Policy Learning, Local Knowledge and Advocacy (POLKA) project, launched in 2022, is an initiative aimed at strengthening the linkages between local practices and national policy frameworks to support sustainable food production and ecosystem management. The project is being implemented across East African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan, while drawing on successful experiences from regions such as Central America and India.

In Lake Ziway, the project is being conducted by staff from the Water Resources Engineering discipline, who play a central role in linking scientific research with community-based practices and policy processes. The project serves as a case study for integrating local knowledge systems with formal policy frameworks through evidence-based research and stakeholder engagement.

The initiative focuses on bridging the gap between grassroots practices and national-level decision-making by promoting participatory learning, applied research, and inclusive educational activities. Through these efforts, the project contributes to the development of sustainable agro-ecosystems that enhance food production while ensuring environmental conservation.

More specifically, the overall objective of the project is to support the transformation of food production systems into resilient and sustainable agro-ecosystems. This is achieved by fostering inclusive and equitable societal systems, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, and facilitating knowledge exchange between local communities and policymakers. In the Lake Ziway area, particular emphasis is given to co-developing solutions that address water resource management challenges, improve livelihoods, and inform policy for long-term ecosystem sustainability