Food security in Gurage

An integrated approach can turn a lack of food around and build food-secure communities who have diverse and nutritious food to eat, can make an income, can access clean water and who can protect their environment.

Without enough food
High on the edge of the Gurage Mountains is a community of around 5,000 people who depend on the land for their survival. Although remote and beautiful, this pocket of Ethiopia also suffers from severe soil degradation and erosion. The deforestation of some of the last remaining ancient forest in the region, along with the effects of climate change, mean the land here can no longer support the demands of the population. Food production has decreased and erosion has meant water sources are silted and depleted.

Without the ability to farm, 75 percent of men are forced to leave their homes and families to find work in the cities. Women are left to care for children and grow the food, placing an enormous burden on them.

Strengthening the Gurage community
Action Ethiopia is working with the women and young people left behind in Gurage, as well as the few men who have stayed. Harnessing local Indigenous knowledge and seeking active participation from the community, we are working to develop tree nurseries and seedlings for fuel and to help regenerate the depleting forests.

We are also working with local farmers to conserve and restore water sources, improve land for crop production and diversify crops for better food security and nutrition. We are also developing alternative enterprises, such as raising chickens, that will contribute to income and family nutrition.

How you can help
You can make a donation and help the women and young people of Gurage create strong and prosperous communities for the future.