August 7, 2014
Ethiopia
At the beginning of 2014 Caritas Czech Republic started a project in Ethiopia with the goal to increase agricultural production, increase profitability of poor farmer’s fields and ensure sustainable access to water and other natural resources.
At the same time, inhabitants in three country kebeles (communities) in woredas (districts) of Kedida Gamela were to gain information on sustainable and diverse sources of income. Other organisations cooperating in the project included Caritas from Great Britain (CAFOD), Scotland (SCIAF), Ireland (Trócaire), local organisations and dioceses in Hosanna (ECC-AVH – Ethiopian Catholic Church, Apostolic Vicariate of Hosanna).
Life in Ethiopia is fundamentally dependent on the agriculture sector. For more than 80% of the population, their own agricultural production is the only source of living. Furthermore, the country is forced to deal with droughts on the one hand and floods on the other. These factors, together with increasing methods of using natural resources, limited access to high-quality agricultural equipment and outdated agricultural methods, lead to landslides and soil destruction. Many households are often in danger of not being able to secure enough food.
The woreda of Kedida Gamela belongs to the Ethiopian woredas, here the rainfall has been decreasing since 2011. This has had a hugely negative impact on the harvest and on the yields coming from farm production in general.
Caritas Czech Republic, in cooperation with its partners, will therefore educate local inhabitants, set up irrigation system and ensure effective use of agricultural methods. We will also deal with setting up effective water management systems in order to ensure sustainable access to water. We will further provide material support and training on basic business skills, which will help locals to find alternative sources of living and extend their income possibilities.
In August, a representative from Caritas Czech Republic will start working in Ethiopia in order to supervise the individual activities within the project financed by the Czech Development Agency. Our representative will also provide full support to the local partners and will make an effort to broaden cooperation in the area.
