One of the project’s aims is to increase families’ incomes through irrigation-based vegetable production. 58-year-old Bitew A., a father of seven children, was struggling for many years to make his 0.375 hectares of land productive.

These photos were taken in the project's Chifarit restoration site, which is located in Kuni kebele.

In 2023 the project - with the critical support and manpower of the communities -restored nearly 600 ha of the Gewocha Forest in 15 sites, and 30 ha of degraded communal lands in 4 sites.

In the communal lands in these communities only few trees remain, such as this majestic flat top acacia (Vachellia abyssinica), reminders of the previous forests that stood here before.

The project has established women-only self-help groups (SHGs) that meet once a week to support each other in saving money and overcoming financial challenges.

A new water supply from a spring in the hills is transforming life for this village.

The action started at the beginning of July and continued until mid-August.

Livestock production in this area has very low yields owing to the animal breeds used, feed shortages and poor husbandry practices.

Habtamu A., 35 years old and a father of two, was struggling to make a living and sustain his family in Finoteselam, his home town.

The community-run Geray Nursery is now fully operational.