SOS Sahel Ethiopia began its first operation in Ethiopia in the Koisha district of the Southern Nations and Nationalities People’s Region (SNNPR) in 1989. As part of the Koisha Smallholder Wealth Creation Program, training on theFarmer Led Integrated Watershed Management (FLIWN) approach was provided for regional and local government departments.
The program created gender and HIV/AIDS sensitive seasonal employment, then known as Employment Based Safety Net (EBSN,) for vulnerable households.
The program also enabled small farm households to increase agricultural production of high-value crops, to generate alternative sources of income, and to improve their access to water.
Furthermore, the Koisha Smallholder Wealth Creation Program piloted and supported the institutionalization of social protection mechanisms through various associations. As a result, the majority of smallholder farmers have diversified their farm income.
In keeping with SOS Sahel Ethiopia’s core values, lessons on farmers’ soil fertility management in Koisha, and the effectiveness of poverty reduction schemes have been documented, published and disseminated within the country.