Ethiopia
The Resilience in Pastoral Areas South (RIPA South) project completed its fourth year of programming in Ethiopia. The five-year initiative, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development, is helping to address many of the root causes of vulnerability for pastoral communities and improve their ability to mitigate, adapt to and recover from conflict- and climate-related shocks and stressors.
In 2023, Global Communities continued to build upon and expand RIPA South’s successes across five zones in Ethiopia. Under the emergency response component of the project, we worked with local communities to restore water access, deliver cash assistance to households in need, and provide veterinary care to livestock.
"No milk, no meat, no water, no food in the house. I do not want to remember that again. … Thank you all who supported us during this hard time."
Kula
RIPA South program participant
We also launched an initiative in several communities to restore rangeland through regenerative grazing. Pastoralists were trained to adopt a grazing strategy that promotes soil regeneration and fertility enhancement through the animals’ hoof movements and waste. The regeneration of the degraded grazing lands, restoration of moisture in the soil and newly sprouted healthy grasses indicate that this new approach has great potential for expansion due to its success.
"The fodder helped me to mitigate the drought. I am able to feed my child and myself during the drought season."
Lokody
RIPA South program participant
Additionally, we established partnerships with nine private sector entities that created important linkages with young adults transitioning out of pastoralism to help diversify job opportunities. Through these new relationships, individuals received coaching, support and cost-sharing as they pursued sustainable alternative business ventures.
Notable Numbers
Transitioning out of Pastoralism (ToPs) participants who received business development and value chain group formation training, so together they could pursue economic activities such as livestock fattening and trade, beekeeping and commercial fodder production
New pastoralist households trained to utilize the AfriScout mobile application to better plan and coordinate grazing and share geo-located alerts among others
New Women Empowered savings groups established through RIPA South to promote financial inclusion and the social and economic empowerment of women
Community members, leaders and government experts trained in regenerative grazing techniques, which promotes sustainable livestock and agricultural management
Family Health groups formed to promote good household nutrition and hygiene behaviors