Ambassador Jens-Petter Kjemprud, president of the Tigray Regional State Tsegay Berhe and Deputy Director General Hans Jacob Frydenlund.At a meeting with the president of Tigray Regional State, Tsegay Berhe, Norway was thanked for its longstanding and vital partnership with the region, particularly its support to REST through the Norwegian Development Fund (DF) and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA). - REST is a critical partner in the region, president Tsegay said, and we can clearly see the positive effects by improved livelihoods and increased food production.
A REST watershed project started in 2003 made a particular impression on the delegation.REST has since 1978 been a grass-root organisation committed to bring sustainable change and improve food security in Tigray, focusing on the most degraded and vulnerable areas through natural resource management (water resource management; water supply and irrigation) and livelihood programmes. Currently REST is in a three year agreement till 2011 with the Development Fund, an extension of previous agreements.
The delegation visited several REST project sites in the Wukro area and projects supported by NCA. A REST watershed project started in 2003 made a particular impression on the delegation, with results such as tackling erosion, solving conflict between communities and leading to increased food production. A triangular cooperation between universities in Norway, Tigray and India has contributed with exchange of experiences and expertise on watershed. Visits to a irrigation project for agriculture, a NCA supported beehive project and a milk cooperative were also facilitated by REST staff.
- It is very positive to see the focus on ownership and participation by local communities in the projects. Shared responsibility between the local government, organisations and the communities is essential for long-term developmental benefits, ambassador Kjemprud said.
Mr. Frydenlund, visiting Tigray for the first time, found it impressive to see the positive consequences of REST projects. -This shows us that the support of Norwegian NGOs has great impacts on the development in Tigray. REST’s work is an inspirational example and shows that improvement and change is possible also in areas where conditions are challenging.
A REST irrigation project in Wukro area. Photo: Camilla S. Hansen