wealth groups except for the very

poor who earn most of their income

from paid labour. The poor mostly sell

maize whilst the better-off sell maize,

teff and finger millet. Income sources of

better-off and middle households are

similar and only differ in the total

amount earned from each option.

Livestock sales are also significant for

all wealth groups except for the very

poor (who sell chickens and eggs). Since

the poor sell sheep at an early age the

price is low compared to the price

fetched by the better-off who keep

animals longer before selling. Self

employment for the very poor may

include making brewing katicala (local

alcohol from finger millet and maize)

and selling eucalyptus trees.

Expendit ure Patterns a good year (2005-06)

The expenditure patterns of all

wealth groups are similar except that

the better-off and middle households

do not purchase staple grain.

The biggest expenditure items for

middle and better of households are

inputs (fertilizer, livestock drugs,pesticides and labour) and other

(social contributions, transportation

beverages, festivals...)

Household items is a large

expenditure category for poor and

very poor households.

Very poor households spend most on

staple food purchases and least on tax

and inputs.The graph provides a breakdown of expenditure according to category of expenditure.

HazardsThe main chronic hazards in this zone are:

Hailstorms

Pest Infestation. Crop pests are a major and chronic problem in the zone, of which the most hazardous are African

boll worm, grasshopper, stalk borer, aphids, army worm, root rot, rust, plusia worm, ut worm, weevils, owdery

mildew, shoot fly and red teff worm.

Livestock disease. Tryponosomiasis (cattle), anthrax (cattle), lump skin disease, pasteurellosis, black leg, internal and

external parasites, CBPP and AHS.

Periodic Hazards include flooding (1 year in 3) and landslides (1 year in 5).

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

V.Poor Poor Middle Bett er -

off

self-employment

employment

livestock sales

l/stock prod. sales

crop sales

Page 18


19/23


Coping Strategies

Crop pests are dealt with by chemical control and traditional controlling mechanisms such as clearing farm boundaries

and flogging.

Animal diseases are tackled with the use of veterinary drugs and traditional treatments such as garlic for black leg and

chilies for leaches.

Following hailstorms there is no response other than replanting.

Summary

The South West Maize livelihood zone is a food secure area with no history of relief assistance. Surplus crop

production ensures food self sufficiency and generates relatively high cash incomes for the better-off and middle

households. Road infrastructure is one of the best in Amhara Region and facilitates dynamic trade interaction within

the zone and between the zone and external markets.

Pest infestation and livestock diseases are the major hazards that have negative effects on the livelihoods of the

communities. Improvement of veterinary services and improved provision of pesticides are the intervention that needs

to be applied to alleviate these problems.

This livelihood zones is one of the areas in the Region where rural based credit and saving services are provided by theAmhara Credit and Saving Institution (ACSI) and local cooperatives. Intensification of these services would furtherimprove rural livelihoods.

Fishing also has development potential in the zone. The existing fishing activity is a traditional practice that requires

improvement through the introduction of advanced equipment.

Page 19


20/23

South West Woina dega Teff Livelihood Zone


South West Woina Dega Teff Livelihood Zone August 2007

1

Zone Description

The South West Woina Dega Teff livelihood

zone is one of the surplus producing areas in

Amhara Region. It incorporates parts of

woredas in West Gojam (Yilmana Densa),

Agew (Ankasha, Guagusa Shikudad) and EastGojam (Aneded, Awabel, Baso Liden, Bibugn,

Debay Telatgen, Dejen, Enarj Enawga, Enbise

Sar Midir, Enemay, Goncha Siso Enese, Hulet,

Ej Enese and Sebel Bereta). It is in a primarily

woina dega agro-ecological zone and the

topography is mostly plain. The zone is withinthe Abay (Blue Nile) Drainage Basin. Tindefeji,

Yenjuit, Sihoa, Bogena and Chemoga are the

major rivers crossing the zone. Widespread

deforestation has resulted in a landscape almost

devoid of natural vegetation apart from stands

of eucalyptus trees around homesteads. The

population density is moderate.

Although there is a very high potential forirrigation, agriculture is totally rainfed. Total annual rainfall ranges approximately from 900-1200 mm per year. The

zone has a long term mean annual rainfall of 1181 mm, and in most years precipitation is very favourable for the

cultivation of different crops, the most important of which are teff, wheat and maize, grown for both consumption and

sale. The zone usually produces a food surplus. Ox-plowing is used to prepare the land, whilst weeding andharvesting are the most labor intensive crop production activities, for which the middle and better-off groups pay for

labor in cash. The main crop pests and diseases are Wollo bush cricket, African boll worm, stalk borer, aphids and redteff worm. Treatment is available from the market and in some cases from the BoARD for cash. Agricultural inputs

(fertilizers and improved seed) are also available either from the market or BoARD for credit and cash.

