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Alleviating food insecurity is Yotor’s main human-centered project. Following rigorous assessment on the state of food security of our farmers in selected areas of the Amhara region, Yotor has prepared four pilot projects to alleviate food insecurity challenges that are persistent in some drought prone areas,
Achieving food security in collaboration with Team Tayitu & Wonfel Aid: Jan-Amora District.
In our ongoing commitment to achieving food security,
we have implemented meticulously planned and designed projects within the
farming communities of Ethiopia, a significant portion of the population. Our
mission extends beyond agricultural initiatives to encompass providing የ እለት ደራሽ ምግብ እና ቁሳቁስ
for victims of both man-made and natural disasters.
In the Amhara region in 2023, drought has ravaged nine
zones and 59 districts, affecting over 2.5 million people, with more than
350,000 being children under five. Additionally, tens of thousands of
internally displaced people are sheltered in camps across the country due to
conflicts and unrest. To address these crises, we have consistently supported
these communities by providing humanitarian supplies and healthcare provisions
in collaboration with governmental and like-minded non-governmental
organizations.
Continuing these efforts, we recently collaborated
with Team Tayitu and Wonfel Aid. Together, we procured, delivered, and
distributed wheat to more than 2000 people in Jan-Amora District (woreda),
specifically in Bahir-Anbeba and Kilil Villages (Kebeles), sustaining them for
over two weeks.
Furthermore, we extended support to 1000 individuals
in the Debre-Birhan Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) shelter, providing them
with essential foods and supplies that will last for two weeks.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to all who
contributed to this humanitarian and compassionate endeavor. Through our
combined efforts, we aspire to reach even more people and continue saving
lives.
Yotor Farmers Association Health Team: Strengthening Community Health...
Introduction: Yotor Farmers Associations Health professional team is committed to addressing health challenges faced by subsistent farmers’ communities. With a focus on combating infectious diseases and promoting overall well-being, our dedicated team strives to ensure food security and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. Through a range of initiatives and partnerships, we aim to create a healthy and productive farming community not only within the communities we are actively engaged in, but also throughout the region and beyond.
Yotor Health Team: a force for positive change comprising approximately 20 young physicians. Who have been actively serving as members of the Yotor Farmers Associations for over a year. Guided by compassion, responsibility, impartiality, and accountability, our team is committed to providing comprehensive healthcare services and empowering individuals to take control of their health.
Objectives and strategies
- Establishing a Mobile Clinic: Our foremost objective is to establish a mobile clinic that will serve as a vital resource for treating endemic communicable diseases. This initiative would also encompass deworming and vaccination campaigns, screenings for hypertension, diabetes, and breast cancer, and offering medical assistance during man-made or natural disasters. By bringing health care directly to the doorsteps of vulnerable populations, we aim to ensure timely access to quality medical care.
- Coordinating Health Education and Promotion: we recognize the importance of health education and promotion and empowering communities to make informed decisions about their well-being. As part of this objective, we will organize and conduct health education campaigns and blood donation drive in schools, places of worships and on cultural events. By collaborating with local educational institutions and community organizations, we aim to foster a culture of active health management and preventive care.
- Identifying and Facilitating Treatment for Stigmatized Cases: our team is dedicated to addressing stigmatized health conditions that often go untreated due to social taboos and misconceptions. We will conduct household visits to identify and provide support for treatable cases such as pelvic organ prolapse, fistula, and hemorrhoids. By offering compassionate care and facilitating treatment, we seek to alleviate the physical and emotional burden of individuals affected by these conditions.
- Campaigning for Cataract Surgery: in collaboration with relevant organizations, both local and international, we will raise awareness and organize cataract surgery campaigns for those in need. By advocating for access to this necessary eye surgery, we aim to restore vision and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by cataracts. Through these efforts, we seek to reduce the prevalence of preventable blindness and promote eye health within the community.
Partnerships and impact: The Yotor Health Team collaborates closely with local healthcare organizations, government agencies, and international NGOs to maximize the impact of our initiatives. These partnerships provide access to resources, expertise, and funding, enabling us to expand the reach in the scope of our healthcare services. Through our collective efforts, we have witnessed numerous success stories, such as providing lifesaving treatments to individuals affected by infectious diseases and organizing health camps that have positively impacted the community’s well-being.
