> Green legacy program targets 52,000 hectares; youth, communities playing key role
ADDIS ABABA – The Benishangul-Gumuz State Agriculture Bureau has announced plans to nursery 75 million seedlings across 52,000 hectares of land as part of this year’s Green Legacy Program. Of these, 60 percent are fruit-bearing or have significant economic value.
The State Agriculture Bureau Head Babaker Halifa told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that 45 million seedlings have already been raised in nurseries. The remaining seedlings will be prepared over the next three months, culminating in July.
“Soil and water conservation work has been completed on 42,000 hectares so far,” he stated. “The remaining 10,000 hectares will be fully prepared before the planting begins. Sites for planting are being identified in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.”
Babaker noted that in previous years, 40 to 50 million seedlings were planted annually in the region, with 70 to 80 percent of the 350 million seedlings showing successful growth—contributing significantly to forest cover and local rainfall.
He also highlighted the economic benefits of the initiative. “Fruit trees planted through the program are now yielding food and income for communities,” he said, adding that the seedlings are being protected from animals and fire by local youth organized into community groups.
The bureau emphasized that the Green Legacy Program is also creating economic opportunities for young people, with many of the reforestation and conservation activities being carried out by youth associations.
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2025
