Ethiopia’s population needs wood: fuel wood, timber for construction purposes, wood for making tools and other objects of daily use. This is why the percentage of land covered by forest diminished by 40 % to less than 4 % within the last 100 years. The clearing process, paired with a worldwide climate change and a high increase in population causes devastating effects: There is less rainfall and more wasteland, fertile soil erodes and agricultural land turns into desert.

The Menschen für Menschen reafforestation programme helps to develop ecologically productive areas, which are vital for Ethiopia’s population. So far, more than 188 nurseries were set up to make an important contribution. And for some time, eucalyptus tree seedlings are being produced - eucalyptus being better than its image.

For decades, eucalyptus plantations have been developed in Ethiopia for fast-growing lumber and fuel wood. But then, the plantation of eucalyptus was criticised: It is said to drain and starve the soil from mineral nutrients and to poison it. However, these possible disadvantages lack scientific proof. On the contrary: There is a well-balanced relation between water need and production of biomass. Its leaves being hard and waxy, the water need of eucalyptus is comparatively low. Eucalyptus will only drain the soil to harm wheat and other crops if there is a general water shortage. Otherwise, eucalyptus roots deeper than wheat and protects the soil from eroding. This is why it makes sense to plant eucalyptus between crops, plants and bushes, if not planted too close. Wheat and other crops will also grow in soil formerly planted with eucalyptus.

The 22 nurseries, where Menschen für Menschen produces seedlings for reafforestation, water and soil protection programmes, also produce eucalyptus seedlings. However, their percentage only amounts to 3 - 5 % of all seedlings produced. Indigenous trees, fruit tree and coffee seedlings are mostly produced and distributed. On the other hand, farmers produce quite a number of eucalyptus tree seedlings in their private nurseries.

The Ethiopian farmers appreciate eucalyptus for its fast growth and erect stem. The foremost benefit of eucalyptus is the wood that can be used or sold. Branches, twigs or leaves can be used as fuel wood. When felled, a new and erect stem quickly grows from the rootstock.

Menschen für Menschen supports the purposeful plantation of eucalyptus around the farmers’ tukuls and at the edge of fields. Our reafforestation programmes, too, support the plantation of eucalyptus as it represents a means for generating income for the rural population. In return, the farmers who use the new plantations have to see to preservation and care, while the Menschen für Menschen-experts watch out to prevent monoculture instead of a sound mixed forest.