“Critical Zones are defined as the thin layer of the Earth’s surface where rock, soil, water, air, and life interact to sustain ecosystems and human life (Brantley et al., 2016).” Understanding and managing these zones are essential for environmental sustainability, particularly in regions facing significant socio-ecological challenges.
From May 31st to June 07th, 2025, Dr Lwando Mdleleni, Dr Kwanele Qonono, and Ms. Marilyn Couch from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) participated in the Critical Zone Africa South East (CZaSe) stakeholder and community engagement at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. The CZaSe project is a collaborative initiative involving multiple stakeholders, universities, and institutions, including the University of Cape Town (South Africa), Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia), the University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources – LUANAR (Malawi), the University of Zimbabwe, and the HSRC.
Ms. Marilyn Couch (HSRC), Dr Kwanele Qonono (HSRC), Dr Lwando Mdleleni (HSRC), Prof .Seleshi Degefa (Addis Ababa University). Photo by HSRC
The HSRC’s role within the CZaSe project is to examine how environmental policies are shaped, who they serve, and how effectively they are implemented. The role of the HSRC delves into the heart of policy-making—unpacking stakeholder dynamics, community engagement, and the real influence of local governments in the policy lifecycle. By assessing power relations, policy gaps, and implementation challenges, the HSRC helps ensure that the voices of those living in the Critical Zones (CZs) are heard and reflected. The HSRC also lead in monitoring and evaluating the impact and progress of the CZaSe.
This stakeholder and community engagement at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, follows after a two multi-stakeholder research workshops held in December 2023 in Cape Town at the University of Cape Town, South Africa and in July 2024 in Arusha, Tanzania. The July 2024 research workshop in Arusha, Tanzania resolved, among other things, on developing a coordinated approach to site visits and community engagement, ensuring project teams within the CZaSe project, interact directly with local communities, gather on-the-ground insights, and foster deeper connections with their communities to inform research, policy and solution in the CZs.
During their visit, the HSRC team met with Ethiopian collaborators at the University of Addis Ababa, key stakeholders, government officials and local community members.
Cultural Welcome Visit: A Journey into the heart of the community
Day 1 began with cultural immersion and a warm and heartfelt welcome led by Prof. Seleshi Degefa from Addis Ababa University and Prof. Satishkumar Belliethathan, Chair of the CZA Board. The team then enjoyed a cultural experience that introduced them to the landscape, the people, and the traditions of Ethiopia. As part of the welcome, they enjoyed a guided walk through the history of Ethiopia and its people.
On Day 2, the team participated in an engaging academic seminar held at Addis Ababa University with students, fellows, and researchers. During the session, Dr Lwando Mdleleni, Dr Kwanele Qonono and Ms. Marilyn Couch delivered presentations covering key themes around research, policy, and sustainability.
The presentations included:
- Aligning your research with the SDGs and the AU Agenda 2063 – exploring how academic research can meaningfully contribute to global and continental development frameworks.
- Policy for Habitability: Analysing Policy Frameworks and Engaging Communities and Local Government in Different Environments – examining the intersection of policy, governance, and community engagement.
- Towards analytical policy review: Workshop as Research Methodology in Critical Zones Africa – highlighting innovative and participatory approaches to research.
Additionally, Dr Natei Ermias Benti and Prof. Seleshi Degefa presented a joint paper titled:
A synthesis of environmental policies and identification of critical gaps in Africa’s Critical Zones – The Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia: Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Opportunities. Their presentation focused on environmental governance, ecological stressors, and sustainable opportunities in the Central Rift Valley region Critical Zone.
On Day 3, a Policy Insights session was held with the Head of the Forest Department, followed by a meeting with the Cleansing Management Agent from the Waste Department.
Listening to Local Voices- Lake Zway Critical Zone
On the 4th day of the field visit, there was a community engagement meeting with local stakeholders (referred to as the people’s representatives). Held in the community hall of an agricultural school (Oromia Agricultural Institute) not far from Lake Zway, the gathering created a space for open dialogue between community members and researchers.
Observation in Lake Zway (a walk around the Lake)
Lake Zway is a dynamic, multifaceted Critical Zone that embodies both the promise and peril of communal spaces in rapidly changing environments. It reflects the need for careful planning that balances development, safety, and inclusivity, ensuring that the lake can be a truly safe and supportive environment for all who gather there.
Listening to Local Voices- Lake Meki Critical Zone
On day 5 a community engagement meeting was held with the Meki Batu Fruit and Vegetable Growers Co-operative Union LTD in Lake Meki.
Key community concerns
- Voices of concern: Declining fish, drought, and shifting rainfall
- Sand mining, deforestation, and policy gaps
- Conflict, safety, and the role of culture
- Unemployment, disconnection, and the role of youth
- Reconciliation, peacekeeping, and the role of policy
- Women’s voices on land, health, and cultural change
Overall, community members emphasised that research should be grounded in the actual needs and livedexperiences of those it seeks to help. Policies must be shaped not in distant conferences, but through ongoing dialogue with affected communities.
