Ethiopia

Photo by Debbie Devoe/CRS

My name is Ato Teklu Hadgu. I am a farmer and live with my wife and eight children in the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia. Rainfall is unreliable in this region, and drought is common. It is difficult to survive as a farmer when there is no rain. At times, I had to leave my home and search for work in nearby towns, or even sell my tools and other valuables to buy food for my family during the dry seasons. Catholic Relief Services came to my village and helped us set up a water system so we could better manage our scarce water supply. We received tools, vegetable seeds, training on how to irrigate our crops, and other assistance to help us improve our harvests.

Now I am able to produce enough food for my family’s needs and even have some left over to sell in the market. I expanded my farm by buying livestock and beehives, and also have been able to save some money for the future. I am happy with the improvements I have made on my farm through the use of the irrigation system. Because I have money in savings and can earn more money with my livestock and beehives, I am no longer afraid of the dry seasons. I feel more in control of my own destiny, since I know I can provide for my family without relying on assistance.

Catholic social teaching focus: Rights and Responsibilities

Every person has basic rights including the right to life, food, water, and shelter, and the responsibility to support the rights of others.

Weekly Simple Meal:

Prepare Shiro Wat, a recipe from Ethiopia.

Watch a video on CRS’ work in Ethiopia.

Learn more about Catholic Relief Services’ work in Ethiopia.
Learn more about Catholic Relief Services supported agriculture and water projects.