Coordinated Efforts through the Woreda Accelerated Plan
The South Omo Zone has made encouraging progress in agricultural transformation, achieving some coverage comparable to the national average. However, disparities among woredas persist, particularly in Bena Tsemay, Hamer, Nyangatom and Dasenech, which face significant food and nutrition insecurity. A baseline assessment conducted by the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF, 2024) identified several key bottlenecks to agricultural transformation, including high duplication of resources, loose coordination, understaffed government offices, a lack of well-trained technical staff, budget shortages, and poorly functioning structures and systems. Addressing these issues has been a priority for the initiative, laying the groundwork for effective interventions.
To tackle these challenges, HRF, in collaboration with the South Omo Zone, launched the Woreda Accelerated Plan in October 2024 to enhance agricultural transformation, food and nutrition security in Benatsemay, Hamer, Dasenech and Nyangatom woredas.
Key to the success of the Woreda Accelerated Plan has been the establishment of Zonal and Woreda Agricultural Transformation Taskforces, which align local strategies with national agricultural goals. These taskforces, comprising experts from key sector offices have facilitated community engagement through advocacy forums, fostering ownership among stakeholders.
As noted by Mr. Wondyifraw Abera, Head of the Hamer Woreda Administration Office and Chair of the Woreda Task Force, the taskforce has created a new opportunity by aligning the efforts of different sectoral offices towards a single goal: transforming agriculture and food security in the community.
“Previously, our administration lacked sufficient information about projects in the woreda, leading to duplication of efforts and lack of knowledge management path. However, the taskforce has brought together all projects, allowing us to avoid redundancy and create a safe haven for knowledge transfer,” he added.
Thus, the initial phase of the Woreda Accelerated Plan demonstrates promising advancements in agricultural transformation and food security, laying a strong foundation for sustainable development.
Innovative Practices: Conservation Agriculture
The Conservation Agriculture (CA) initiative is instilling promising hope for transforming agricultural practices among local farmers in the South Omo Zone’s Hamer and Bena Tsemay woredas. This initiative, run by the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF) in partnership with Makobu Enterprise PLC and local government, has now empowered farmers to adopt sustainable farming methods that enhance productivity and improve soil health.
The initiative involved careful selection of farmers based on predefined criteria and their willingness to engage in CA practices. Once identified, these farmers participated in practical training sessions that provided hands-on experience. To measure the impact, soil samples were collected from both CA and conventional plots, with analyses conducted in collaboration with the Wolaita Sodo Regional Soil Laboratory.
Farmers participating in the pilot program received improved maize seeds (DK 777) and essential fertilizers. Continuous support from the project team and government staff has ensured that the best agronomic practices are effectively implemented in the field.
Mrs. Goyti Silbo, a single mother of six from Ariya Kaysa Kebele in Hamer Woreda, shared, “Since adopting conservation agriculture, I’ve observed promising signs of improved soil health and better crop growth. This approach has already lightened our workload compared to previous practices, and I feel more empowered to support my family’s needs.” She expressed optimism for a good harvest and a more secure food future for her family.
Similarly, Mr. Mathewos Garsho, a model farmer from Goldiya Kebele in Bena Tsemay Woreda, noted the transformative impact of the CA initiative: “The training and support we received have transformed our farming practices. We can now grow more food with less effort, ensuring a better future for our children.”
“While comparing this CA farm, which I started 45 days ago with support from HRF and Makobu PLC, I only plowed once. Previously, I had to plow 3 to 7 times depending on the seed type. Now, my workload has decreased, and thanks to the chemical support, there are almost no weeds in the field,” he added.
His success has inspired nearby communities, with many farmers visiting his farm and expressing interest in adopting this technology.
The achievements over these nine months underscore the initiative’s positive impact on the community. Farmers who took part in the pilot phase have reported enhanced knowledge and confidence in their agricultural practices. As more farmers embrace conservation agriculture, the overall agricultural landscape is expected to undergo significant transformation, leading to improved food security and resilience for future generations in the zone.
Bridging Gender Gaps
Different studies indicate that gender-related harmful practices in the South Omo Zone significantly impact women’s health, social status, and overall well-being (UNFPA, 2020; Gebrehiwot et al., 2022). A baseline study conducted by the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF, 2023) reveals that these challenges are major barriers to agricultural transformation in the zone, and that addressing these issues is essential for fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life for women and their families.
Central to the Agricultural Transformation, Food and Nutrition Security Project is the commitment to mainstream gender issues in all the project’s core components. The project has made significant strides in promoting gender inclusivity and empowering women in Bena Tsemay, Hamer, Nyangatom, and Dasenech Woredas. Awareness-raising activities have been conducted to economically empower pastoral and agro-pastoral women, ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into every aspect of the project. Training sessions have reached grassroots levels, equipping women with the knowledge and skills necessary to challenge harmful practices that have historically limited their economic potential and decision-making power.
Following these training sessions, advocacy conferences have been held to amplify women’s voices and experiences. The project has successfully identified 40 model farmers in its pilot phase across the four woredas, with over 50% being women. This significant representation showcases the project’s commitment to gender inclusivity and recognizes women as vital contributors to agricultural success.
Moreover, focus group discussions in Kangatan Town, Nyangatom Woreda, highlighted the positive impact of the training on women’s understanding of harmful practices. Participants expressed that despite the long-standing harmful practices in their community, they have gained the knowledge and skills needed to be become advocates for change.
Explaining the prevailing situation in Dasenech Woreda, Mrs. Ayelech Haile, Head of Women and Children Affairs Office, emphasized the urgency of addressing harmful practices affecting women and girls, including female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriage in the area. Reflecting on her own experience as a victim of FGM, she stated, “The pain I endured is something I will never forget.” However, she noted a positive change: “Now, community members, especially those affected & around their circle, are beginning to report these cases to our office, which was rare before.”
These efforts underscore the project’s dedication to bridging gender gaps through awareness, training, and advocacy is yielding significant results.
Advocacy and Awareness-Raising
The Agricultural Transformation, Food and Nutrition Security Project has prioritized advocacy and awareness-raising as key strategies to promote sustainable agricultural development across Bena Tsemay, Hamer, Nyangatom, and Dasenech Woredas. Recognizing that meaningful transformation requires more than just technical support, the project engages communities through targeted education campaigns, public dialogues, and local training sessions designed to increase understanding of the long-term benefits of adopting modern agricultural practices. These include the use of improved seeds, climate-smart farming techniques, and efficient water management systems.
In addition, the project has placed strong emphasis on gender inclusivity, encouraging equal participation of women and men in agricultural decision-making and production. Through community sensitization efforts and collaboration with local leaders and women’s groups, the project has challenged traditional norms that often limit women’s roles in agriculture. This holistic approach not only improves food production and nutrition outcomes but also fosters more equitable and resilient rural communities in South Omo zone.
