Food Security

Aamiina*, a 33-year-old mother of eight children (three girls and five boys), lives in a remote village in the Somali region, an area described as one of the most drought-prone and flood-affected in Ethiopia. Over the years, her community has endured recurrent droughts, seasonal flooding, and other natural disasters, which have severely disrupted the livelihoods of families like hers. These frequent climate-related shocks have left many households, including Aamiina*’s, in a constant state of vulnerability, struggling to recover from the compounded impacts of environmental challenges. In response to these hardships, Aamiina*’s family was recently selected to participate in a fodder support program designed to enhance resilience amongst vulnerable households. As part of the initiative, families received improved Sudan grass seedlings which are drought-resistant and high-yield fodder seeds. With determination and hard work, Aamiina* and her family cultivated the seedlings on their farmland, covering approximately one hectare. After months of careful tending, they successfully harvested the fodder, which is now being used to nourish their livestock. This achievement not only ensures a stable feed source for their animals but also marks a critical step toward improving the family’s overall food security and resilience to future climate shocks. The support has gone beyond providing seedlings; it has equipped Aamiina* and her community with the knowledge and tools to adapt to climate challenges. Through training on sustainable agricultural practices and access to essential farming tools, families are now better prepared to withstand the impacts of droughts. The surplus fodder produced is not only used to feed livestock but is also sold to neighboring communities as an additional source of income. This economic boost has enabled families to invest in other livelihood activities, further strengthening their resilience. Looking ahead, Aamiina* hopes to expand her fodder production and to explore other sustainable agricultural practices. By doing so, she aims to further enhance her family’s livelihood by reducing its dependence on external aid. Through initiatives like this, vulnerable households are not only surviving climate shocks but are also thriving, hence paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.