Community forestry in Ethiopia: the Bilate project
1989
Evans, J.
Confronted by deforestation resulting from an influx of people and the consequent increased demands for fuel, fodder and poles, villagers from second Kerenso kabele (commune) in Ethiopia initiated tree-planting activities with the financial aid of private organisations. What has became known as the Bilate forestry project was started in 1983. People's participation was a key element in project appraisal and implementation. Terrace and bund construction was recommended as a preliminary to tree planting in view of the potential soil erosion. How the seedlings were selected, planted and protected is reported. Project funding, its management and cost-benefits are described. It is concluded that the project contributed to the villagers' survival during the recent famines by making previous useless land productive. By the end of 1988, over 400 ha of land along the Bilate River were again wooded and the immediate threat of soil erosion lifted. Reasons for success are: social participation; long-term support of the aid organisations; and governmental commitment to afforestation.
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