Imagine a country where 75% of the population works in one specific industry – let’s take agriculture for example. Suppose this industry makes up 40% of that country’s GDP, and 80% of that country’s total exports. Now suppose that country is experiencing a decade’s-long battle with hunger and food insecurity. This is the state of Ethiopia today.
Through their program, Feed the Future, USAID is working alongside government, universities, and agriculture leaders to empower rural farmers and workers in Ethiopia to increase their income-generating activities in agriculture. By teaching people new techniques, introducing new crops to grow, and new business strategies, we can help families, individuals, and communities develop their skills into income. That income can provide new opportunities for themselves and future generations, and it also puts food on the table.
To achieve this, USAID works alongside the government of Ethiopia as well as private sector business and individuals who can help invest in the farmers and individual workers around the country. While some areas have more predictable climate patterns, other areas are regularly hit by drought and hardship. By working together and developing practices, we can build resilience throughout the industry to weather those times of hardship and provide a brighter future for millions of Ethiopian citizens. To me, this is a cause worth supporting.
~Nadia Cavner
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