Ethiopia reforests with community-led tree planting
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Halima Kedir and other Ethiopian citizens began planting trees across the country, despite initial skepticism from their neighbors.
The effort is part of the Ethiopian government’s Green Legacy Initiative, which aims to restore forests lost in recent decades. Kedir transformed her own garden into a diverse space with banana, olive, and grevillea trees, demonstrating the potential for individual action. Initially, Kedir faced discouragement from people who doubted the value of her work.
However, over time, many in her community came to recognize trees as a way to address climate change and improve food security. The Green Legacy Initiative relies on the participation of ordinary citizens to plant saplings and rebuild Ethiopia’s forests. The project addresses both environmental challenges and the need for greater food security in Ethiopia. By planting fruit-bearing trees alongside other species, citizens contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Kedir views the trees she plants with a sense of familial care, stating she sees them “like my own children.” The initiative’s long-term goal is to plant 50 billion trees, and it depends on continued community involvement to achieve its aims. The success of early adopters like Kedir is encouraging others to participate in the reforestation effort.
