Strengthening climate resilience in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. The residents in Dodota and Ziway Dugda districts have been grappling with the profound impacts of climate change due to lack of sustainable forest management and insufficient ability to adapt to climate changes.

To mitigate this, GN Ethiopia implemented a Climate Change Response Project to support and empower 4,296 people in strengthening their capacity to respond to climate change.

In 2022, four Climate Change Response Committees (CCRC) were established, with 36 committee members trained in leadership and forest management. The project involved providing agricultural input loans for climate change adaptation, and the lead farmers’ workshop delivered agricultural knowledge and new agricultural practices to the farmers. A remarkable outcome of 95% increased in agricultural productivity through the training and the use of better seeds.

GN Ethiopia extended its transformative impact to 800 members of farm associations, equipping them with essential climate-smart agricultural related information and techniques. The four GN Ethiopia farmer training centers served as the conduits for this vital knowledge transfer, enabling these communities to adapt more effectively to the ever-changing climate.

In a bid to rehabilitate the region’s greenery and foster climate resilience, a tree planting campaign was conducted where 50,000 trees were rooted across the forested areas, breathing new life into the environment. Additionally, 12,000 fruit seedlings were distributed among local farmers and vegetable groups to increase food security and augment their income. A seedling nursery group was established, adding a dimension of sustainability to thier livelihoods.

One resident of the district shared, “This is the first time that a large number of people planted in one day. We hope the seedlings will grow, and there will be a change in the climate condition in our area.”

Crucially, this intervention encompasses efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and deter destructive logging practices of the communities. To further enhance their daily lives, 729 energy-efficient stoves were distributed, found to be immensely beneficial in reducing environmental impact and enhancing everyday activities.

In the area greatly affected by climate change, the GN Ethiopia’s Climate Change Response Project stands as a beacon of hope and transformation, offering a glimpse of a brighter, more resilient communities in the future.