Empowering Vulnerable Rural Households: Building Climate Resilience and Food Security

Building Resilience and Food Security in Wag-Himra

Food security and resilience is one of Helvetas Ethiopia's main priority areas. We strengthen community institutions and service providers, support agriculture and food security, and promote local economic development through market system development and climate change adaptation. 

Households residing within target woredas of Wag-Himra belong to one of the key external threats to the rural community relate to the environment, specifically an extended occurrence of drought and erratic rainfall which could negatively affect the environmental rehabilitation and food security situation. The community is highly affected by climate change and is food in secured for the past 50 years.

Wag-Himra Climate Adaptation and Rural Development (WH-CARD II)  project tried to address those challenges through a food systems lens and in the framework of Climate Adaptation. The projects supported food systems change for more resilient, sustainable and inclusive food system at kebele and woreda level through capacitating the government institutions and strengthening the community-based organizations.  

The project is also contributing to an improved access to high-quality seeds for nutritious crops and to improved livestock verities. Furthermore, farmers receive training in applying innovative climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices. All those efforts allow households to increase the sustainable production of nutritious crops and to increase their resilience to climate change effects.  It also capacitates primary stakeholders particularly women through women sensitive Income Generating Activities(IGAs), Person With Disabilities(PWDs) and youth to engage in viable business like small and medium enterprises. Last, but not least, by working closely supporting for the sustainable management of natural resource of the community, creating Gender and Social Equity (GSE) awareness for the broader community through social analysis and action tool and partner policy dialogue. 

Results

•   Access to Improved Nutritious Seeds: 2,829 households received nutritious, drought-tolerant crop varieties on 1,424 hectares, yielding a production of 16,710 quintals of pearl millet and mung bean.

• Increased production through engagement in Perma Gardening: Perma gardening was implemented with 436 households for the consecutive 2023-2024 years, resulting in an average production of 60 quintals of garlic per individual. Notably, Yemata Sisay produced 65 quintals of garlic, generating an income of 16,250 ETB. The adoption of perma garden agricultural practices has spread to areas beyond the initial target areas, leading the community to recognize the technology's benefits for households in improving nutritional value, generating income, and enhancing overall livelihoods with minimal space.

• Enhanced Livestock Management: 2,385 improved chicken varieties, 48 goats, and 20 sheep were provided to households, leading to significant genetic improvements and expanded reach.

• Adoption of Alternative Energy Sources: 40 women adopted local energy-saving stoves, reducing wood consumption by 25-30%.

• Enhanced IGA Skills: 1,640 SHG members, including 761 women, youth, and PWD, received IGA training and launched viable businesses with a loan of 157,000 Birr.

• Youth Empowerment: 64 youths benefitted from sustainable business opportunities through the establishment of 13 small and medium enterprises, contributing to employment and economic growth in the region.