Organic fertilizer use is expanding among farmers in East Hararghe Zone, Oromia, contributing to improved soil fertility and higher crop yields. This agricultural shift was highlighted to journalists during a recent tour of development projects in the area, jointly organized by the Government Communication Service and the Ethiopian Environment Protection Authority, which covered various sectors including crucial watershed development.
The visit particularly highlighted the transformative impact of watershed development activities in the East Hararghe Zone. In many areas, the creation of water sources and reservoirs has enabled farmers to expand irrigation, increasing productivity and yields.
Residents recall that East Hararghe was previously prone to water shortages and droughts, forcing many farmers to relocate to other areas (such as Borenna and Welga Zones). However, through awareness campaigns by agricultural experts, the Environment Protection Authority, and other stakeholders, the community has actively engaged in watershed development, leading to visible improvements.
The watershed development has made East Hararghe lush during the rainy season. Water flowing in different areas is now being utilized for development, significantly contributing to local productivity.
Farmers are adopting various agricultural packages to enhance productivity, including a new practice of using organic fertilizers (compost).
Today’s article focuses on an organic fertilizer production center that provides small quantities of compost to farmers, who then take it to their villages, multiply it, and apply it. The research for this center is conducted at a cactus nursery, so we will briefly explain the nursery’s main functions.
Cactus Nurseries and Compost Production in East Hararghe
To implement the green infrastructure program in East Hararghe, up to 70 cactus nurseries have been established. These nurseries play a crucial role in supporting the ongoing watershed development and green initiatives, according to zonal officials.
One such site is the Bin Bared Cactus Nursery and Compost Production Center, located in Meta Woreda. The nursery grows drought-resistant cacti, including edible varieties like avocado, mango, olive, tamarind, and pomegranate.
In the 2017 fiscal year, the zone planned to plant over 300 million cacti across 87 hectares. These cacti are nurtured with organic fertilizer at the Bin Bared Nursery, where both cactus propagation and fertilizer efficiency tests are conducted.
Soil Fertility and Organic Fertilizer Benefits
Sofian Ahmed, Meta Woreda’s Soil Fertility Development Coordinator, explained that East Hararghe is a drought-prone area. In the past, farmers struggled with low yields and were forced to migrate.
However, joint efforts by the Oromia regional government, the Federal Environment Protection Authority, and local agricultural experts have improved water retention, creating wetlands and springs.
Additional efforts are underway to enhance productivity, including research on vermicompost (organic fertilizer). The center has prepared 60 compost pits, each holding two cubic meters. When fully processed, each pit can produce up to 12 sacks of organic fertilizer.
Farmers are trained to use the compost as a starter culture, multiplying it on their farms. Sofian noted that training has been provided in all 32 rural kebeles, and the technology has reached 39 villages.
So far, 790 out of 853 targeted farmers have adopted the practice. Unlike chemical fertilizers, organic compost improves long-term soil fertility and remains effective for three to four years.
Government and University Support
Abadir Amin, Meta Woreda’s Deputy Administrator, emphasized that organic fertilizer helps maintain soil health, unlike chemical fertilizers that degrade soil quality over time.
Haramaya University has provided technical support, helping farmers adopt improved wheat, vegetable, fruit, and fish farming practices.
Expansion Plans
Elias Shemsedin, Head of East Hararghe’s Agriculture Bureau, stated that the Bin Bared Center produces *vermicompost* to distribute to 25,000 farmers in 20 woredas.
"Healthy soil requires at least 5% microbial activity," Elias said. Farmers are trained to use the compost as a starter and multiply it on their farms.
Organic fertilizer improves water retention, replenishes essential nutrients, and boosts productivity. Farmers are already seeing results and are actively expanding its use.
The government is committed to scaling up this initiative to enhance agricultural productivity across the zone.