ZEF Public Lecture: Discover the Power of the DVRPU Approach: Resilient Agri-Food Systems in the Lowlands of Ethiopia

October 18, 2023 | 12:30 h - 13:30 h

We'd like to invite you to ZEF's Public Lecture!

Topic: Discover the Power of the DVRPU Approach: Resilient Agri-Food Systems in the Lowlands of Ethiopia

Speakers: Gerben van Ek, Project Manager for the Lowland Soil Rehabilitation Project at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ)

Miriam Kalkum, Food Scientist and Agronomist who began working for Dry Valley Rehabilitation and Productive Use (DVRPU) in Ethiopia in 2020. Currently, she serves as a Deputy Project Manager of the Lowland Soil Rehabilitation Project (LSRP)

The lecture will be held in hybrid mode, so you are also welcome to join us in the ZEF Conference Room and online via Zoom: https://uni-bonn.zoom-x.de/meeting/register/u5YldOqqpjIpHNIMex1ugomuzxDfYktPczbA

Abstract:  Are you curious about how pastoralists in Ethiopia are building resilience in the face of growing environmental challenges? Join the eye-opening presentation about the Dry Valley Rehabilitation and Productive Use (DVRPU) approach showcasing innovative solutions developed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Ethiopian government (Ministry of Agriculture). Applying a systemic set of social, technical, biological, economical and institutional measures to rehabilitate entire dry valleys, local communities are working together to adapt better to the changing climate: rehabilitating degraded land and creating additional livelihood options for pastoralists. Don't miss this inspiring story of human resilience and the power of community.

Gerben van Ek is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in watershed and dry valley management in both high- and lowlands. He began his work in Ethiopia in 2007 and has since become a leading expert in the field. Currently, he serves as the Project Manager for the Lowland Soil Rehabilitation Project at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), where his expertise is instrumental in driving the implementation of the Dry Valley Rehabilitation and Productive Use (DVRPU) approach. Gerben's profound understanding of the context contributes significantly to the advancement of sustainable development and environmental resilience in the lowlands of Ethiopia and potentially the whole Horn of Africa.
Miriam Kalkum is a Food Scientist and Agronomist who began working for Dry Valley Rehabilitation and Productive Use (DVRPU) in Ethiopia in 2020. Currently, she serves as a Deputy Project Manager of the Lowland Soil Rehabilitation Project (LSRP). Miriam is particularly skilled in conceptualizing and strategic planning and has played a key role in advancing the DVRPU approach.