Growing Olive Trees, Restoring Landscapes, and Empowering Communities

The Lalibela Olive Tree Project is a long-term initiative made up of several complementary projects designed to promote sustainable olive cultivation, environmental conservation, agricultural research, and community development in the Lalibela region of Ethiopia. Each project contributes to the overall vision of creating a thriving olive industry while improving livelihoods and protecting the natural environment.

Olive Variety Research Project

The project began with scientific trials to identify olive varieties that could successfully adapt to the climate and soils of Lalibela. Since 2003, several European olive varieties have been tested and monitored to evaluate their growth, productivity, and resistance to local conditions. The success of these trials has provided a strong foundation for expanding olive cultivation throughout the region.

Olive Nursery Development Project

Producing healthy and high-quality seedlings is essential for the long-term success of olive cultivation. The nursery project focuses on propagating selected olive varieties and supplying farmers, schools, institutions, and community groups with vigorous young trees. It also serves as a training centre where visitors learn modern nursery management techniques.

Community Plantation Project

The Community Plantation Project encourages farmers and households to establish olive orchards on farmland, around homes, and in community spaces. By increasing the number of olive trees planted each year, the project helps improve food security, create future income opportunities, and strengthen environmental conservation.

Farmer Training and Capacity Building Project

Knowledge is key to sustainable agriculture. This project provides practical training in olive tree planting, irrigation, pruning, pest management, harvesting, and orchard maintenance. Workshops, field demonstrations, and technical support help farmers develop the skills needed to manage productive and sustainable olive plantations.

Environmental Restoration Project

Olive trees play an important role in restoring degraded landscapes. Through large-scale tree planting and sustainable land management practices, the project helps reduce soil erosion, improve biodiversity, conserve water resources, and increase carbon storage. These efforts contribute to a healthier environment and greater resilience to climate change.

Research and Innovation Project

The project works with universities, agricultural experts, and research institutions to improve cultivation methods and identify the best olive varieties for Ethiopian conditions. Continuous research supports innovation, productivity, and the long-term sustainability of the country’s emerging olive sector.

Olive Processing Development Project

As olive production increases, the project aims to establish facilities for processing table olives and producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This stage will create local employment, increase the value of harvested olives, and support the growth of Ethiopia’s olive industry.

Partnership and Development Project

Strong partnerships are essential for achieving lasting success. The project actively collaborates with government institutions, development organisations, research centres, NGOs, universities, private companies, and international partners. Together, these collaborations strengthen technical expertise, mobilise resources, and support the continued expansion of olive cultivation in Lalibela.

Looking to the Future

The Lalibela Olive Tree Project continues to expand through innovation, collaboration, and community participation. Every project contributes to a shared vision of transforming Lalibela into a leading centre for sustainable olive cultivation while creating lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits for Ethiopia.