The main types of livestock are sheep, cattle and horses which free-graze and feed on crop residues and/or collected

grass. Water is obtained from both major and minor rivers, hand-dug wells and sometimes springs. Humans in some

cases share water from rivers with animals. The main diseases affecting animals are black leg, anthrax, sheep and

goat pox and pasteurellosis. Treatment is available either from the market or the BoARD for cash, as are livestockinputs such as vaccines. In comparison to the neighbouring Blue Nile gorge area disease prevalence in SWT is lower

and lactation length is longer. Apart from crop and livestock and butter sales (and honey sales by the wealthier) the

other element of income concerns only the poorer households: paid work.

Markets

Debre Markos and the woreda towns hold the major grain and livestock markets in the zone. There is good market

access since the road network is relatively good and most kebeles (village areas) in the zone are reasonably close to the

main road and to the main urban centres. All these markets serve as the centers of supply for local consumers and transit

to other markets outside the Livelihood Zone. The main crops sold are teff, maize and wheat from January to June. Teff

is the only item exported to other regions mainly Tigray and Addis Ababa. Livestock (sheep and cattle traded all year

round) and the other crops are supplied to local consumers. Maize and wheat/sorghum are the main grains bought locally

or from kebeles in the nearby Blue Nile gorge lowlands. Most paid work is found in the local rural area though some is

performed in the local towns and less outside the zone.

1

Field work for the current profile was undertaken from September to October 2007. The information presented refers to September 2005-August2006 (EC Meskerem 1998 to Nehase 1998), a good year by local standards. Provided there are no fundamental and rapid shifts in the economy, the

information in this profile is expected to remain valid for approximately five years (i.e. until 2012). The reference year exchange rate: 1USD = 8.59

ETB.

Page 20


21/23

South West Woina dega Teff Livelihood Zone

May. June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr.

Rainy Seasons Kremt

Legend cons. green harvest W eeding planting

shoats cattle and shoats cattle

Chickpea

Vetch

eans

Other

oney

Rainfall Pattern

Births

Livestock sales

Wheat

Teff

Maize

BegaTibi Meher

Food Purchase

Cattle in heat

Milk production

Crop sales

Hunger season

Urban Labour

Local labour

HH sizeLand area

cultivatedCrops Cultivated Livestock Other assets

Very

Poor4-5 1-3 timads

Green cons Maize,

Maize, Wheat, Teff1-3 sheep, 1-3 hens

20-40 eucalyptus

trees

Poor 4-6 3-5 timadsGreen cons Maize,Maize Wheat, Teff,

Vetch

3-5 sheep, 0-2 oxen, 0-1cattle, 1-3 hens

100-150 eucalyptustrees

Middle 5-7 6-9 timads

Green cons Maize,

Maize Wheat, Teff,

Vetch, Honey

6-8 sheep, 1-3 oxen, 2-4

cattle, 0-2 donkeys, 3-5

hens

400-600 eucalyptus

trees, 1-3 beehives

Better-

off7-8

9-12

timads

Green cons Maize,

Maize Wheat, Teff,

Vetch, Beans, Honey

8-12 sheep, 2-4 oxen, 4-

6 cattle, 1-3 donkeys, 3-

5 hens

700-800 eucalyptus

trees, 3-5 beehives

1 hectare=4 timads


0% 20% 40%

% of households

Seasonal Calendar

Land preparation from March to June, weeding from June to August and harvesting from October to January are the

main agricultural activities. Teff and wheat are the main short cycle crops grown whilst maize is the main long-cycle

crop. There is no intercropping. Local agricultural employment is available mainly from July to December. Debre

Markos and other urban centres in the zone also offer employment from January to March. Poor and very poor

households also migrate mainly to Humera (Tigray), Teppi (Benishangul Gumuz), Arsi Negelle and Wellega (Oromia)

in different seasons every year looking for employment opportunities.

Wealth Breakdown

Wealth is determined by the size of land owned by households as well as by herd size in general and ownership of

plough oxen in particular. On the basis of these criteria, four distinct wealth groups (very poor, poor, middle and better-

off) were identified. Households also differ in the ownership eucalyptus trees and beehives. While beehives are owned

Page 21


22/23

South West Woinadega Livelihood Zone

by the better-off and middle households, eucalyptus trees are owned by all, but wealthier people have far more trees. The

better-off also grow beans which the poor do not; this is because the former own enough land and plough-oxen and they

commonly rent-in extra land from poorer farmers who have no oxen. These gain the advantage of half the harvest on that

land a harvest gained from better cultivation than they could possibly have achieved, given the capacity of the renter to

make sufficient and timely ploughing passes especially for the demanding teff, and also to buy fertilizers and other

inputs although these are expensive in relation even to wealthier farmers budgets and are often used sparingly, below

the recommended rate. They also bear the cost of employing local labour during weeding and harvesting months. In

terms of livestock the poorer households lack money and access to credit to keep more whilst the wealthier lack grazingland, animal feed and improved animal breeds. There are few other sources of income generation, although there are

some government attempts to help the landless rural youth benefit from non-agricultural activities in their locality.


