The Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable and Inclusive Development (NSSID) program, funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), aims to address Ethiopia's complex challenges through a holistic approach. This ambitious program, implemented across three eco-regional clusters, will leverage an Integrated Landscape Management approach to improve natural resource stewardship, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and enhance income generation through inclusive value chains. The program will embed climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, fostering community resilience and promoting gender-responsive green energy entrepreneurship.<img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/53e350c2-6aaf-491d-919f-6188da0b3f68.jpg"> A consortium of nine non-governmental organizations (NGOs), associations and academic institutions, led by Farm Africa (FA), will implement the NSSID program. The consortium will collaborate with government institutions, traditional institutions, community-based organizations and private sector actors to ensure sustainable and inclusive development across Ethiopia.The Environment and Coffee Forest Forum (ECFF), as a consortium member, will play a key role in implementing the program, particularly in the Omo-Gibe and Baro-Akobo basins, specifically in the Sheka zone of Masha and Anderachworedas in the Southwestern Ethiopia Peoples' Regional State (SWPRS).<img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/888829cd-0f31-4207-9904-c03222466eeb.jpg"> ECFF's specific focus within the NSSID project centers on activities aligned with three key outcomes: Protecting and restoring biodiversity and ecosystem services, supporting communities to earn money from environmentally friendly businesses and supporting communities to adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.<img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/25534549-7600-411c-b318-f3832f9d0dc2.jpg"> The project, implemented in collaboration with relevant government bureaus in the SWPRS, Sheka zone, Masha, and Andrachaworedas, will span three years and six months, starting in July 2023 and ending in December 2026. It is expected to directly benefit at least 4734 households, including smallholder farmers, community-based organizations, entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, and community leaders, with special attention given to building the resilience of women and young people. Women and youth are targeted to constitute at least 50% of the direct beneficiaries, while an estimated 8000 individuals will benefit indirectly.&nbsp;<img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/63b7d974-b4de-4bef-962f-4078e61aca24.jpg"> Major achievements of the project so far include,Empowering communities to manage natural resources. <ul><li>Strengthening Community Organizations: Supporting 10 Participatory Forest Management (PFM) associations through training, legalization, income-generating activities, and PFM plan development &amp; implementation.</li><li>Promoting Sustainable Practices: Establishing 36 apiary sites with ongoing technical and material support (500 beehives) for long-term success.</li><li>Forest &amp; Rangeland Management: Establishing 12 model nurseries with 181 members and currently 325,000 seedlings produced.</li><li>Provide essential inventory materials to government offices and train law enforcement on resource management.</li><li>Wetland Conservation: Empowering communities with joint management plans, benefit sharing mechanisms, and decision-support tools for sustainable wetland management.</li></ul> Enhancing Economic Opportunities: <ul><li>Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs): Supporting production, value addition, and market access for bamboo, coffee, honey, spices, gums &amp; resins through analysis, skills training, and access to inputs and technologies.</li><li>·Women &amp; Youth Empowerment: Fostering the creation and strengthening of women and youth enterprises with training on non-farm and off-farm income-generating activities (IGAs) and financial/technical assistance.</li></ul>&nbsp;Improving Financial Access: <ul><li>Microfinance: Supporting the establishment and strengthening of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) for inclusive financial services in NTFP production, commercial farming, and non-farm/off-farm IGAs.</li><li>Promoting Gender-Responsive Green Energy Technologies: Organizing and supporting women and youth enterprises in green energy technology businesses (e.g., grain mills, lighting, cooking) and facilitating private sector involvement for expanding access.</li></ul>&nbsp;<img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/cc1b6cac-8c39-4a07-b6cc-e7c49b9e103c.jpg">This project empowers communities, fosters sustainable practices, and promotes economic opportunities, creating a more resilient and prosperous future for all.

Nature Based Solution for Sustainable and Inclusive Development (NSSID) project