Haramaya University announced promising results in the many works done in the past three years in the plant-based Dengago Model Tree-Based Restoration Project (Denegego land recovery project).
Haramaya University started the project with financial support from the Federal Environment, Forestry development, and Climate Commission. This was announced in a ceremony at the beginning of the week where more than 100 fattening sheep were given to the farmers living in the project area to improve their livelihood.
During the handover ceremony of the fattening sheep ceremony, Dr. Yisak Yusuf, Vice President of Haramaya University Research and Community Engagement, said that Haramaya University is working with partners to recover natural resources in a way that will benefit the local community.
He also added that government institutions and other stakeholders at all levels should stand by the University and do their part to improve the lives of the society by protecting and preserving natural resources.
The head of the Maya City Agriculture Office, Mr. Zeleke Abdeta, commended Haramaya University for its effective collaboration with his office, the community, and government structures at all levels. He mentioned that their work could serve as a model for other places, and he appreciated the progress made quickly.
Mrs. Fatuma Hasan, the head of Maya City’s Environmental Protection Office, stated that the University’s initiatives to conduct research on natural resources within the community by planting native seedlings and edible fruits have been effective. She also expressed her appreciation for the University’s efforts in this regard.
Dr. Tesema Toru, a lecturer at Haramaya University and the coordinator of the project, clarified that the Dengago model is one of the several projects funded by the Norwegian government for federal forest development in collaboration with universities. He explained that they are working to restore the area by planting various types of fruits and saplings that are well-suited to the local soil.
He explained that the project has helped to improve the vegetation cover of the watershed, raise the groundwater level, re-develop dry springs, and improve the life of the community, creating a sense of ownership among the community. Dr. Tesema stated that various activities are being carried out in line with the goals of the project.
In the Dengogo tree-centered land recovery project, in cooperation with administrative bodies at all levels, from the Kebele, indigenous fodder and fruit trees that were planted in the past three years have started to bloom. The farmers are fulfilling their responsibilities as beneficiaries.
Among the beneficiary farmers, Adam Abdullah and Rabia Abdi, residents of Biftu Geda Rural Kebele, said that soil erosion has stopped, the bare land has been covered with trees, and springs have been developed. They added that they are happy to have received the best seeds for animals and crops from the project to support their livelihood.
Reporter: Shemsedin Mohammad
Haramaya University Public and International Relations Directorate