The project Establishing Transformative Learning, Research and Community outreach and Capacities in Agroecology | LINK started in May 2024, has made important progress in improving Agroforestry (AF) education and practices in Ethiopia. Coordinated through Bahir Dar University (BDU), the project promotes sustainable food systems, inclusive learning, and academic collaboration.

The year began with a well-attended launching workshop, bringing together representatives from universities, research institutions, government offices, NGOs, and farming communities. This event established a strong foundation for the project’s activities and stakeholder collaboration.

To increase outreach and transparency, the team developed a dedicated project website hosted by BDU. It offers access to project goals, team roles, FACT sheets, and key documents, while also serving as a communication platform for team members. The website can be accessed at BDU APPEAR LINK Project.

A major milestone was the first stakeholders’ workshop, which gathered key partners from education, disability, and gender sectors. The primary aim was to collect relevant data for the AF curriculum revision process and to establish a functional stakeholder platform for ongoing collaboration.The team identified ten Farmer Family Learning Groups (FFLGs), ensuring inclusive representation of gender and disability. These groups are now preparing for hands-on Agroecological (AE) training and food sovereignty practices to be launched in the coming months.

On the academic front, the team published a review paper titled “The Contributions of Agroforestry to Achieve Food and Livelihood Security in Ethiopian Agricultural Community: A Comprehensive Review.” This publication offers valuable insight into the intersection of agroforestry, food systems, and rural livelihoods and can be accessed via this link.
Regular internal meetings—held weekly or bi-weekly—have ensured continuous progress and strong communication. Meeting outcomes are systematically documented and made available to the project team via the website.

The project coordinator has successfully followed up with an APPEAR-funded PhD student, who signed an agreement to return to BDU after completing his studies. This agreement is documented at the University’s Human Resources office, ensuring the commitment to serve the institution post-graduation.
With a firm commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and academic rigor, the APPEAR project LINK is making meaningful strides toward transforming agroforestry education and enhancing food security in Ethiopia.