Boosting livelihoods of farmers and forest owners through organized action

In Ethiopia 2018-20, Zenbaba Union supported 8581 cooperative members to diversify activities to forest products including charcoal, poles, seedlings and honey. Members gained skills e.g. on agroforestry, beekeeping, sustainable forest management and charcoal production, nursery management, marketing, financial management and accounting. 4,3 million tree seedlings were produced, and members planted 1,6 million trees on 157 ha. Intercropping lupines and maize with eucalyptus contributed to food security. Use of nitrogen fixating trees were used to restore some eroded land back to agricultural use. New skills will support farmers also in the future.

ASEC is seen an important partner by local authorities in advancing sustainable forest management. ASEC extended sustainable forest management practices to 1211 ha of CFUG forest. Climate risk management was included in 7 CFUG forest management plans. ASEC conducted feasibility studies and developed business plans for timber and non-timber forest products. ASEC has improved forestry services by expanding seedling production, diversifying nursery species and forming a harvesting group. ASEC provided appropriate technology and harvest training leading to youth employment. Women had training from women's rights to mushroom farming diversifying household income, raising awareness of women’s rights and preventing gender-based violence.

In Tanzania, TAHA systematically and with increasing organizational capacity expanded the outreach of horticulture extension services to Zanzibarian farmers reaching over 3500 new farmers in 2018-20. With nearly 1500 ha under Good Agricultural Practices, productivity increased by 40% and post-harvest losses declined by nearly 40%. The value of farmers’ production grew by 50% before Covid-19's impact and over 2000 market linkages were created between farmers, buyers and retailers. Of the 21 project result indicators, 11 reached or exceeded the targets set and 8 were close to reaching them.