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 Hassna, a 56-year-old resident of Suula kebele in Elidar woreda, Afar, who has headed up her household since her husband passed away two years ago.
Hassna tells us of the positive changes she has seen since the CSI has come to her community: woreda officials are shifting away from a short-term focus on food aid in their approach to PSNP public works (PW) planning; the community is being encouraged to identify and prioritise the problems they face; and the community’s understanding of the causes of their environmental problems is shifting, away from blaming Allah. Hassna has finally succeeded in growing trees in this harsh climate, with benefits to her business.
Read the other stories of change:
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 Nine: Gulilat Melaku, Development Agent
Climate Smart Initiative Story of Change Ten: Alulla Tekelay, PSNP Public Works Focal Person
