Providing food security in drought-stricken communities

The Hamer Woreda in South Omo Zone has been plagued by drought, resulting in the loss of more than 40,000 livestock in the last year alone in the woreda. Asile Kebele, known for chronic shortage of water, is among the worst affected by the drought.

Aiming to reduce vulnerability and restore livelihoods, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, in partnership with the Austrian Red Cross and with support from Austrian Development Cooperation, is helping to restock the livestock in the community, distributing 2,100 goats to the worst drought affected households of Asile Kebele. A total of 350 households are each being given 6 goats – 5 female and 1 male.

According to Ato Tilahun Bishaw, ERCS South Omo Zone Branch Manager, female headed households, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable groups were prioritized for the distribution. “According to this criteria we discuss with the community and the community leaders agree ‘yes they are eligible for these 6 goats’.”

Dayna Argere, a widow with six children, lost her husband during a conflict with neighbouring communities over grazing land. Dayna is among the many who suffered from the damage during the drought season and received goats during the recent distribution. “I am so grateful for the Ethiopian Red Cross giving me the six goats. I have nobody who supported me before. I will definitely take good care of the goats. I want them to reproduce so that I will keep the females for their milk and sell the male goats to meet other challenges in the house”, said Dayna.

The selection of goats which are in good health and meet the requirement of breeding performance are among the preconditions set by the Red Cross. Each goat is veterinary checked, vaccinated and tagged before handing them over to the community members.

With the aim of boosting food security and improving nutrition, in addition to the goats, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and Austrian Red Cross have also distributed 3,000 moringa plants to the Hamer community. These fast-growing, drought-resistant trees are able to thrive in arid environments, providing a versatile and nutritious food source throughout the year. Moringa trees have been used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing mothers, as the seed pods and leaves are consumed as vegetables and many parts of the tree are utilized in traditional herbal medicine. Additionally, moringa is used as forage for livestock, ensuring that there is also a sustainable source of food for the goats.

Tilahun Bishaw said that the distribution has been important in ensuring food security and protecting the livelihoods of the Hamer community, stating “The community will now restock and their lifestyle for the next coming years will improve. The community and Red Cross they are now family because of this project.”