Last June 2016, GrowEastAfrica distributed goats and vegetable seeds to poor rural Burji families in Billa Village. Billa is in Southern Ethiopia and has a population of 3000. This village is one of the most economically depressed Burji communities. The primary objectives of GrowEastAfrica are to fight hunger and poverty ravishing the rural communities. The distribution of goats and vegetable seeds are sustainable processes. Many organizations use these approaches to combat poverty in developing countries. Heifer International (https://www.heifer.org/) and Farm Africa (http://farmafrica.org/) have demonstrated that the distribution of small animals (goats, etc.) increases the wealth and the nutritional quality of food for a household. Distributing vegetable seeds enables low-income families to grow food and support themselves.
Goats Distribution:
In June 2016, GrowEastAfrica distributed 2-female and 1-male goats for 15 families. Most noteworthy, goats are sturdy and easy to care. Female goats give birth twice a year to a single or twin kids. This rate of birth results in a rapid increase in the number of goats. Consequently, the family’s wealth rises and more nutritional milk is available for the children.
As of January 2017, 70% of the female goats gave birth to kids. The remaining female goats are pregnant. The vegetable gardens have yielded an abundant harvest.The recipients are very excited and motivated about their new opportunities. Most of all, GrowEastAfrica is excited to be a partner and collaborator of the change that can positively impact the livelihood of these families.
For 2017, GrowEastAfrica plans to increase the number of goat recipients to 100. To accomplish this goal, we have to raise $10000.
Vegetable Garden:
In July 2016, the Ladies Association group planted vegetable seeds (tomatoes, cabbages, onions, peppers, and quinoa) around family houses and on plots prepared in local government compounds.
In the case of the vegetable garden, the plan is to expand the plots to 300 families. We will lease 4-hectares of land and develop access to dependable water supplies. To accomplish this, we need access to a reliable source of water. Our plan will adopt modern conservation methods of water usage. We plan to drill a water well next to the vegetable garden. The total cost including land lease, water supply, and irrigation is $15000. Please support.
We are already witnessing significant hopefulness among the recipients and their communities. Thanks to all who supported us and plan to continue to support our efforts to reduce hunger and poverty among the poor rural Ethiopians. Please join us and together we can change the livelihood of Billa villagers. Please visit us at http://www.GrowEastAfrica.org and donate.
Vegetable Garden: Quinoa mixed with tomatoes, peppers, onion, etc,