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 Gulilat Melaku, who has been a Development Agent (DA) for eight years, the last five years in Barrak kebele, Shinile woreda.
Gulilat Melaku shares the story of how, as a DA, he has brought about change in the face of difficult and changing climatic conditions in his watershed. It all started when Barrak kebele became a CSI kebele. Gulilat’s understanding of climate change has improved greatly as a result of CSI-provided training – he has in turn passed on this new learning through specific sessions on climate change while training farmers. As a result of CVCA the community is planning new, climate-smart activities to respond to the great challenges of climate variability and risks. While the implementation of CSI activities has been delayed, the community and their DA, Gulilat, have eagerly pushed through the new activities themselves.
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 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 Ten: Alulla Tekelay, PSNP Public Works Focal Person
