Ethiopia is preparing for one of the world's largest coordinated tree-planting campaigns, aiming to plant 800 million seedlings in a single day as part of its Green Legacy Initiative, with an overall target of 8 billion trees during the current rainy season.
The nationwide campaign is expected to mobilise millions of citizens, government institutions, schools, businesses and community organisations to restore degraded landscapes, improve soil fertility and strengthen the country's resilience to climate change. Officials say the annual initiative has become a cornerstone of Ethiopia's environmental and agricultural strategy, combining ecosystem restoration with long-term support for agricultural productivity.
Launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Green Legacy Initiative seeks to reverse decades of deforestation and land degradation while increasing forest cover across the country. Since its inception, Ethiopia says it has planted tens of billions of seedlings, including indigenous trees, fruit trees and agroforestry species that contribute to biodiversity, watershed protection and rural livelihoods.
Beyond environmental conservation, the programme is closely linked to agricultural development. Trees help reduce soil erosion, improve water retention, restore degraded farmland and create favourable microclimates for crop production. Fruit-bearing and multipurpose tree species also provide farmers with additional sources of income while supporting livestock through improved fodder availability.
Government agencies have intensified preparations by raising seedlings in nurseries, coordinating logistics and mobilising volunteers nationwide to ensure the ambitious one-day planting target is achieved during the peak rainy season, when seedling survival rates are highest. The campaign forms part of Ethiopia's broader efforts to address climate change while supporting sustainable agricultural growth and food security.
NBF Insight
Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative demonstrates that tree planting is no longer just an environmental exercise, it is becoming an agricultural investment. Healthy forests and agroforestry systems improve soil quality, conserve water and create more resilient farming landscapes, particularly in countries vulnerable to climate change.
For Africa, large-scale landscape restoration could become as important as expanding cultivated land. The countries that integrate forestry with agriculture will be better positioned to enhance food security, restore degraded ecosystems and build climate-resilient rural economies for future generations.
