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Biofarms Support Livelihoods and Restore Degraded Environments

April 22, 2016

At Machakel Epicenter in Ethiopia, a ‘Biofarm’ was constructed in a partnership between The Hunger Project and Bioeconomy Africa.

The Integrated Bio-economy System, or IBS, is a community driven, holistic approach that aims to improve livelihoods, incomes and assets. At the same time, it helps restore degraded environments and preserve and enhance biodiversity.

Different farming technologies were installed on demonstration farms, including sack gardening, square foot gardening, pyramid farming, basket composting and tire gardening. These techniques have a focus on the reuse and recycling of materials, like tires and bottles for planters. The project even included the construction of a greenhouse and the installation of a Drip Irrigation System.

Communities at Machakel Epicenter received training in these interesting new techniques. Twenty-three trainees were selected and received seeds, tools, uniforms and boots.  Machakel Epicenter decided to use the opportunity to grow beautiful flowers to make the epicenter even more attractive.

Learn More:

Our work in Ethiopia
Water, Sanitation and Environment in Ethiopia
Food Security in Ethiopia