This project started as an agro-forestry project among the Gumuz. The Gumuz were traditional hunters and gatherers with an abundance of harmful cultural practices including a history of violence.
About This Project
The project has had success beyond what could have been imagined. There was great resistance initially in trying to change the values of a people that have had the same values for thousands of years. They were destroying the environment by cutting trees and selling for charcoal. They were killing every living thing (including each other) within 100 kilometres in their hunting and there was a chronic shortage of food, high mortality rate and superstitions that kept them living in constant fear.
The project started with one model farmer brave enough to buck the trend as well as distribution of many trees. When people saw the success of the one model farmer, the value of the trees and the difference it was making – many more were added. Soon the whole group saw the value in trees and 8 years later there are now close to two million trees, thousands of fruit trees, model farmers on their way to wealth, and miraculous change in the environment. Stream beds that were dry have come back to life. Hillsides that were bare now are lush jungles. The health and prosperity of the group has had a miraculous turn around.
The original project has had such a success that it is now multiplying itself into new areas and expanding its original vision to include integrated development with water, health, education, and expanding on income generating activities. One of the new areas is North Shoa a strategic area that is the convergence of 4 tribes/regions in Ethiopia (Amhara, Oromo, Afar, and Arbgoba).
The Forestry Group is looking for volunteers to join the team. Please join them in this exciting venture.
DAVE RUPKE | Head Lead Member (Left)
FERU TAYE | Director, Forestry For Life (Right)
DOT AND GRANT ADAIR | Lead Member Team (Left)
MULU | Secretary, Heading North (Right)
-
-
Our Mission
Forestry For Life is dedicated to helping the poorest farmers escape the prison of poverty through training, education and a helping hand. These farmers soon become self sufficient and thriving productive members of society. Program is successful and growing.
-
Our Story
Forestry For Life is a project is under the umbrella of Devxchange. We started backwards. We took on the most difficult challenge first. Given zero chance of success- the project was started among the Gumuz- hunters and gatherers in northwest Ethiopia.
-
150 Model Farmers Per Year
We train and work with 150+ model fruit farmers each and every year until they are successfully up and running.
September 2024 Update
. As you may or may not be aware the last three years have been challenging to say the least. First there was the two year war with Tigray that affected all of Ethiopia where hundreds of thousands died with many more displaced. This last year there has been ongoing conflict in the Amhara region as the government has tried to disarm local militia by force. The Forestry For Life project was particularly in the middle of the conflict.
Accomplishments 2024 - So Far
60 new model farmers this year alone. 360 from the start of the project,485 students helped with school supplies this year. 4,000 since the start of the project.800,000 trees planted this year with more than 4 million since the start. ¼ are fruit trees.100’s of thousands of vegetable seedlings.Training and teaching has also been conducted on environmental conservation affecting 4 districts and more than 1 million people. The area is turning green.
Urgent Needs
Due to war and civil unrest there are many orphans and destitute families. We urgently need help in providing school supplies and plowing fields of those who have lost head of family due to war and civil unrest.
Darlene Rupke
We give $1.50 per box of our DIY floral kits for Petal Academy
DAVE RUPKE
Support for Feru while he lives in exile away from his family , God bless you my friend