KONSO, Ethiopia — Across rugged highlands, terraces crafted from stone and earth stretch over steep hillsides like giant ripples of water. They’re part of a 400-year-old agricultural system in southern Ethiopia that’s recognized as a U.N. World Heritage Site and enabled the region’s Konso farmers to thrive in a place that’s otherwise dry, arid and harsh. For 97-year-old Gehano Guchiro Nekayto, these terraces aren’t just a method of farming; they’re the lifeblood of his community and represent a vital connection to land and cultural identity. A father of 10 and grandfather of 15, Gehano has worked the land in the ward, or kebele, of Mechelo for the past eight decades. He’s cultivated a variety of crops, including soybeans, sorghum and fruit trees. Also a skilled craftsman, Gehano learned to build these terraces from his father, who himself learnt it from his elders. Today, Gehano’s small farm, located in the semiarid, high-altitude hills of the zone named after his people, continues to thrive despite the challenging environment and climate change impacts. The terraces, passed down through generations, are crucial for maintaining soil fertility, preventing erosion and conserving water. Rainwater harvested in drainage basins and runoff diverts from paths and roads to irrigate the terraces, allowing water to nourish crops during wet and dry season alike, and ensuring the land’s sustainability. Through these techniques, the Konso have developed a farming system that allows them to maintain agricultural productivity despite the harsh conditions, says Kussie Belay, head of the district agricultural office. “Farming…This article was originally published on Mongabay
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