Forest regeneration in Ethiopia

The township of Humbo in Ethiopia had lost most of its surrounding forests by the late 1960s, but a recent initiative is turning this around. 2700 hectares of degraded native forest have been restored since 2006 through a community-based project. The forest was regenerated using a method called farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR) involving pruning, management and protection of stems growing from stumps, roots and seeds. This low-cost method rapidly provides direct benefits for local people: fodder and firewood is harvestable within a year and wild fruit and other forest products within three years. There are also indirect benefits in the form of reduced water runoff preventing flooding, and reduced erosion improving water quality. The participating farmers also receive payments for enhancing carbon storage. In this way, the project ameliorates poverty, provides sustainable sources of food and income, and increases biodiversity. Read about more FMNR examples in action.