Understanding the Eastern Escarpment Dry Afromontane Forest and Farming Systems for Strengthening Africa’s Green Wall Initiative

Cooperating countries: Ethiopia, Botswana and Austria

Coordinating institution: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Hans Sandén hans.sanden@boku.ac.at 

Partner institutions: Mekelle University, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Project duration: 

Budget: EUR 40.000

Abstract: 

Sub-Saharan Africa is highly vulnerable to climate and environmental change, with much of its economy dependent on rainfed subsistence farming. The Eastern Escarpment, a key geographical feature in Ethiopia and Botswana, plays a major role in shaping climate, vegetation patterns, and agricultural systems. In Ethiopia, the escarpment forms part of the Great Rift Valley and supports Afromontane forests that are increasingly threatened by climate change and land degradation. In Botswana, it marks the transition from the Kalahari Basin to more fertile zones, influencing water availability and agriculture. This project aims to assess vegetation dynamics along the Eastern Escarpment by compiling existing scientific knowledge and establishing a comprehensive environmental baseline. Activities include strengthening research efforts, enhancing learning capacities, and improving project management and communication strategies. The project will evaluate historical and recent land-use and land-cover changes, with a focus on drivers such as climate change and socioeconomic pressures. The partnership between Austria, Ethiopia, and Botswana is reinforced through joint research initiatives, capacity-building workshops, and academic exchange programs. Austria's expertise in environmental management complements local knowledge in Ethiopia and Botswana, fostering innovation in climate adaptation and sustainable land management. The project supports SDG 5: Gender Equality by promoting women's participation in research and decisionmaking; SDG 13: Climate Action by examining climate impacts; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by strengthening international collaboration. By addressing these interconnected challenges, the project aims to improve resilience to climate change and guide targeted conservation and restoration initiatives, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability of both natural and agricultural landscapes in Afromontane regions.