Own crop production is the most important

source of food for all wealth groups. Maize,

wheat and teff are the main sources of food

for all groups, even providing just above

half the staple food of the very poor. Better-

off and middle households essentially and

more than cover their staple food

requirement from their own production,

although the middle sell teff and buy thecheaper maize. For the poorer groups staples

purchase is vital for survival.

Consumption of livestock products is only

enjoyed by the better-off and middle wealth

groups, though its contribution in calorie

terms is small.Overall this is a picture of a

comparatively productive and food secure

area.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%


gifts

food aid

purchase

payment in kind

livestock prod.

In the graph, food access is expressed as a percentage of minimum foodrequirements, taken as an average food energy intake of 2100 kcals per personper day.


0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


employment

l/stock prod.sales

livestocksales

crop sales

Annualincome(ETB)

1300-1800

2050-2550

3750-4250

5550-6050

The graph provides a breakdown of total cash incomeaccording to income source.

The proportion of crop sales in household

earnings (including here eucalyptus sales)

is higher here than in most other livelihood

zones, and even the very poor make half

their money from crops alone. Everybody

sells teff and wheat, but the wealthier alsosell some pulses. The real differentiation

between wealthier and poorer households is

in where they get the balance of their

earnings. The wealthier can rely on

livestock and product sales: cattle, goats,

chickens, butter, eggs, skins and honey.The poor sell goats, chickens and eggs, but

they must also undertake paid work

particularly the very poor.

There is only a small amount of petty trade

performed by villagers in the zone.

Page 22


23/23


The expenditure categories of all wealth

groups are similar except that the better-off

do not purchase staple food.

Staple food is the highest single expense

for very poor households spend most in

staple food purchases whilst they spendmuch less than wealthier families on non-

staple foods in absolute cash terms (their

total expenditure, like their income, is one-

third of wealthier families income, or

less). The poorer purchase vetch whilst the

wealthier buy sugar and oil.

Again in absolute cash terms the

expenditure by wealthier farmers on inputs

is much higher than the poorer farmers,

and they spend more too on social services

(school and medical costs), although this

expenditure is proportionately small across

the board.

The graph provides a breakdown of total cash expenditure according tocategory of expenditure. The graph provides a breakdown of total c

The graph provides a breakdown of total cash expenditureaccording

The graph provides a breakdown of total cash expenditure according tocategory of expenditure.

Hazards

Crop pests: Wollo bush cricket (teff), African boll worm (pulses), stalk borer (maize), aphids (pulses) and red teff

worm.

Livestock disease: Black leg (cattle), anthrax (cattle), sheep pox, pasteurellosis (cattle and sheep).

Increased cost of inputs: Particularly fertilizer (& the low supply of improved seeds) may be seen as a man-made

hazard to production.

Coping Strategies

Intensification of labour sales. This strategy is employed by the poor and the very poor, extending the duration of

work migration and involving more members of the household in both local and migratory paid work.

Minimize non-essential expenditures. This is strategy employed by all wealth groups. In a bad year, households report

reducing expenditure on a range of non-food items in favour of purchasing staple food. The middle and better-off

households also use up grain and pulses from their stock and reduce consumption.

Increased sale of livestock. This is an important strategy for better-off and middle households. But they try to maintain

fertile females until all efforts to protect assets are defeated by want.

Summary

The South West Woina Dega Teff livelihood zone is one of the surplus producing areas in Amhara Region. The most

important determinants of wealth are the size of land owned by households and the ownership of livestock in general

and ownership of plough oxen in particular. Own crop production covers the highest proportion of the annual food

requirement for all wealth groups. The main crops consumed are maize, wheat and teff, although teff and wheat are also

the most sold crops. In a typical year, middle and better-off wealth groups rely on crop and livestock sales as the means

of generating nearly all cash income, whilst poorer households must also engage in paid work, local and migratory. The

main livestock are sheep, cattle and horses. Livestock sales contribute relatively more to the income of the middle and

better-off than to that of the poor and very poor.

Road access is good; this promotes relatively active trade interaction within the zone and between the zone and external

markets. Expansion of the road network can further enhance the economic situation of communities.

Crop pest, livestock disease and unaffordable input prices have been the major problems affecting rural communities in

general and poor and very poor households in particular. Coping strategies include the intensification of labor sales,minimizing non-essential expenditure and increasing livestock sales.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

V.Poor Poor Middle Better-

off

other

gifts

tax

social serv.

inputs

HH items

non-staple food

staple food

Documents

Yilmana Densa(14)