Ethiopia crisis: protecting futures in times of emergency

Farmers in Ethiopia are facing extreme drought for a third consecutive year.

They are at risk of losing everything.

But this is one crisis that has not been making the headlines in a year of global turmoil.

The Horn of Africa has been facing the worst drought in over 40 years. Every day, vulnerable families who rely on their land to survive are losing crops and livestock. Malnutrition in children has now reached alarming levels. It is incredibly worrying and Ethiopian farmers have been among the hardest hit.

Over the past few years, many communities have had to look on in despair as vital water sources dried up.

Farm Africa is no stranger to drought. With almost 40 years of experience our teams are on the ground and ready to help ensure farmers grow sustainable businesses that can survive a crisis.

Aisha, a maize farmer from Ethiopia, learnt to diversify her farming thanks to support from Farm Africa:

“Growing vegetables was not customary in our village, but Farm Africa’s team told us to try. Now, after being taught by Farm Africa, we started to grow veggies and recognise the benefits. I grow them in my backyard. I use some to feed my family, and sell some for profit. With that advice, I was able to tolerate the effects of the drought.” – Aisha.
Farmer,

Mohammed Nur, is also based in Ethiopia and commented:

“Farm Africa gave us training on how to increase crop and vegetable production by managing resources properly. We received farming tools, seeds of maize, onion and watermelon. If Farm Africa was not here for us, my family wouldn’t have food. I am very grateful for that, it is life-saving.”

While farmer, Mohammed Hassen, explained the importance of building resilience to climate change, “We need to stand together and work hard for a long-lasting solution [to climate change]. I would like to thank Farm Africa. It is doing great, encouraging and training people to use compost. I know the effort will be fruitful soon. Thanks to them, we also now have land, we have irrigation water, we have a solar pump and we can produce in bulk.”

Whether they grow carrots, corn or green beans, your support could help farmers to build resilient businesses that can support their families’ futures. So that, even if the rains fail, their businesses won’t.

Make a donation to Farm Africa at www.farmafrica.org

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