Integrated homegarden intensification in Lemmo and Doyogena Districts, Central Ethiopia Regional State

These training was provided in collaboration with Doyogena District Agricultural office aim to equip smallholder farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to implement homegarden intensification integrating avocado, vegetable farming, and poultry keeping as a cohesive, economically viable, and sustainable agricultural model. Avocado cultivation, vegetable production, and poultry rearing within home gardens offer substantial benefits for food security, nutrition, and income generation. By adopting this integrated approach, farmers can leverage the diverse dietary and economic advantages provided by avocados, nutrient-rich vegetables, and poultry products. Practical training sessions and on-site demonstrations empower farmers to intensify home garden productivity while ensuring sustainability. However, challenges such as low-quality avocado varieties, inadequate agronomic skills, and the adverse effects of climate change hinder productivity. To address these issues, the Alliance Bioversity and CIAT in collaboration with Doyogena District Agricultural office provide vital support as part of the Mixed Farming System Initiative. This includes access to high-yielding avocado varieties, targeted training programs, and technical assistance to enhance farmers’ capabilities. Close monitoring and the implementation of best practices are essential to ensure the survival and optimal performance of avocado seedlings and poultry. Moreover, the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices such as composting, efficient manure management, crop rotation, and crop residue retention contributes significantly to improving soil fertility and overall agricultural productivity. These practices not only enhance soil organic matter but also support long-term farm productivity and resilience. Through practical demonstrations and hands-on training, farmers are empowered to adopt integrated soil fertility management techniques, ultimately improving food production, nutrition, and livelihoods. By fostering such holistic and synergistic systems, smallholder farmers can achieve greater economic resilience, ensure sustainable resource use, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, paving the way for a more sustainable agricultural future.