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 Jamal, a 30-year-old living in Kaku kebele of Goro woreda, with his wife, Sa´ada, and three children aged eight, five and one.
Jamal has led the way, inspiring other farmers and community members to proactively respond to climate-related risks. As a CSI-nominated model farmer he took up the new early-maturing teff crop – boset – promoted by CSI. The training and expert support provided, plus the seed and fertiliser he received, enabled a doubling of his teff yield. Jamal has shared his experience with many other beneficiaries and officials, who now want to take up this new early-maturing seed. He is now selling seeds to PSNP beneficiaries, creating an additional income, while keeping some seed in reserve in case of crop disease.
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 Three: Ayale and Berlie
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 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
