The civil war in Ethiopia led to more than 61,000 Tigrayans to flee to the Sudan as refugees. Many are internally displaced. The people left their villages and towns in Tigray due to the war that started on Nov 4 2020. Many refugees report they left their homes unplanned due to bombardment and attack on the life of their loved ones. Many families are separated and are stressed due to the traumatic experiences. There are children with no parents. The project plans to improve their resilience.
On November 4, 2020, Ethiopia sent troops to the Tigray state to capture its leaders. The war that included infantry, planes, drones and militia led to the creation of international and domestic refugees. The refugees experienced trauma due to seeing some one being killed, being bombarded by heavy weapons and the separation of loved ones. The CRC reports that some of the refugees had wounds due to knife attack. There is a need to improve their resilience in coping to the stressful experience.
Research show that gardening connects the refugees with nature and also help them get quick nutritious food. It would also give them a purpose. Skills in sustainable gardening will be useful when they return to their villages. After conducting needs assessment, we will assess the potential for small gardens around the refugee camps. Trainers will be identified and trained in fast and sustainable vegetable production including micro-greens. This will be done in a pilot project near the camps.
The long-term impact of the project is to provide them with skills of sustainability when they return home. The educational component of the participants will benefit them when they eventually return to their homes. The education is useful and practical and will contribute environmental sustainability in their villages. The project will reduce the negative refugee experience. They will set up sustainable gardening and land management in their home villages and lead sustainable farming.
