Empowering change through agroforestry in Ethiopia

To support the promotion of sustainable farming practices, the Veggies 4 Planet & People (V4P&P) project launched an agroforestry training of trainers initiative. The first of these courses were held in Holeta and Woliso, Ethiopia in September and October 2024. Over three days, training gave participants a comprehensive foundation in agroforestry principles and how these methods could complement vegetable farming. This equipped business coaches, agroforestry experts and vegetable business network (VBN) members with the tools they need to further the development agroforestry across Ethiopian vegetable farms.

This marked a significant expansion of the contributions of the V4P&P project to regenerative agriculture. Previous training focused on vegetable production, and later, apiculture, while this fifth-year module introduced agroforestry — an integrated approach that combines trees with crops and livestock. The addition of agroforestry reflects an understanding of its transformative potential in enhancing soil health, improving biodiversity, and boosting the resilience of farms in the face of climate change.

Day one introduced agroforestry concepts, with sessions on tree-crop-livestock interactions and the mutual co-benefits, like biodiversity enhancement, improved soil fertility, and economic resilience. Participants explored real-world examples of agroforestry practices, learning about tree selection, and the role of agroforestry in maintaining productive ecosystems. Discussions covered how incorporating trees can support sustainable crop growth, protect against soil erosion, and even offer additional income sources through products like fruit, fodder, gums, fuel or timber. On the second day, trainees delved into soil health, with topics including how tree stabilize soil and retain moisture, that is particularly imprortant in areas prone to drought. Participants also discussed how to enhance soil quality using nitrogen-fixing trees and organic material. They examined practical agroforestry models for vegetable production, such as alley cropping and other systems. A significant part of the impact came from field visits. In Woliso for example, participants toured local farms that exemplified successful agroforestry practices. They observed home gardens designed to optimize space and productivity, and row plantings including live fences, hedgerows and windbreaks. In Holeta, participants took part in group discussions to plan agroforestry interventions in their local communities.

By the end of the program, 32 participants expressed newfound confidence in their ability to train others on agroforestry practices, and agroforestry also promises a way to diversify income sources as part of more sustainable agricultural models. This new cohort of agroforestry trainers are now well-equipped to guide farmers in integrating tree planting into their vegetable farms, improving soil health, and strengthening climate resilience. They are now cascading this knowledge across other vegetable business networks, as they support farmers in adopting agroforestry, while WorldVeg plans follow-up and provide ongoing support. And this is another way that the commitment of the V4P&P project to sustainable and resilient farming practices is steadily transforming agricultural land, promising a greener and more resilient future for East African farmers.

Veggies 4 Planet & People is implemented by the World Vegetable Center and SNV Netherlands Development Organization, with partners including CABI, Shujaaz, ODI, the governments of Kenya and Ethiopia, NGOs, business mentors, seed companies, and local policy makers. The project thanks IKEA Foundation for its generous financial support, with co-funding from Biovision Foundation for the Greener Greens project.