Gardens Give Hope, Health, and Income in E. Africa

Seed Programs International (SPI) continues its strong partnership with Grow East Africa (GEA) to support agricultural development in the Burji District of southern Ethiopia. This district, home to approximately 155,681 people, remains one of the poorest in the region, with no paved roads or hospitals. Many residents are internally displaced families who fled intertribal conflict in northern Ethiopia. The local diet is heavily reliant on grains and carbohydrates and often lacks the nutritional diversity necessary for a healthy life.

Since 2017, SPI and GEA have collaborated to improve food security, starting with a two-year pilot program supporting the Birhan Women’s Group—50 women farmers from displaced families. These women leased land at Soyama High School and received extensive training in agriculture and bookkeeping. They were also equipped with essential tools and resources, including vegetable seeds, drip irrigation systems, and a water tank. While drought conditions severely affected grain crops such as teff and quinoa, the vegetable crops thrived thanks to effective irrigation and training. This success translated into improved food availability and increased income for the women's families.

Every member of the Birhan Women’s Group reported higher household income. This enabled them to send their children to school, access medical care, purchase medications, and begin saving for future hardships. The success of the initial program generated widespread interest, leading to a 2022 expansion that reached 210 farming households and 10 youths living along the Gauche-Billa Kebele Riverbanks. By 2024, the program had grown to support 410 families across two Kebeles, 50 women in the Birhan Women’s Group, and 10 youth in the Goche youth group—benefiting more than 2,050 individuals through better nutrition, food security, and economic opportunity.

Toward the end of 2024, SPI donated 25,000 vegetable seedlings—including tomatoes, peppers, cabbages, and watermelon—through a generous donor. These seedlings were distributed to the Birhan Women’s Cooperative and surrounding households in Gotche, Garra, and Billa. The community welcomed the donation with great enthusiasm, as the saplings not only alleviated hunger but also provide a source of income. Providing seedlings rather than seeds helped farmers save time and effort, reducing the difficulties associated with germination and early-stage plant care, especially during a season marked by water shortages and climate-related challenges.

This partnership continues to grow, and future plans are in motion to empower the Birhan Women’s Group to lead training workshops for women, families, and high school students in the region. Through collaborative efforts, SPI and GEA remain committed to equipping communities in Burji District with the tools they need to grow food, build income, and strengthen their resilience for years to come.