ADDIS ABABA – The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to mitigating climate-induced risks for farmers, with a strong emphasis on sustainable forest management and deforestation-free supply chains.
Speaking at the launch of the De-Risking Investment Project, which focuses on reducing climate-related vulnerabilities for smallholder farmers, MoA Minister Girma Amente (PhD) highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing initiatives to support sustainable agricultural practices, expand forest areas, and promote deforestation-free supply chains.
He emphasized the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) as a long-term, multifaceted response to climate change and environmental degradation. The initiative encompasses agroforestry, forest sector development, urban greening, and integrated water and soil resource management.
Minister Girma noted that GLI has significantly contributed to afforestation and increased forest cover. In addition to planting forest and multipurpose seedlings, billions of improved coffee seedlings have been distributed to rehabilitate deforested land.
He stated that through projects like GLI, the Ethiopian government is improving surface and groundwater resources and ensuring dam safety, demonstrating its commitment to climate change mitigation. He also highlighted the country’s 15-year comprehensive strategy to enhance farmers’ incomes.
Since its launch in 2019, GLI has mobilized widespread public participation, resulting in the planting of billions of seedlings. Ethiopia has also encouraged other African nations to participate by providing tree seedlings.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 22 MARCH 2025
