Ethiopia
We have been working in Ethiopia since March 2006 and have had a huge impact on thousands of the poorest families.
We have a proven integrated approach which incorporates gender and social development, farming systems and enterprise development with rural farmers. We have experienced staff based in projects as well as in the Head Office in Addis Ababa.
The majority of the country’s population lives in highland areas and survives on smallholder farming. This is what makes Ripple Effect’s work so vital. Changing weather patterns leave families extremely vulnerable and in a cycle of poverty they are unable to escape. Low productivity leads to chronic food insecurity.
Click on the icons to find out more about each project.
Strengthening Local Institutions - Dawro, Ethiopia
Vulnerable families in Ethiopia experience high levels of poverty and malnutrition, resulting in 40% of children being stunted. This project targets young women and children to reach those most in need, whilst also engaging the wider community.
This project will build on the previously implemented Improved Nutrition for Children and Women (IN) Project (Jan 2018 – Feb 2021) developing 180 existing Self Help Groups into 30 strong Cluster Level Associations (CLAs), supporting establishment of businesses and social enterprises, improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation, gender and social inclusion and natural resource management.
Improved Livelihood through Equine Welfare in Dawro, Ethiopia
Farmers attend different livelihood development training, becoming model change agents in their communities demonstrating that healthy equines make a positive contribution to their livelihoods. They will become advocates for improved equine management and build their capacity by participating in experience-sharing visits and learning about forage varieties for improved feeding.
Dairy for Nutrition and Income - Wolayita, Ethiopia
The project’s objective is to improve nutrition and income for smallholder farmers, through increases in the productivity of indigenous breeds, enhanced skills of local community enterprises trading dairy foods, and the regeneration of degraded land. Farmers will be taught natural resource management techniques, to support sustainable dairy production while enhancing local landscapes.
Developing Business Women in Kutaber District, Northern Ethiopia
This project will deliver training, helping women to improve the quality and quantity of food produced from their farms, and sell the surplus at market. Addressing gender inequalities helps women to increase their influence over decision-making, increasing their control over assets.
Grass for Cash - Awassa, Ethiopia
This project will train farmers in new technologies to improve livestock fodder and sustainable land management. More than 2500 households will be able to use their land and income more efficiently through improved fodder on their farms. Improved feeding options will mean an increase in livestock productivity (meat or milk) so farmers will be able to sell more produce at market.
Improved Livelihood of smallholder farmers - Bensa, Ethiopia
Bensa is one of the most densely populated districts in Sidma. Sidam is a major coffee growing area and most residents are smallholder farmers with an average farm size of just 0.3ha. This project will work with vulnerable coffee producers offering training and skills development in gender and social inclusion, low-input agriculture and farm systems and small scale business and enterprise development.
“When I saw the first harvest, particularly the cabbages, I was very proud and happy and my first thought to myself was where would I find a market for it as I had so much.”
