Ethiopia’s tree-planting scheme needs better coordination

A worker prepares an evergreen sapling in a nursery in Bishoftu ahead of tree-planting season. Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative promotes the planting of all sorts of tree species, including ornamentals. (Image: Tiksa Negeri / Dialogue Earth)

The initiative has made tree planting a culture among Ethiopians, with more than 30 million people taking part every year during the summer rainy season (Image: Tiksa Negeri / Dialogue Earth)

Trees for development

A dust storm darkens the sky near Gode in the arid south-east of Ethiopia. The Horn of Africa is currently experiencing its most severe recorded drought. (Image: Tiksa Negeri / Dialogue Earth)

Papaya seedlings in a nursery in Bishoftu. The Green Legacy initiative promotes the planting of fruit-bearing trees to help restore degraded land while also addressing food security. (Image: Tiksa Negeri / Dialogue Earth)

Too good to be true?

A woman walks through eucalyptus forest on the outskirts of Addis Ababa carrying firewood she has collected. Many farmers in Ethiopia favour species like eucalyptus, which is fast growing and provides economic benefits. (Image: Tiksa Negeri / Dialogue Earth

Trees cut for construction and firewood in a forest on the outskirts of Addis Ababa that is considered to be the lungs of the capital. Beyond the stumps, a fence has been erected in an effort to stop further felling. (Image: Tiksa Negeri / Dialogue Earth)

An escarpment cut through the Entoto Forest on the outskirts of Addis to build a road. The construction work has led to soil erosion and the subsequent loss of additional trees. (Image: Tiksa Negeri / Dialogue Earth)

Harenna Forest on the southern slopes of the Bale Mountains is rich in biodiversity and one of Ethiopia’s largest natural forests. Although protected, analysis of satellite data indicates significant deforestation along roads and stream valleys in the area, mainly for small-scale agriculture or firewood and charcoal production. (Image: Tiksa Negeri / Dialogue Earth)

Institutional obstacles

Farmers in Tefki harvest teff, a traditional cereal crop used mainly to make flour. Over 85% of Ethiopia’s land is considered degraded, directly impacting the 85% of the population who rely on agriculture and pastoralism for their livelihoods. (Image: Tiksa Negeri / Dialogue Earth)

A farmer chops firewood from a felled tree in Tefki. As well as tackling climate change, the Green Legacy initiative aims to reap the economic benefits of land restoration, creating jobs and contributing to rural incomes through agroforestry. (Image: Tiksa Negeri / Dialogue Earth)

2024-04-23 | Forests, Agroforestry, Civil society | English |