AGROECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS OF FINCHA SUB BASIN, BLUE NILE RIVER BASIN, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Agro-ecosystems are ecological systems modified by human beings to produce food, fiber or other agricultural products. It is an intersection of a set of agriculturally relevant climatic factors; soils and physiographic variables relevant to crop production; and a prevailing set of cropping practices. The biophysical diversity and associated socioeconomic condition of the community necessitate multiple strategies for augmented the resilience and adaptation to climate change. The objective here is to support site-specific and climate resilient development activities in a changing environment. Hence, the pattern, productivity, and sustainability analysis of the agro-ecosystems found within the sub-basin analyzed. Primarily, agro-ecosystem analysis conducted in collaboration with experts, development agents, and local communities; and four distinct agro-ecosystems (Highland, Midland, Wetland, and Lowland) identified. Then, the identified agro-ecosystems examined in light of their potential for agricultural production and the challenge presented by climate change. The diverse agro-ecosystem offers the potential for the production of equally varied diversified agricultural products with a notable demarcation in terms of production orientation and socioeconomic uniqueness of the community among the agro-ecosystems. This feature provides an opportunity in addressing the adaptive capacity and resilient development options to climate variability and change based on specific requirement of each agro-ecosystem.