Ethiopia is working aggressively to combat desertification and ensure sustainable development, Agriculture State Minister, Sileshi Getahun said.
A two-day first steering committee meeting is underway to support the implementation of the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and the Sahel Initiative (GGWSSI).
The Ethiopian Government and the African Union Commission (AUC) hosted the meeting which is underway in Addis Ababa.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting on Monday, the State Minister said about 12 – 15 percent of Ethiopians are living in typical arid and semi – arid areas.
He said efforts are underway to combat desertification in Ethiopia by offering high potential for sustained and integrated development of agriculture and forestry, among others.