Community Action for Biodiversity and Forest Conservation and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Wild Coffee Forests (CAFA)

Background

Located in southwest Ethiopia, the Kafa Biosphere Reserve is an important area for water quality, carbon storage, and a range of endangered and endemic species. Moreover, around 65,000 people live in the reserve, most of whom depend on subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods. Coffee also grows wild in the region, which locals often harvest for sale. Still, poverty and population growth is common within these communities, causing increasing strain on natural resources. To address these needs, Nabu began a community action project.

Goals & Approach

The goal of the project is to encourage community engagement in conservation efforts in the Kafa Biosphere Reserve while also contributing to secure livelihoods and resilient agriculture in the communities. Over the years Nabu established a range of programs related to this project, including a rangers program, a climate adaptive agricultural program, a community-led biodiversity monitoring campaign, and a participatory forest managemetn initiative. 

Reported Takeaway

In 2019, Nabu and the local communities completed it second biodiversity assessment of the Kafa Biosphere reserve, which is accessible on the website. The program has also trained 30 rangers from local communities to assist in monitoring and protecting the reserve.