Sidama region, like all of Ethiopia, has long been struggling with overcrowding, the effects of extensive agriculture, deforestation, overgrazing of large areas in the landscape and the subsequent erosion, which are the results of poor management of natural resources. The majority of the population is still life dependent on the exploitation of these natural resources.

The project tackles the problem of natural resource management in 8 areas of Woreda Shebedino and Awassa Zuria with a comprehensive approach, which includes both the direct activities aiming to intervene and improve the situation in the territories and areas seriously affected by deforestation and erosion, and other outputs which focus on promoting alternative sources of food and energy for the local population so that the direct dependence on natural resources declines in the future.

The basic components are direct afforestation and erosion control measures and also the introduction of alternative grazing management and alternative sources of fodder and energy and diversification of agricultural and crafts commodities which are to provide new sources of income for the population. The current production capacity will be improved in the scope of the project by fostering sales of current agricultural and crafts commodities.

By the end of 2012, 669.496 plants were cultivated on the degraded land, which will contribute to regeneration and decrease of erosion in the area. 10 ha of land were planted with forage crops. In 4 areas of the Shebedino woreda, 10 ha of forests were reserved for firewood use.

Other activities were focused on the development of alternative energy sources and natural resources management with the aim of decreasing firewood use and subsequent deforestation. Several training were organized: a training about the advantages of biogas use for 40 beneficiaries, a 3-days training about passive solar dryers construction for 26 beneficiaries and a training about solar cookers which took place in both woredas. 19 groups of masons from both woredas were trained in biogas fermenter construction.

So far, 3 biogas fermenters were built. A workshop called „Sustainable agriculture and farming“ was held in the Shebedino woreda for 200 participants. Additionally, a campaign promoting responsible natural resource use was launched in the countryside. Posters were used to educate villagers about the water cycle, consequences of a bad forest management etc. For 2013, further activities are planned.

The vast majority of activities are based on previous experience and strategies that are known and proven in Ethiopia and are fully complementary to local strategies and plans. All activities are implemented in direct cooperation with local authorities to ensure maximum sustainability.