FAO Initiates Distribution of Improved Seeds and Livestock Vaccinations in Northern Ethiopia
The “Emergency Livelihood Support for Conflict-Affected Households in Afar and Amhara regions’’ project aims at assisting farmers and pastoralists whose lives were impacted by the conflict in northern Ethiopia.
17 November 2023, Addis Ababa – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Government of Japan, has launched a crucial initiative aimed at providing support to farmers and pastoralists affected by the conflict in northern Ethiopia. The project, titled "Emergency Livelihood Support for Conflict-Affected Households in Afar and Amhara Regions," seeks to mitigate the impact of the conflict and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities.
Supported by a generous funding of USD 1.5 million from the Japanese Government, the one-year project has been implemented by FAO and its local stakeholders. Its primary objective is to improve food security, nutrition, and income stability for conflict-affected households in the Afar and Amhara Regions of Ethiopia.
As part of the project, FAO has commenced the distribution of improved seeds and tools in the Amhara Region, as well as the vaccination of livestock in the Afar Region. These interventions will directly benefit 6,750 households in selected Woredas of the Amhara Region, who will receive improved seeds of cereals such as wheat, Teff, and sorghum, as well as legumes like mung beans and vegetables including sweet potatoes and onions. Additionally, 1.4 million small ruminants (sheep and goats) for trypanosomiasis and cattle 400,000 cattle for Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) belonging to 50,000 agropastoral households in the most affected Woredas of the Afar Region will receive vital vaccinations and treatments against various diseases.
The project also encompasses income-generating activities designed to support 250 women organized under 10 women groups/cooperatives in crop and livestock-related businesses. Furthermore, 335 extension workers will undergo capacity-building training to strengthen their ability to provide effective support to the affected communities.
To monitor the progress of the initiative, a high-level joint mission led by Farayi Zimudzi, FAO's Representative in Ethiopia, and H.E. Ito Takako, the Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia, visited the animal vaccination center in the Adaár Woreda of the Afar Region today.
“Adaár woreda is not only affected by the impacts of rounds of the conflict between the neighbouring region but also from upsurge of Desert Locust and droughts during the last three years,” said Abdu Mehammed on the event, a Clan Leader of the Adaár district area. According to the community leader, livestock diseases, shortage of water and animal feed are among the crucial problems of that need urgent support.
During the visit, Farayi Zimudzi emphasized FAO's longstanding partnership with the Afar region in agropastoral development. This partnership has encompassed a range of activities, including veterinary services, training programs on livestock disease control and eradication, strengthening of veterinary infrastructure, promotion of improved livestock feeds, development of water points, introduction of dryland farming techniques, provision of improved seeds, and desert locust prevention and control, among others.
Zimudzi expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan and Ambassador Ito for their continuous unwavering support and invaluable partnership as FAO strives to develop the agriculture sector in Ethiopia, particularly in the Afar region. She continued, "It's unfortunate that many shocks and crises continue to happen, and FAO, in collaboration with its partners, will continue to focus on supporting the community to maintain existing internal resources for strengthening resilience to such shocks sustainably."
H.E. Ito Takako stated, "I wish that this project will help avoid the threat of a sudden loss of livestock, improve the livelihoods of as many people as possible, and bring much hope, many smiles, and increased wealth. I firmly believe that this project will be remembered as a symbol of the enhanced friendly relationship between the people of Japan and the people of Ethiopia."
With full recognition to the Japanese government's support through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) during the last ten years, Golbe Sile Golbe, Secretary Head of the President Office, assured the delegation about the positive outcome of the project. He said, "The project will have a significant contribution to recovering from the impact of the recent conflict, especially rehabilitating the livestock sector, the key livelihoods of the Afar pastoralists."
For media inquiries, please contact:
Meseret Abiy
National Communications Specialist, Addis Ababa
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +251 11 647 8888; Mobile: +251 911 161702
Twitter: @FAOEthiopia
Sakoume Dejere
Coordinator of Press and Culture
Embassy of Japan
[email protected]
Mobile: +251 911 753486
Demeke Atlaw (Dr)
Emergency Livelihoods Coordinator
[email protected]
Phone: +251 11 647 8888; Mobile: +251 911 834531
Twitter: @FAOEthiopia