Natracare has proudly partnered with Ripple Effect, an incredible charity helping farming families in Ethiopia’s Wonchi District build climate resilience, improve food security, and empower woman to drive lasting change. As part of our 1% for the planet partnership, we have worked with Ripple Effect since 2022, and our partnership has contributed to life-changing initiatives – ensuring communities have access to sustainable farming techniques, clean water, and opportunities for women to lead.
This is a guest blog by Hannah Denyer from Ripple Effect.
Since 2022, Natracare’s 1% for the Planet membership has been driving change by supporting Ripple Effect’s work in Ethiopia’s Wonchi District. Their support has been instrumental in helping us build climate resilience and empower women in the Wonchi District. This project aims to reduce hunger, improve dietary diversity, and strengthen the resilience of 1,500 farming families (around 9,000 people) to the impacts of the climate crisis.
Ethiopia faces significant development challenges, ranking among the lowest on the UNDP Human Development Index. In the Wonchi District these challenges are particularly prevalent. Nearly 98% of the population relies on rain-fed subsistence farming, which is increasingly challenged by erratic weather patterns, depleted soil, and limited resources. Despite bearing the brunt of these challenges, women and girls, often have little say in household decisions due to entrenched social barriers.
With Natracare’s support, our work has focused on climate adaptation, food security, and empowering women to drive sustainable change in their communities.
Climate-Proofing Food Production
To help farming families adapt to a changing climate, we introduced Ripple Effect’s Agroecological Climate Positive Approach (ACPA). Through training, 1,350 farmers, many of them women, learnt how to make the most of their small plots of land using sustainable farming techniques.
- Farmers received drought-resistant seeds and seedlings to grow climate-resilient crops, including fruits and vegetables for household consumption and sale.
- Techniques such as kitchen gardens, sack mounds, and improved soil management, have enabled families to grow a diverse range of nutritious foods, even during dry seasons.
- Farmers took part in exposure visits, learning firsthand from communities successfully managing natural resources, encouraging peer-to-peer learning.
As a result, families are now enjoying more nutritious meals and generating income from surplus crops, significantly improving food security and resilience to climate shocks.
Enhancing Access to Water
Access to water is critical for farming and daily life, yet many communities in Wonchi District struggle with water shortages.
- The project constructed three water harvesting structures and advanced the development of springs in target kebeles.
- Springs are managed by Water Management Committees, who ensure fair distribution and long-term sustainability so woman and girls no longer have to walk long distances to collect water.
These efforts have not only reduced the risk of waterborne diseases but also enabled consistent irrigation, allowing families to grow crops year-round.
Empowering Women and Girls
Women and girls are driving change in this project, representing 70% of direct beneficiaries. By addressing gender inequality, we are unlocking their potential to lead change:
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were trained in climate-resilient agriculture, providing women with practical skills and confidence.
- Women received tailored support, including farm tools and seeds, enabling them to contribute to household income and decision-making.
- Nutrition and dietary diversity sessions empowered women to prepare balanced meals and educate their families on healthy eating.
As one woman shared, the impact has been truly life-changing:
“Before this project, we struggled to grow enough food, and decisions about farming were not mine to make. Now, I can provide nutritious meals for my children and contribute to our household income. I feel proud of what I’ve achieved.”
A Brighter Future for Wonchi District
With the support of partners like Natracare, this project is transforming lives. By addressing climate challenges and empowering women, we’re not only improving food security but also building a foundation for sustainable growth.
Together, we’re proving that when women are empowered, entire communities flourish Even in the face of climate challenges, resilience and progress is possible.
Thank you, Natracare, for supporting Ripple Effect’s vision of a fairer, more sustainable future for farming families in Ethiopia. Find out more about Natracare’s commitment to sustainability here.
