The Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture has announced sweeping progress in its nationwide soil and water conservation efforts, with more than 21,000 streams rehabilitated and over 3.7 million hectares of land physically developed as part of a broader strategy to combat climate change and bolster agricultural productivity.  

The initiative, which has been underway since the start of the fiscal year, is part of a larger plan to develop 4.6 million hectares through integrated watershed management and sustainable land use practices. The campaign, spearheaded under the slogan “Our Soil Resources for Our Prosperity,” has mobilized millions of Ethiopians in a coordinated push toward environmental resilience and food security.  

Speaking at a high-level seminar evaluating this year’s progress, Professor Eyasu Elias, State Minister of Natural Resources Development, emphasized that the program is critical in mitigating the effects of climate change while laying the foundation for a production-led green economy.

“Our integrated watershed development works are being carried out across all regions, engaging communities to protect and restore land while enhancing agricultural productivity,” he stated. “This is not just about conservation—it’s about transforming livelihoods and ensuring sustainable growth.” 

The campaign has seen unprecedented public participation, with over 19.9 million citizens contributing 30 to 60 days of labor per year in soil terracing, afforestation, and gully rehabilitation. According to Chief Executive of the Natural Resources at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fanose Mekonnen, the collective effort represents an estimated ETB 16 billion in mobilized manpower, showcasing the scale of Ethiopia’s community-driven development model.  

In addition to new developments, the ministry has prioritized renovating and upgrading past conservation projects, rehabilitating an additional 589,000 hectares of previously degraded land. Efforts also include monitoring tree nurseries, identifying new afforestation sites, and preparing millions of planting pits to ensure long-term ecological benefits.