Asrat Mulat Asegie, Exploring and analysing frugal innovations in the farming systems of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) monasteries

Background of the study
Ethiopia's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with 80% of its population engaged in farming (Dube et al. 2019). Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which has over 2000 monasteries, contributes for smallholder production, preserving cultural heritage, promoting spiritual growth, and providing community services (Finneran 2012). The monastic community, through its faith-driven activities and agro forestry practices, is actively contributing to the development of surrounding communities (Workneh and Liyew 2020). According to the finding of Workneh and Liyew (2020), the Sellasie Monastery of Debre Elias has been engaged in infrastructure development, creating income generating activities, giving psycho social support, and getting people disciplined and conformist.

Many Ethiopian monasteries engage in agricultural production activities. Monasteries in the EOTC are independent and self-governed institutions with their own means of income-generating activities (Hayleyesus 2019). Most of Ethiopian monasteries are economically important and cover agriculturally fertile tracts of landscapes (Finneran 2012). Alebachew et al. (2020) confirmed that the knowledge of honey bee biology belongs to EOTC. Most of the available literature regarding the monasteries of EOTC focuses on the potential of cultural heritage development (Zelalem 2018; Teshome et al. 2022), contribution to ecosystem conservation (Mekonnen et al., 2021; Wolde, 2023; Sahle, Saito and Reynolds, 2021; Abate, 2018), contribution to social values (Ademe 2023), and  conservation and restoration of monastery forests (Abebe et al. 2023). Hayleyesus (2019) analysed monks’ engagement in the economy and work assignments based on emic rationalisation. The evidence presented by Nega (2020) shows that every monk is busy doing many agricultural and non-agricultural activities.

Scientific literature on EOTC monasteries' farming systems and practices is scarce, with no detailed statistics on production, market participation, or population support. Oral accounts reveal traditional methods combined with religious and cultural values, promoting sustainable agriculture and climate change resilience. EOTC monasteries face constraints in resources like professional experts and improved inputs, but utilise indigenous knowledge. Despite these challenges, they are more productive than outside farming environments. This study will assess their farming practices using a frugality lens, a new concept in Ethiopian academic history. Researchers argue that frugal innovation is an emerging field of study with controversial arguments (Knorringa et al. 2016). As summarised by Leliveld and Knorringa (2018), different authors have defined frugal innovations as the process of (re)designing products, services, systems, and business models in order to reduce complexity and total lifecycle costs, and enhance functionality, while providing high user value and affordable solutions for relatively low-income customers. In line with this conceptual definition of frugal innovation, monasteries in EOTC may use various innovative techniques to improve crop and livestock production, reduce postharvest loss, protect diseases and pests, and maintain soil fertility. Evidence has revealed that frugality is seen in achieving sustainability and improving the decision-making power in the allocation of resources (Leliveld et al. 2023). Frugality and cross-sectoral policymaking for food security is illustrated by Bhaduri, Sinha and Knorringa (2018) as local level grassroots efforts essential to solve agricultural problems. A focus on frugal practices entails learning from ‘what actually works’ in constraining environments and subsequently investigating how these practices configure inclusion (Vellema et al. 2023). Focusing on frugal innovations in Ethiopian farming systems can enhance food security, improve agricultural productivity, adapt to climate change, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote efficient resource utilization. This study will analyse innovations in agroforestry, soil conservation, micro-irrigation, organic fertilizer production, beekeeping, seed multiplication, and pest management.

Objectives of the study
*    Explore key frugal innovations implemented in the farming systems of EOTC monasteries
*    Assess the motivations and drivers behind the adoption of frugal innovations in EOTC monastery farming systems
*    Analyse the impacts of frugal innovations on the productivity, efficiency, and income generation in EOTC monastery farming systems
*    Examine the knowledge-sharing and dissemination mechanisms for frugal innovations within and beyond the EOTC monasteries

Research approach and analysis
Ethiopia's religious and cultural heritage is renowned for its numerous monasteries, including Debre Damo, Debre Libanos, Lake Tana, Haique Estifanos, Waldiba, Entoto Maryam, Debre Berhan Selassie, Debre Genet, and Lalibela. This study will select five monasteries in Amhara and Southern Nations regions, using purposive sampling to identify those engaged in agricultural practices. The study will involve 225 in-depth interviews, 35 key informant interviews, 15 focus group discussions, and 10 case selections in households engaged in farming activities around case monasteries. The study will use a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data on agricultural productivity and income generation with qualitative data on perceived impacts of frugal innovations in EOTC monastery farming systems. Thematic coding and content analysis will identify patterns, themes, and key findings, while comparative analysis will assess policy frameworks and recommend sustainable farming practices.