Rooted in Ethiopia. Committed to its future.
We are an Ethiopian-led organisation with over two decades of experience integrating nature, people, and progress to create lasting impact.
An organisation born from Ethiopia's land and people.
MIDIR FUTURES is an Ethiopian-led nonprofit organisation dedicated to regenerating the environment and transforming rural livelihoods. We were founded on the conviction that environmental health and human wellbeing are inseparable — and that the communities most affected by environmental degradation must lead the work of restoration.
Since our founding in 2001, we have led national efforts in reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and rural innovation. Our programmes stand at the intersection of ecological restoration and social development, working across Ethiopia's varied landscapes and communities.
The name MIDIR FUTURES draws from ምድር (midir), the Amharic word for earth and land, combined with "Futures" — representing the long-term vision we hold for Ethiopia's people, communities, and natural environments.
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
To restore Ethiopia's natural environments and strengthen rural communities through integrated programmes in reforestation, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and community development — building futures that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially just.
Our Vision
An Ethiopia where restored landscapes sustain thriving communities — where every family has access to a healthy environment, a secure livelihood, and the tools and knowledge to steward their land for future generations.
Community First
Every programme is designed with, not for, the communities we serve. Local knowledge, participation, and ownership are non-negotiable.
Long-term Thinking
Restoration takes time. We make commitments measured in decades, not project cycles, and build relationships that outlast any single initiative.
Scientific Integrity
Our work is grounded in evidence. We monitor outcomes, learn from setbacks, and continuously improve our approaches based on what the data shows.
Transparency
We report honestly to our partners, donors, and communities. Impact is measured, documented, and shared — including the challenges and limitations.
Inclusion
Women, youth, and marginalised groups are central to our programmes. Environmental work only succeeds when it creates opportunities for everyone.
Systems Thinking
We address the root causes of environmental and social challenges — not just the symptoms — through integrated, multi-sector approaches.
Our approach to sustainable change
We combine environmental restoration with community development because lasting change requires both.
Integrated Programmes
We do not treat environmental and social challenges as separate problems. A reforestation initiative must also create livelihoods. An agricultural programme must also protect soil and water. Our work is designed to be mutually reinforcing across all intervention areas.
Community-Led Implementation
We train, equip, and support local teams, farmers' cooperatives, and community organisations to lead restoration and development work in their own areas. Dependency on external support diminishes over time as local capacity grows.
Learning and Adaptation
Ethiopia's environments and communities are diverse. We pilot approaches in specific contexts, monitor outcomes carefully, and adapt our methods based on what works. No single model is applied uniformly across all regions.
Strategic Partnerships
Our work is amplified through partnerships with government agencies, international development organisations, academic institutions, the private sector, and local civil society. We actively seek collaborators whose expertise and resources complement our own.
Innovation and Demonstration
Through flagship sites such as the Qatbare Smart Village, we demonstrate how solar energy, digital learning, permaculture, and community services can be integrated to create resilient rural environments that others can learn from and replicate.
Policy Engagement
We share field-level knowledge with policymakers and contribute to national dialogue on environmental policy, climate adaptation, and sustainable rural development — ensuring that what we learn on the ground informs broader systemic change.
Twenty-five years of growing impact
A brief look at our journey from grassroots beginnings to national-scale environmental restoration.
Organisation Founded
Established in Addis Ababa with a core focus on community-based reforestation and environmental education in degraded highland areas.
Scaling Reforestation
Expanded tree-planting programmes across multiple regions, establishing community nurseries and training local environmental stewards.
Sustainable Agriculture Integration
Launched farmer training programmes in climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, and cooperative development, reaching thousands of rural households.
Innovation and Partnerships
Developed the Qatbare Smart Village model integrating solar energy, digital education, and permaculture. Expanded national and international partnerships.
MIDIR FUTURES — A New Chapter
Continuing and deepening our integrated work in environmental restoration, community development, and sustainable livelihoods under the MIDIR FUTURES identity.
Leadership & Team
Our team comprises experienced ecologists, agronomists, community development specialists, and local field coordinators committed to long-term environmental and social change in Ethiopia. Detailed team profiles will be published here following internal review.
Work alongside us.
Whether you are an institutional partner, a researcher, or an individual supporter — there is a meaningful role for you in this work.