The Climate Smart Initiative (CSI) was launched in July 2013, as an adjunct to the existing Government of Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) and Household Asset Building Programme (HABP); two of the key mechanisms of the Government to tackle food security issues and related rural livelihoods strengthening.
CSI was designed to pilot approaches that consider climate change within this larger, established context, working within existing Government approaches and cycles. This Story of Change provides an example of how CSI has affected Ayale and Berlie, a married couple, with five children, living in Mesawenit got, kebele 02, in Tach Gayent woreda.
The changes started after Ayale attended the CVCA meetings and shared her findings with husband Berlie. Participation in the CVCA led to Ayale and the community becoming aware of climate change hazards and resolving to strengthen their response by planning new activities. What Ayale learnt through the CVCA was shared with her husband, leading to changes in household activities, such as constructing an additional water well, expanding their vegetable area and improving vegetable production, leading to enhanced family income. To further diversify their income, Berlie is now part of the CSI pilot ox-fattening enterprise. Ayale’s involvement in the CVCA and her new knowledge enabled her to participate more actively in household decision making, decisions that might in the past have been made by her husband alone.
Read the other stories of change:
Climate Smart Initiative Story of Change One: Hassna
Climate Smart Initiative Story of Change Two: Mesaye
Climate Smart Initiative Story of Change Four: Babeye Bantider, HABP Agribusiness Expert
Climate Smart Initiative Story of Change Five: Biruk Legesse, Daru Labu Woreda HABP Expert
Climate Smart Initiative Story of Change Six: Jamal
Climate Smart Initiative Story of Change Seven: Sileshi
Climate Smart Initiative Story of Change Eight: Sadik Shabure, PSNP-PW Foreman
Climate Smart Initiative Story of Change Nine: Gulilat Melaku, Development Agent
Climate Smart Initiative Story of Change Ten: Alulla Tekelay, PSNP Public Works Focal Person
