PROGRAMS
BACKGROUND
In Western Ethiopia schools are situated on large plots on land that must be kept maintained for the schools to retain the space. Agriculture is the main source of income for over 75 percent of Ethiopians. Western Ethiopia is a certified rainforest receiving over 90 inches of rainfall per year. Because of the abundant and consistent rainfall this region is one of the few regions on earth that can grow avocado and other fruit trees without any irrigation. Smallholder farmers, who collectively supply most of the food, are resourceful in the face of challenges but need new options for sustainably producing and selling a wide array of agricultural products. Currently the average farmer, if he or she has avocado trees, only has 4 on their property and they are low-yielding varieties. We hope to utilize schools to plant fruit trees to be the epicenter of one solution to the countless challenges our planet faces.
OUR STRATEGY
First we identify schools that we see as potential partners through local connections in the region. We sit down with the school leadership and discuss their land, their plans, and our expertise. After these conversations we develop a unique project proposal for each partner school. We take this plan back to the school leadership and hone a final, collaborative plan. Then we work.
First the land must be cleared of any underbrush. Then we prepare the area. That can be building a fence to stop pesky goats and local antelopes from getting in at night or selecting locations for the seedling about every meter and and a half. Next we bring the seedlings in from our nursery. A day of collaborative work ensues with Maati Koo employees, and school volunteers planting hundreds of seedlings in the prepared locations.
AFTER THE PLANTING
Once the seedlings have been established the work is not complete. Maati Koo provides training and support to the already established green club. Students in the green club get training from Maati Koo and interns from Mettu University. These students get fruit and seedlings to bring back to their homes and utilize their skills and knowledge in their own context.
The schools also receive monthly visits from Maati Koo for the first year to make sure the
seedlings are doing well.
PARTNERSHIP
Mobilizing partnerships is a core value of Maati Koo. Since inception collaboration with local stakeholders has been pivotal to the success of the organization. Nothing would be possible without the support of partner schools that implement our programming. Additionally the input and support of Mettu University has been crucial to the expansion and growth of our organization. As we move forward we will continue to prioritize partners and their input
BENEFITS
Maati Koo plants papaya, avocado, and banana trees on school grounds. Once these trees produce fruit there are immense benefits for the schools and students. The direct impacts are students are able to bring fruit home and increase their access to nutrition. Indirect impacts are lower class sizes because the schools sell the excess fruit increasing the school budget and their ability to hire teachers. Schools also create their own nursery with the abundant seeds and sell those seedlings to local farmers
The schools also receive monthly visits from Maati Koo for the first year to make sure the
seedlings are doing well.
One Pack Challenge
The One Pack Challenge is our goal to provide one pencil and one exercise book to as many primary and secondary school students in Western Ethiopia.