Befekadu Beyene | October 10, 2024
News Brief
The Wof Washa forest, in Amhara Region, Ethiopia is the home of many unique species of plants, birds, and animals, but nearly 2,000 hectares have been lost to deforestation and overgrazing over the past 20 years. The local community, including 32-year-old Nigus Fekade, have been engaged to protect the forest — and earn a living from it in a sustainable way. Mr. Fekade leads one of the 12 participatory forest management associations established to earn income while protecting the forest. They plant various types of trees, ensure the responsible use of forest resources, and provide comprehensive care for the forest. Additionally, they impose fines on individuals who graze cattle in the forest, cut trees, or misuse its resources. Mr. Fekade says, "I never knew one could make money from selling tree seedlings."
In the early morning of the day, heavy fog shrouds Wof Washa forest as community members prepare for their daily shift to protect it. A few steps into the forest, the symphony of nature creates a soothing feeling as the melodious songs of birds, gentle rustling of leaves and the playful chatter of monkeys echo through the trees. The mist begins to clear as the morning rays of light get stronger over the thick canopy, unveiling a vibrant green landscape filled with endemic and non-native trees. Spanning three districts in North Showa Zone, Amhara Region, Wof Washa, meaning “birds cave,” is one of the last natural forests in Ethiopia.
The forest shelters several unique species, including plants like oregano (Thymus serrulatus) and guassa (Festuca abyssinica), birds such as Ankober serin (Serinus ankoberensis), and the endemic gelada baboon (Theropithecus gelada).
Nearly 2,000 hectares of Wof Washa have been lost to deforestation and overgrazing over the past 20 years, despite its importance. Wof Washa plays a vital role in preventing soil erosion, regulating the water cycle, and mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. But the relentless demand for its resources steadily erodes both the quality and quantity of the forest.
Recognizing this dire situation, WeForest, in collaboration with the Sustainable Natural Resource Management Association, or SUNARMA, launched a community-led forest and landscape restoration project to conserve Wof Washa. A key approach in this effort is participatory forest management, which engages the community in income-generating activities while protecting the forest.
Nigus Fekade, 32, grew up in Wof Washa Genet kebele, a local area near the forest. He now supports his family thanks to the Wof Washa Landscape Restoration Project, which provides extra income beyond his subsistence farming.
On a small plot of land inherited from his parents, Mr. Fekade grows teff, barley, wheat, maize, peas, beans, and lentils. Despite his efforts, the yield barely sustains his family of four. Living in his parents’ house, Mr. Fekade struggled to achieve self-sufficiency until he learned to collect tree seeds from Wof Washa and make additional income.
He says, “I never knew one could make money from selling tree seedlings. We sell seeds like acacia abyssinica, pinus, and juniperus procera to the Amhara Forest Enterprise and small-scale buyers for up to 500 birr ($4.10 US) per kilogram.”
Mr. Fekade is now a leader of one of the 12 participatory forest management associations established to earn income while protecting the forest. The participatory forest management associations primarily focus on protecting the forest from further destruction. They plant various types of trees, ensure the responsible use of forest resources, and provide comprehensive care for the forest. Additionally, they impose fines on individuals who graze cattle in the forest, cut trees, or misuse its resources.
Timber products like juniperus procera and Afrocarpus gracilior are highly valued for house construction, a sign of prestige in the community. Mr. Fekade recalls his family cutting trees from the forest for building houses and making traditional tools.
Another active protector of the forest is Melise Mekonen, a 37-year-old subsistence farmer and father of five. Mr. Mekonen also works as a forest ranger, patrolling Wof Washa for the past decade in the face of cold weather and illegal tree cutters. His efforts, however, were not enough until he joined the landscape restoration project. Wof Washa is guarded by 40 government-assigned forest rangers, but this protection was insufficient without community engagement
Mr. Mekonen is also happy with the additional income. He says, “With the income from selling seeds, I bought a solar panel and a TV set. My family can now enjoy TV shows. I also bought a cow, which has since had two calves.” Solar energy now lights his home, and milk is an additional food source for his family. These benefits strengthen the community’s commitment to protecting Wof Washa.
Mr. Fekade and Mr. Mekonen received training on sustainable forest use from SUNARMA, and share this knowledge at community gatherings, encouraging forest conservation.
Asnake Atakure is the project manager for the Wof Washa landscape restoration project. He says the project sees the local community as crucial partners in forest management and conservation. He explains, “Our project complements government efforts. The participatory forest management associations work with rangers to protect the forest and raise community awareness. They have a forest management plan and take responsibility for protecting adjacent areas.”
The project aims to engage over 8,400 households through seed collecting, beekeeping, and providing seedlings for planting. Since 2023, over 185,000 tree seedlings, primarily indigenous species, have been distributed and planted to restore Wof Washa and rehabilitate degraded communal lands.
Photo caption: Nigus Fekade, 32, is packing his Acacia abyssinica seeds as he prepares for the market.
