Ato Ermias Gebreye, Procurement and Finance Lead at Mersa Health Center in Habru Woreda, shares how the partnership with ORDA Ethiopia and UNICEF has transformed the center into a hub for nutrition education and improved healthcare. Through the Climate Smart Nutrition Project, the center received solar power, chickens, a fish pond, and vegetable inputs—enabling it to provide uninterrupted services, balanced food access, and weekly malnutrition screenings for children from 12 kebeles. The project has reduced power costs, improved medicine storage, and empowered mothers with practical nutrition knowledge.
Meet Seyid Mohammed — a beekeeping entrepreneur from Bati Woreda whose family legacy has grown into a model of sustainable rural development.
W/ro Ergo Siraj, a mother of five from Kes Kebele, Habru Woreda, faced severe challenges feeding her twin sons, who suffered from malnutrition. With support from ORDA Ethiopia and UNICEF’s Climate Smart Nutrition Project, she received three goats—now seven—and began feeding her children goat milk and eggs. Their health improved, and both exited the emergency nutrition program. Grateful for the support, Ergo now plans to expand her livestock and farm independently, building a healthier future for her family..jpg)
Read more: ORDA Ethiopia and UNICEF’s Climate Smart Nutrition Project
Ato Suhali Wassie, a father from Kes Kebele, Habru Woreda, struggled to support his malnourished son through daily labor. With support from ORDA Ethiopia and UNICEF’s Climate Smart Nutrition Project, he received three goats—now 12—and began feeding his child goat milk, leading to full recovery. The project helped him build a sustainable livelihood, restore his child’s health, and sparked a vision to grow his herd to 600. Suhali now inspires others in his community and has abandoned plans to migrate abroad.
Read more: The Project is beyond improving nutrition and health status
Ato Muluken Tarekegn, a father of five from Agrit Kebele, North Wollo, faced severe food insecurity and child malnutrition. With support from ORDA Ethiopia and UNICEF’s Climate Smart Nutrition Project, he received three sheep, added hens and a cow, and began preparing nutritious meals. His children recovered, his marriage strengthened, and his livestock assets grew to 11 sheep. Now earning income and inspiring others, Muluken is determined to expand his farming and become a role model in his community.