DMU: Debre Markos University urban greening project, which has launched with 1.7 Million ETB, benefits low income households of Debre Markos town.  The progress of the project has visited with the presence of Debre Markos University and Debre Markos town administration teams in the site, kebele 07.

The Director of Debre Markos University Community Service Directorate Dr. MihretAlemayehu states that the Urban Greening Project aims to feed low income householdsin improving their nutrition and getting income through small-scale urban farming.

In addition to this, Dr. Mihret explains that the Project enables beneficiaries to engage in poultry and vegetables production to compensate their life with the collaboration of the town^’s agricultural office and Debre Markos University. According to Dr. Mihretthe Project has shown a remarkable change that has to be strengthened in order to assure improvement on the life of members of the project. .

The project has launched having an ultimate objective to improve the life of needy people in the town by producing vegetables and other small scale urban farming within their limited area.

Debre Markos University Agriculture and Natural Resource college Instructor and Coordinator of the project Mr. Mengest  Belay,, on his part says that about 30 households are participating on  the project and producing different kinds of vegetables.

According to Mr. Mengest, the urban greening project helps people who are low income to improve their diet, to engage on one’s own work and to enhance the town beautification. One of the beneficiaries of the project Mrs. Beyenu  Amanu says that after being a member of the project she is delivering fresh vegetables to the community and earning about 500 birr per a week by selling vegetables that have been producing on a free space at home. Thus, it helps to strengthen her work.

Debre Markos Town Administration Agricultural and Environmental Conservation Land Administration Office Extension Agriculture Team LeaderMr. Belachew Moges, appreciates Debre Markos University for improving the lives of needy households and making them role models for others living in the town.

It is noted that Debre Markos University is working with the town^’s agriculture Office to address vegetable seedlings for those who will be members of the project.