GLI Drive Boosts Agricultural Productivity, Watershed Security: Regional Chief Administrators

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (ENA) —Chief Administrators of Oromia and Amhara regional states said today that the Green Legacy Initiative has significantly boosted agricultural productivity, rehabilitated degraded watersheds, and enhanced community livelihoods across the country.

Participating in tree-planting drives in their respective regions, Oromia Region Chief Administrator Shimelis Abdisa and Amhara Region Chief Administrator Arega Kebede stressed that the initiative has evolved into a vital economic and environmental asset.

Shimelis Abdisa joined local residents in Fentale Woreda, East Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region, to plant saplings as part of the nationwide push to plant 800 million seedlings in a single day.

He noted that previous planting campaigns have yielded tangible results, with vast plantations of coffee, tea, fruits, and vegetables currently flourishing across the region.

Shimelis emphasized that microclimate improvements have directly translated into higher crop yields and strengthened ongoing irrigation, livestock, and development projects in the area.

Meanwhile, Arega Kebede led regional and local officials in a single-day planting effort in Kalu Woreda, South Wollo Zone of the Amhara Region.

Arega noted that expanding forest coverage, protecting soil fertility, and enriching groundwater reserves have transformed local farming practices.

He explained that these ecological gains now enable youth and farmers to pursue sustainable income streams through livestock fattening, dairy farming, beekeeping, and high-value fruit cultivation.

Expressing gratitude to local communities for their widespread mobilization, Arega reaffirmed the regional administration's commitment to advancing socio-economic growth through peaceful, unified public action.

The single-day event in Kalu Woreda drew a broad coalition of stakeholders.