Biodiversity conservation and resilient livelihoods in the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve

Farm Africa and the Environment and Coffee Forest Forum (ECFF) are working with communities in south-west Ethiopia to protect forests, strengthen women’s economic participation and increase incomes through sustainable practices, helping 24,000 households build resilient livelihoods.

The Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve is home to the world’s highest known genetic diversity of wild Arabica coffee and supports a rich variety of plants and wildlife.

Coffee provides around 70% of local household incomes, making the forest vital for both biodiversity and community wellbeing. However, unsustainable farming practices and population growth are driving the conversion of forests and wetlands into agricultural land.

The loss of these habitats is undermining essential ecosystem services such as water regulation and soil fertility, reducing agricultural productivity and farmers’ incomes.

To address these challenges, the project is helping communities take a leading role in protecting and restoring the landscape.

Community members are gaining skills in conservation, restoration and climate-smart agriculture. They are restoring degraded forests and wetlands while improving farm productivity in ways that protect biodiversity.

Young people are also taking part in school agriculture and eco-clubs, helping to build the next generation of environmental stewards and equipping them with skills for sustainable livelihoods.

The project also places a strong emphasis on women’s leadership and social inclusion, ensuring that women, young people, people with disabilities and marginalised groups have equitable access to opportunities, finance and decision-making.

This project is funded by Jersey Overseas Aid.