Gardens Give Hope, Health, and Income in E. Africa

Imagine a land where relentless droughts grip the earth, followed by sudden, devastating floods. This is the harsh reality for farmers in Burji, Ethiopia, one of the country's most remote regions. Here, communities are facing both ends of a harsh reality that has been imposed upon them in recent years because of climate change. One season they suffer drought, and then next there's too much rainfall. They face a constant struggle to survive, their traditional ways challenged by a rapidly changing climate.

A Tale of Two Threats:

• Crippling Droughts: Burji endures long periods with little to no rainfall, baking the land and leaving crops parched. This lack of water jeopardizes food security and pushes communities to the brink of hunger. Last year, after 3 consecutively failed rainy seasons, hundreds of thousands of livestock died to dehydration and malnutrition, and communities were worried the malnutrition would hit them next.

• Destructive Floods: Finally at the end of last year, the rains finally did come, and there was a succesful harvest, leaving communities hopeful that they had weathered through a rare drought season. But this year, in late March, when the rains came again, celebration turned to worry. Flash floods swept across the landscape, destroying crops, homes, and infrastructure. These unpredictable downpours leave a trail of devastation in their wake.

The harsh reality of both intermittent floods and droughts poses a significant challenge to food security and livelihoods. We realize that we must build resilience on both ends. Seed Programs International (SPI) and local partner Grow East Africa are working together to empower Burji's farmers in this seemingly impossible situation. Their project tackles both ends of the climate spectrum, and currently works directly with 410 households, impacting over 2,000 individuals. Through a comprehensive approach, the program aims to:

• Increase Agricultural Knowledge: Farmers are equipped with essential skills and knowledge to improve their agricultural practices. This empowers them to make informed decisions and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

• Reduce Hunger and Diversify Diets: The project promotes the production of a wider variety of nutritious crops, ensuring a more balanced and healthy diet for families.

• Climate-Smart Technologies: A crucial element is the introduction and utilization of climate-smart technologies. This includes water storage solutions, irrigation systems, solar power, and pump technology. These tools empower farmers to adapt to both droughts and floods, increasing their resilience in the face of climate change.

• Drought mitigation and flood preparedness: Farmers are trained in water-saving techniques like conservation agriculture and equipped with drought-resistant seeds. We are now working together to develop flood-resistance infrastructure like adapted furrow irrigation systems and early warning systems. This allows farmers to anticipate floods and minimize damage to their crops and livelihoods.

Beyond Survival: Building a Sustainable Future:

This project isn't just about surviving the next drought or flood. It's about building long-term resilience and empowering Burji's communities to thrive. By equipping farmers with the knowledge, resources, and technology they need, SPI and Grow East Africa are helping them:

• Secure their food supply: Increased agricultural productivity ensures families have enough to eat, even during challenging times.

• Adapt to a changing climate: Farmers gain the skills and tools to navigate the unpredictable weather patterns brought on by climate change.

• Build a brighter future: The project fosters sustainable practices that protect the environment and ensure long-term food security for generations to come.

Your support helps us continue to adapt with our partners, iterating and innovating to respond to their changing needs. It's an ongoing struggle, but we know together we can stabilize communities and help them adapt to their changing realities. Thank you for your belief and support in our work, and more importantly, in the families that work hard to better their situations. Please share this report with someone you think might be interested, and encourage them to become a recurring monthly donor. It is these donations that make our work possible!

Imagine a vibrant tapestry of vegetables bursting with life in the heart of rural Kenya. This isn't just a picturesque scene; it's a reality for 432 farmers who are changing their lives and their communities, one delicious sprout at a time. In Kenya, we have partnered up with local organization, AMPATH, once again to equip farmers with important resources.

The 432 farmers are participants in a food security project that distributed a variety of vegetable seeds and provided crucial training and support. Before this project, many families struggled with limited dietary diversity and vulnerability to food insecurity. Staple crops, while providing energy, often lack the vital vitamins and minerals crucial for overall health. This is especially true in rural areas where access to diverse food sources can be limited.

The project armed them with seeds for collards, tomatoes, onions, peppers, coriander and cowpeas – all carefully chosen to thrive in the local climate. But knowledge is power, too. Farmers received training on sustainable practices, seed propagation, and pest management, specifically tailored to their new crops.

With the introduction of a variety of vegetables like the ones provided, these families are experiencing a nutritional revolution. These vegetables are powerhouses of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium, deficiencies of which are prevalent in many rural communities. Increased vegetable consumption translates to stronger immune systems, improved cognitive function, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

For children, the impact is even more profound. A diverse diet rich in vegetables ensures proper physical and mental development, setting the stage for a healthier and more productive future. The project isn't just filling plates; it's nurturing the next generation of empowered and resilient individuals.

So, the next time you bite into a fresh, crisp vegetable, remember the Kenyan farmers who are cultivating not just food, but resilience, health, and a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Remember that your support is allowing more mother and fathers the capacity to provide healthy food for their families.  And remember, vegetables aren't just a luxury; they're a vital weapon in the fight against malnutrition and a cornerstone of a healthy and secure future for all. 

We thank you for your support, and can’t wait to keep you posted on further updates from this project and others!