Conclusion: The Yotor Farmers Association’s Health Team is committed to creating sustainable change in the communities we serve. By prioritizing health and well-being, we aim to uplift subsistent farmers, contribute to food security, and improve overall quality of life. Through our diverse objectives and strategic partnerships, we are dedicated to achieving our vision of a healthy and productive farming community locally and on a broader scale. Together we can build a brighter future for all.
Water Project
Water scarcity, a pressing global concern, is most acutely felt by the farming communities in arid and semi-arid regions in northern Ethiopia, Amhara regions, who rely on consistent rainwater availability to sustain their livelihoods and feed their family. As climate change exacerbates, the aridity of these regions and unpredictable rainfall patterns become the norm; these farmers are left grappling with decreasing yields and an uncertain future. Despite the challenges, Yotor believes it is possible with concerted efforts and targeted initiatives to create a lifeline for these farmers. Our cause, hydrating the arid, and helping foster a sustainable future for farmers, aims to address this issue by harnessing innovative agricultural techniques, effective water management strategies, and sustainable infrastructure development. We intend to offer long-term solutions to empower farmers in arid regions, fortifying them against the harsh realities of their environment and ensuring their ability to contribute to the region’s food security. While Yotor partners to work with the farmers to find a long-term solution, it intends to focus on the short-term goals of alleviating the water shortage. By providing access to clean water, Yotor contributes to improving public health and reducing waterborne diseases. This initiative also eases the burden on women and children, who often must travel long distances to fetch water from distant sources. That is to focus on pumping underground water for growing crops and household use. By utilizing groundwater for irrigation purposes, farmers will be able to grow food in dryer months. That includes arid and semi-arid regions. This promotes sustainable agriculture and empowers local farmers to improve their livelihoods. Farmers can diversify their crops, increase yields, and enhance their economic prospects with water supplies from the ground. At the same time, working towards finding a sustainable water source. Groundwater reserves are generally more drought-resistant than surface water sources, allowing for more reliable farming even in adverse weather conditions. The infrastructure for groundwater extraction, such as boring wells, is comparatively cheaper and easier to install than large irrigation canals or reservoirs. Rain is dependent on seasonal variations, while groundwater is consistent. A cautious and judicious use of the groundwater should be exercised, not significantly deplete the groundwater supply. While groundwater is there for farming, using rainwater and storing rainwater is another alternative to our approach. Rainwater harvesting and planting in aid and semi-arid areas are crucial to providing water for both plants and replenishing underground water tables. In these regions where rainfall can be scarce and sporadic, efficient collection and usage of rainwater can significantly affect agriculture and overall water availability. This practice can also help mitigate the erosion of topsoil caused by rainwater, preserving the fertility and productivity of the land. Some steps could be taken as a guide on how to do this as follows.
1. rainwater harvesting is collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It can be done in various ways, including using roof catchments that direct rainwater into storage tanks or underground catchments where rainwater can percolate into the soil directly.
2. Swells and contour trenches in the landscape you can dig contour trenches or swells shallow, wide trenches dug along the contour of the land. These trenches will collect rainwater and slow its movement giving it time to infiltrate into the soil. This is an effective method for producing and increasing the groundwater recharge rate
3. Terracing is another effective method for both water harvesting and soil conservation. The terraces reduce water runoff speed, allowing for more water infiltration into the soil and less soil erosion.
4. Planting suitable crops immediately after the rain ensures they utilize the water stored in the soil.
5. Use deep-rooted plants that can access water deep in the soil. To prevent water evaporation from the soil, use mulching. Mulching covers the soil, reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, and improving soil health.
6. Use of cover crops and green manures. These plants are grown to cover the soil and then tilt back in. They help reduce erosion and improve soil structure and organic matter in the ground.
7. Use of cover crops and green manures: plants grown to cover the soil and then tilled back in. They help to reduce soil erosion, improve soil structure, improve moisture retention, and add organic matter to the soil. As many of these crops are nitrogen fixers, pulling nitrogen from the atmosphere and storing it in their roots.
