Pelum Ethiopia

Welcome to PELUM ETHIOPIA CONSORTIUM

PELUM Ethiopia was officially established on 27 April 2016 with the registration number 3624 by six member organizations. At the moment it has fifteen(15) member organizations. The added values of PELUM Ethiopia are:-one, working together with other organizations to overcome different challenges especially external influence like introduction of GMOs. Two, conducting experience sharing strategies, information disseminating, documenting of good practices, etc.

Therefore, PELUM Ethiopia is expected to:- contribute more on the on-going knowledge development, skills and methods, give practical capacity building in Ethiopia particularly on agro-ecological practices, access and disseminate publications and materials to strengthen the implementation capacity on agroecology and be part of a dynamic and focused regional and international work-net involved in information sharing, advocacy and lobbying.

PELUM Ethiopia is a member of PELUM Association, which is a network of civil society organizations which was founded in 1995 to work directly or indirectly with local communities and small scale/holder farmers in the areas of sustainable agriculture and natural resource management in East, Central and Southern Africa. Currently, it has over 300 members spread across these three regions, or in twelve countries. These are: Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Our Key Areas

Agriculture/Agro-ecology, Livelihood and Nutrition

Agro-ecologically based food and nutrition security, and food sovereignty is an identity reflected by the decision making process not only on what inputs to use and what to produce but also the decision when to plant. The core values of PELUM Ethiopia in pursuit its vision and mission it will implement based on: People-centered development, Empowerment of land users, Respect for indigenous knowledge, Creativity and innovation, Commitment to action and impact, Gender sensitive development, Participation, Sustainability, and Transparency and accountability.

A project supported by the Bread for the World/ PADD entitled by “Scaling up of Agroecology in Ethiopia through networking” is under implementation in five(5) weredas of Five Regional States and one City Administration. These are:

Seharti Samre, wejerat esra adi, Atsibi, Ttahtay Maichew of Tigray region.
Abramo Wereda of Benshangul Gumuz Regional State
Lude Hitosa Wereda of Oromia Regional State
Kuneba Wereda of Afar Regional State
Debub Sodo Wereda of SNNP Regional State
Wereda 10 and 14; Yeka Sub-city of Addis Ababa Administration

Natural Resource Management and Climate Change

PELUM Ethiopia's approach to natural resource management is rooted in people-centered development and the respect for indigenous knowledge, achieved through the empowerment of land users. Guided by the principles of Participatory Ecological Land Use Management, PELUM Ethiopia strives for sustainable development by addressing the challenges of climate change through adaptation and mitigation strategies, particularly under smallholder management systems.

Key Programs and Projects

Church Forest Management Project (2021–2025) This project, now in its fifth and final year, is financially supported by EOC-DICAC. It focuses on the conservation and sustainable management of church forests and their surrounding communities. The project operates in the following areas:

Amhara Region: Northern Shoa Zone
Southern Region: Welaiata Sodo, Areka, and Bele areas
Oromia Region: Assebot, Liben Chukala, Ticho, and Assela
Tigray Regional State: Various woredas surrounding churches and monasteries

Conserving Bio-cultural Diversity through Strengthening Community and Ecosystem Resilience (2021–Present) Supported by the African Biodiversity Network (ABN), this project emphasizes biodiversity conservation. It aims to enhance community and ecosystem resilience by integrating traditional knowledge and practices.
Bread for the World (PADD) Project This project is being implemented in Abramo Woreda of the Benishangul Gumuz region, in collaboration with Green Love Appreciative Development (GLAD). Its primary objectives include:

Supporting farmer communities in reducing soil acidity
Enhancing biodiversity conservation
Promoting agroforestry practices, bamboo plantations, and soil and water conservation
Developing nurseries for sustainable agriculture

Achievements and Impact

These projects have brought about significant changes in the targeted areas, including improved biodiversity conservation, sustainable land use practices, and strengthened community resilience. The integration of agroforestry and innovative conservation techniques has contributed to the restoration of degraded ecosystems and the empowerment of local communities.

Knowledge Development, Dissemination and Capacity Building

Partnership and Networking

Lobby and Advocacy

What We Do?

Currently PELUM Ethiopia has four projects with four donors which are implemented in five regions of the country including Addis Ababa City Administration by member organizations. These projects are:

“Scaling up of Agro-ecology in Ethiopia through networking” project supported by the Bread for the World/ PADD.
“Church forest management” project supported by EOC-DICAC
“Conserving Bio-cultural Diversity through Strengthening Community and Ecosystem Resilience” supported by African Biodiversity Network (ABN).
“Harmonized scaling up of agroecology into the Ethiopian Agricultural Extension System” supported by SOS FAIM (Belgium)