On 21 July 2014 ICRAF Ethiopia office organized a joint tree planting events with the Forest Research Centre (FRC) in Anget Mewegia village (Amhara Region) and on 26 July 2014 in Bedele village (Oromia Region). The campaign was organized and funded by ICRAF, Ethiopian Forest Research Centre (FRC), Farm Africa and Ethiopian Forest Society.

In an event attended by His Excellency Mr. Kebede Yimam Dawd is the State Minister of Environment and Forest, Dr Abeje Eshete, Director of Forest Research and Dr Alemu, President of the Ethiopian Forestry Society, over 5000 trees were planted in both villages and with 300 volunteers participating.

In his speech, HE Kebede Yimam urged participants to participate in future management Programmes for the planted seedlings.

“Planted seedlings cannot compete with vigorous weed growth and from animals unless they are properly cared for,” he added.

Recent government reports indicate that Ethiopia has increased its tree coverage from three percent to 11 percent through reforestation/massive tree planting campaign all over the country in the last decade. These efforts help to reduce land degradation, improve biodiversity and mitigate against recurring droughts plus current and future climate changes.

The event brought together the local community, district governors, the Ministry of Environment and Forest, World Agroforestry Centre, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Farm Africa, Ethiopian Forestry Society, REED+ and Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture. The World Agroforestry Centre is supporting the restoration and climate change mitigation Programmes in Ethiopia.

ICRAF and CETRAD field workers collecting data for the social survey analysis carried out in Habaswein and Wajir. Alex Oduor/ICRAF