Sida, Farm Africa sign $30mln fund to benefit over 87,000 households in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, June 3, 2023 (FBC) – A 30 million USD Sida-funded project benefiting more than 87 thousand households was signed between Farm Africa Ethiopia and the Swedish Embassy in Ethiopia.

It is said that Sida is funding Farm Africa’s major new Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable and Inclusive Development programme in Ethiopia, working with communities and the Ethiopian government.

To be overseen by the Ministry of Planning & Development and the Ministry of Agriculture, the programme will be implemented in Ethiopia for three years.

Upon implementation in 35 woredas from 5 regional states, some 87,400 households will benefit from the programme in the process, according to the Ministry of Planning and Development of Ethiopia (MoPD).

It is noted that the programme primarily aims to manage forests sustainably, conserve biodiversity, and develop sustainable livelihoods. It is said that communities, small farmers, entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises are among the beneficiaries.

It is also stated that the programme will be implemented in six Ethiopian watersheds through three ecological clusters.

Minister of State for Planning and Development, Sandokan Debebe, indicated that the fund is instrumental for Ethiopia’s efforts in climate change and environmental protection.

Minister of State for Agriculture, Eyasu Elias, on his part, pointed out that the project is expected to address prevention of soil acidity and degradation, watershed development and modernization of the agricultural value chain.

The Director of Farm Africa Ethiopia, Ms. Shewit Ammanuel, confirmed that her institution will work with the Ministry of Planning and Development and the Ministry of Agriculture for the effectiveness of the project.

Swedish Ambassador to Ethiopia, Hans Henric Lundquist, reaffirmed that his government will continue to support Ethiopia.