Tackling rural poverty, together

Extract

MERET represents an important step in the evolution of Ethiopian conservation activities away from the “command-and-control” methods of the 1970s and 1980s which had proved very ineffective. The project utilizes a community-based, participatory approach to soil and water conservation and reforestation that benefits one million people annually in 600 communities. The project has helped to improve food security and reduce poverty because soil and water conservation facilitates diversification of agricultural production, increased productivity and food availability, and higher incomes. MERET participants report improved family health, education, and nutrition, as well as greater self-esteem.