874 million hectares of Africa’s land is considered suitable for agricultural production. Of this, 83% has serious fertility limitations. In many regions of Ethiopia, particularly in and around Lake Hawassa, soil degradation and damage to natural resources caused by climate change is threatening farmers’ livelihoods and affecting long term food security.
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) helps farmers to manage their resources in ways which protect ecosystems and reduce agriculture’s contribution to climate change. By promoting new methods and technologies, this project will also help to build resilience against future changes in weather patterns.
CSA also aims to help farmers boost their profits, supporting business growth and the development of stronger value chains. By promoting diversification and the growth of cash crops such as haricot beans, this project will encourage agricultural intensification which is both profitable and environmentally friendly.
We’re working with 40,485 households, with a particular focus on women, children and landless youth.
This project is funded by Irish Aid, and jointly managed by a consortium of four NGOs: SOS Sahel Ethiopia, Farm Africa, Self Help Africa and Vita.