Ethiopian Review

Addis Ababa -Upper Kesem soil and water conservation project is launched at a cost of 301.8 million Birr , the ministry of water resource said.

The project will develop 64,000 hectares land in the coming seven years.

Basin masterplan development team leader with the ministry, Manaye Yimenu said farmers in Gimbichu, Aleltu Bereh woredas of Oromia State and Hageremariam woreda of Amhara Region will benefit from the project to be undertaken with the fund secured from the government and the African Development Bank.

The project will enable more than 85,000 farmers living along Awash basin become beneficaries.

Project coordinator, Wendwossen Abeje on his part said the project is part of flood prevention as well as soil and water conservation projects being undertaken along Awash basin.

Conservation of natural resources, animal resource and crop development, infrastructure development and capacity building will be some of the main activities to be undertaken.

The coordinator said the project helps to improve livelihoods of the community.

Awareness raising forums will be organized to enable farmers benefit from the project, Wendwossen said.

- ENA