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Tigray, Ethiopia
Beyond Subsistence is currently supporting the World Vision Food Security Project in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Tigray is characterised by steep, rocky highlands and eroded landscapes. This region was one of the hardest hit by the great famines of the mid-1980s. As a result, large areas were deforested for fuelwood and charcoal production by desperate people seeking to make money to buy food.
There have been some extraordinary revegetation initiatives undertaken in Tigray over the last 15 years, aimed primarily for soil conservation. Despite the success of these initiatives, there remains an urgent need to train local people in vegetation management and agriculture. This training will encourage sustainable use of the revegetated lands for the future.
One of the key species assisting the soil conservation effort is an Australian plant, Acacia saligna. Primarily introduced for its fast growth, soil stabilising qualities and fuelwood potential, this acacia also produces a high protein seed. Ground into flour, this seed has the potential to provide a highly nutritious food source for human consumption. Beyond Subsistence is providing forestry research guidance and advice for World Vision and the Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI). This work will improve knowledge on the growth, management and nutritional properties of this and other acacia species. First visited in April 2010, Beyond Subsistence will support the Tigray Food Security Project over the next 3-5 years. |