8. Keyline plowing: This method follows the land’s contours to slow down water run-offs and promotes its absorption into the soil.
9. The percolation pits: These are pics dug into the ground and filled with coarse aggregate to promote rainwater infiltration into the environment. They help replenish the groundwater table.
10. Check dams. Small dams are constructed across drainage ditches or waterways to counter erosion by reducing water flow velocity. They also help in groundwater recharge.
Implementing these strategies will depend not only on the landscape but also on the rainfall distribution in each area, soil type, and the type of crops being grown. It is also important to note that rainwater harvesting systems should be maintained regularly to ensure their effectiveness and longevity. In the long run, it is believed that implementing these methods can be a cost-effective and sustainable solution to water scarcity in semi-arid regions, enhancing water security, promoting crop growth, and replenishing groundwater levels. It could be an excellent strategy for farmers and those involved in rural agriculture to mitigate the impact of climate change and increase agricultural productivity. The Yotor Farmers Association considers this its flagship project and intends to work tirelessly to make this a reality. As a result, it has launched a groundwater extraction project in one farming district in the Amhara region. The following actions will be taken to achieve this goal:
- Yotor will work with donors and responsible parties in the region and the community to dig for underground water sources to provide drinkable water and support irrigation needs in Central Gonder Zone, Wogera Woreda, Taga Kebele, within Gezewuye and Gichit Villages. To achieve this goal, Yotor has conducted geological, hydrological, and geophysical feasibility assessments to identify areas with high potential for groundwater availability.
- Currently, we are mobilizing resources; we are acquiring and importing water-drilling Heavy Machinery with the potential of digging up to 300 Meters.
- Governmental entities from the kebele level to the Regional Bureau know the project and have given tremendous support.
- We have organized the farmers. They have understood the project’s goal and committed to the fullest for its success.
- We contracted a hydrogeologist who is committed to overseeing the project.
- We plan to commence during the fall season of 2023. And we expect the whole project to end in a year and hope to tap into the underground water reserves.
Women Empowerment
Women in Ethiopia face significant barriers when it comes to economic opportunities. With far rooted cultural norms and patriarchal attitudes access to education is low, literacy rate for women is significantly lower, excluding many from a formal employment. They also have limited access to credit and financial services, which makes it difficult to start businesses. All of these factors contribute to a lack of economic empowerment for women in Ethiopia, which can have a palpable and long-term implications for their well-beings and that of their families. For these reasons Yotor has initiated a program where we help women start a business in baking Injera and Bread. It is an ideal business venture for women who are just starting out for a number of reasons; as it is a staple food in Ethiopia the demand for it is always high, the process of baking is a common knowledge. In addition, the initial investment required is inexpensive, it can also be done from home with flexible hours allowing women to balance their work and family responsibilities.
With the initiation of this project, Yotor is stepping in to fill the gaps in starting and sustaining women owned startups. In the past few months of the launch of this project we have helped to set up six women by providing an initial fund (of about 26,000ETB per individual), a networking opportunity for marketing with customers (such as hotels), and training on business management skills. With these pilot runs it has been shown that the model is profitable and sustainable if it were to be implemented within a larger setting.
Sack Farming
In our persistent endeavor to further increase farming productivity, Yotor is actively Introducing alternative innovative farming techniques to increase crop yield in both rural and peri – urban settings. This project focuses on sack farming which is to be done either vertically in step ladder fashion or horizontally on the surface, to fast produce fruits & vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, spinach and so on. This method is particularly useful in areas where the soil is depleted of nutrients due to over-farming and erosion, furthermore, it is beneficial in regions where water is scarce and less land is available for farming. Sack farming has numerous advantages for farmers. It is affordable, accessible, is climate-resilient, it allows for better soil management, and space-saving. In addition, the sacks also reduce soil erosion and water runoff, which can help to conserve soil fertility. It produces higher yields (up to 3 folds more) compared to traditional farming. This is because farmers can control the amount of water, nutrients, and sunlight that the crops receive. The sacks also protect the crops from pests and diseases, leading to higher yields. With the increasing need for food security in rural areas, sack farming can be a viable and sustainable solution for farmers to increase their income and provide food for their families and communities. In addition to providing continuous training and mentor ships on the best practices for sack farming, including how to select the right crops, how to plant and care for them, and how to harvest and store the produce, Yotor has funded the initiatives by supplying Sacks, Canvas (to be used for sheds) Seeds, Fertilizers, and pesticide. In addition to providing continuous training and mentor ships on the best practices for sack farming, including how to select the right crops, how to plant and care for them, and how to harvest and store the produce, Yotor has funded the initiatives by supplying Sacks, Canvas (to be used for sheds) Seeds, Fertilizers, pesticide and even fertile soil in some areas.Yotor has launched this program in 2 villages in Central Gonder zone, Wogera woreda in xxx Village and in Menz-Gera woreda. In total About a dozen farmers has cultivated vegetables, particularly Potatoes, on about 2 hectare land. Furthermore, with understanding of the role this particular technique plays in meeting the food needs of urban and semi urban populations, Yotor has supported women lead sack farming initiatives across the region.
