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Meeting the needs of the community in Ethiopia
In the last year, as in previous years, frequent droughts have wreaked havoc in Semu Robi, Ethiopia, and led to outbreaks of both human and livestock diseases. Drought has also resulted in a reduction of grazing land and access to water for livestock. As the health of the communities’ livestock diminishes, people are facing an uphill struggle to earn a living from livestock sales and many people are under huge pressure to feed their families.
Farm Africa’s project is community led, so when communities told us that they were interested in addressing their water issues over and above anything else, we listened. Amongst other things, the project has started to improve access to water in the district.
Farm Africa is currently constructing a water point in one of the worst affected areas; Semu Kedebura which, when completed will benefit 120 households.
Two water points have already been constructed in nearby Harehamo Hamerrgera, enabling communities to access water for their animals and for human consumption for 2-3 months in the dry seasons and benefitting 75 households.
As well as improving access to water, Farm Africa is working with women in the area to enable them to diversify their income when livestock production is decreased during periods of drought.
Last year, four new women’s economic groups were set up in the district. In total, 80 women were given training in basic business management and given a loan of ETB 1500 (around £70) each. They used the money to start their own small businesses trading local commodities. Once the women started to earn an income from their new business they repaid the loan and used the rest of their income to provide food for their families.
In response to the current drought, livestock drugs and vaccines were distributed to the community through Farm Africa’s network of trained Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) in the region. As a result around 2,300 households benefited from their services and thousands of animals were vaccinated against diseases.
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