Livelihoods & Agriculture
Supporting sustainable livelihoods, food security, climate-resilient agriculture, and women's economic empowerment.
Program Overview
HEAL Ethiopia's Livelihoods & Agriculture program aims to improve food security, increase household income, and build resilience to economic and environmental shocks among vulnerable communities across Ethiopia.
We recognize that sustainable livelihoods are essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling families to meet their basic needs, invest in their children's education, and build assets for the future.
Our approach integrates agricultural production, market development, financial inclusion, and women's economic empowerment, tailored to the specific contexts and needs of the communities we serve.
Key Interventions
Our comprehensive approach addresses the multiple dimensions of sustainable livelihoods.
Sustainable Agriculture
- Climate-smart agricultural practices
- Improved seeds and techniques
- Small-scale irrigation systems
- Post-harvest handling and storage
Financial Inclusion
- Village Savings and Loan Associations
- Microfinance linkages
- Financial literacy training
- Business planning and management
Women's Economic Empowerment
- Women's self-help groups
- Income-generating activities
- Market linkages and value chains
- Leadership and negotiation skills
Success Story: Fatuma's Journey
Fatuma Ahmed, a 35-year-old mother of four from Oromia Region, joined one of our women's self-help groups in 2019. Prior to joining, her family relied solely on her husband's small income from seasonal farming.
Through the self-help group, Fatuma received training in business skills and financial literacy. She accessed a small loan to start a poultry business, beginning with just 10 chickens.
Today, Fatuma has expanded her business to include 50 chickens and has diversified into vegetable gardening using improved techniques learned through our agricultural training program. Her monthly income has tripled, enabling her to pay for her children's education and contribute to household expenses.
"The skills and confidence I gained through this program have changed my life. I am now a businesswoman and can provide for my family. My husband respects my contribution, and we now make decisions together," says Fatuma.
