Ethiopian Women Plant 3,000 Acres, Restore Degraded Land

Women in southern Ethiopia are reversing decades of environmental damage, one tree at a time, and building a more sustainable future for their communities.

In the Sidama region, where unsustainable farming and tree cutting for fuel have degraded the land, members of the Integrated Women's Development Organization are taking action. Since 2020, they've planted more than 3,000 acres of indigenous trees, fruit trees, vegetables, and grasses for cattle fodder.

The results are already changing lives. General manager Ruhama Getahun says these restoration efforts have begun generating income for community members, especially women. Families now rely less on selling charcoal and firewood to survive.

The need for restoration is urgent. Rapid population growth has shrunk the average household farm size, pushing farmers onto fragile hillsides. Poor farming practices have accelerated soil degradation across the region.

Land and environment researcher Negasi Solomon believes women must be central to restoration decisions because of their day-to-day role in farm management. However, he notes that patriarchal norms often limit women's land ownership and decision-making power, even where laws grant equal rights.

Recent changes are helping. Formal land certification and the creation of youth and women-led restoration groups have strengthened women's voices in land management across Ethiopia. Through organizations like IWDO, more women are participating in formal planning bodies.

The Ripple Effect

IWDO recently joined GLFx, a global network connecting 12 grassroots restoration initiatives worldwide. The network provides local actors with knowledge, tools, and connections to achieve sustainable results and advocate for stronger environmental policies.

Getahun sees the partnership as a way to equip her members with new approaches and create more opportunities for social, economic, and environmental gains. She's especially excited to share what her organization has accomplished over eight years.

The women of Sidama are proving that environmental restoration and economic empowerment can grow together.