From Desperation to Hope: Aminat’s Journey to Self-Reliance
“Empowering Transformation Through Resilience”
In the drought-stricken and poverty-ridden Ancharo Kebele, Kallu Woreda of Amhara Regional State, Mrs. Aminat Hassen Nigusse, a 34-year-old mother of four, faced overwhelming challenges. Living in one of the country’s most impoverished regions, she struggled to provide food for her children, let alone own livestock. The absence of income diversification and dependence on a single crop harvest made asset-building impossible, trapping her in a relentless cycle of poverty.
Kallu Woreda has long been plagued by drought, locust infestations, and economic hardships, disproportionately affecting women like Aminat. Civil conflict, natural disasters, and inflation further compounded their struggles, leaving them vulnerable and hopeless. However, through the Integrated Livelihood Creation and Diversification (LCD) project, implemented by Kelem Ethiopia in partnership with key stakeholders and funded by Terra Tech, BMZ and ADH, a glimmer of hope emerged for Aminat and many like her.
As part of the initiative, community stakeholders identified and selected the most vulnerable beneficiaries using mutually agreed criteria. Aminat became one of the 284 households chosen for the intervention. Following this, she received life skills and technical training to equip her with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable livelihood development. In addition, agricultural extension workers and local officials were also trained to support beneficiaries in their journey toward economic empowerment.
One of the key interventions involved providing selected households with three mother goats or sheep. Aminat received three mother goats and signed an agreement to transfer them to another beneficiary after six months, once they gave birth. This unique restocking model ensured that the project’s impact extended second and third round recipients, creating a ripple effect throughout the community.
Determined to make the most of the opportunity, Aminat and her husband diligently cared for their goats. Within six months, her three goats gave birth to four female offspring. As per the agreement, she transferred the mother goats to the next beneficiary, Mr. Mohammed Yamin. A year later, Aminat’s efforts bore even greater fruit—she now owns multiple goats, including two pregnant ones and an offspring raised from the initial livestock provided by Kelem Ethiopia.
This intervention not only secured Aminat’s livelihood but also marked a transformative shift in her psychological, social, and economic status. She is no longer trapped in the hopeless cycle of poverty; instead, she has an asset base that guarantees a sustainable future for her family. Today, if she chooses to sell her goats, they would fetch around 36,000 Birr, a sum she never imagined having before.
The LCD project has demonstrated that small interventions, when strategically implemented, can create long-lasting impacts. By empowering rural farmers with knowledge, skills, and essential resources, the initiative has brought up resilience and self-sufficiency. Not only has Aminat’s life changed, but the entire community is benefiting from the asset-sharing model.
Jemal Seyid, Head of the Kebele Agriculture Office, reflected on the transformation:
“Just a year ago, many of our beneficiaries lived in extreme poverty and hopelessness. Today, they are building assets, improving food security, and even constructing homes. The impact of this project extends far beyond individual recipients; it uplifts the entire community.”
The success of this initiative has encouraged Kelem Ethiopia and its partners to further enhance support for poor farmers. Plans are underway to link beneficiaries with financial institutions to provide access to loans for scaling up their livestock assets. Additionally, collaboration with government agencies will ensure continuous follow-up and support, fostering an ecosystem of productivity and self-reliance.
Aminat’s story exemplifies the power of targeted interventions. With a small yet meaningful support system, she is on the verge of breaking free from poverty, creating a promising future for herself and her children. The Integrated Livelihood Creation and Diversification project has not only changed her life but also ignited a movement toward sustainable economic empowerment in her community.