A Tractor for a village Program
Yotor is passionately dedicated to alleviating food insecurity and assisting marginalized farmers in Northern Ethiopia, one village at a time. Yotor plans to invest in a tractor with the aim of significantly diminishing extreme poverty, reducing food insecurity, and stimulating economic empowerment within a subsistence farming community. Following this, Yotor will work to motivate farmers to reinvest in Land Management in crop rotation techniques, with the goal of enhancing crop yield and safeguarding the environment.
Last year, Yotor successfully organized 204 subsistence farmers in Redem Kebele, Mikadra. Thanks to the donated tractors, these farmers were able to cultivate 600 acres of land that yielded crops valued at over $450,000.
Emboldened by last year’s triumph, Yotor is extending an invitation to individuals and organizations to invest in a farming community with the aim of replicating this success in another location. Farmers under the Yotor initiative are seeking investments for tractors, tractor accessories, and seeds from anyone who resonates with the community empowerment goal that Yotor is steadfastly striving to achieve.
Additionally, training and practical guidance from agricultural experts acquainted with the community’s specific needs will be provided to the farmers, aligning with their priorities exchange of innovative farming techniques, efficient irrigation systems, and other effective methodologies will be emphasized to achieve sustainable results.
Future Endeavors: Yotor will continue to empower farmers who are critically in need of food security.
In the near future, farming tractors will be delivered to four new districts in Ethiopia. Semen Mecha Woreda-Dil Betigil Kebele, Shoa Robit Zuriya Kebele, Kobo Zuria-Kebele, and Dembia Woreda-Sekelet Kebele. In these upcoming plans, with the combined efforts of Yotor and its partners, we anticipate reaching between 700 and 1100 households.
Gondar: Wegera Wereda, Taga Kebele
Although Yotor consider all four of these projects to be equally important, currently, it has started implementation activities of the pilot project in Gondar. The major activities of this project are as follows:
- Extracting underground water for drinking and farming purposes.
- Promoting irrigation system of the underground water to grow crops two or three times a year, initially targeting household use.
- Provide and install generators and other essential materials for farming activities.
- Diversification of food culture of the the locals by planting, cultivating and preparing new food items such as Enset and Sesames.
- Planting seed for agricultural productivity and environmental protection.
Who will benefit from this project?
- Local farmers who have fragmented farming system.
- Unemployed youths.
- Most vulnerable victims of persist food insecurity such as women and children.
- Non participating farmers of the project, they will gain education and experience.
- Local government entities.
Phases of the project
Phase 1: preparation
This phase includes the study of the project areas, preparation of the project proposal and awareness creation among the local communities regarding the goal, objectives and how it will benefit them. This includes preparation of an action plan and fund collection for the demonstration phase.
Phase 2: Demonstration
The objective of this phase is to demonstrate the solution meets its intended target.
Phase 3: Extension
During this phase, project owner identifies lessons learned and shares the knowledge gained, during the project lifecycle, to other parts of the Wereda. Upon conclusion of the project, the project owner will hand over the project to the local government and the representatives of the local farmers.
Yotor's Geologist Research Result
Water is essential to our farmers. This video, in Amharic, is a documentary film that provides insights on how the geological assessment , in Gondar, was conducted in pursuit of identifying reliable water sources.