A joint monitoring team from Menschen für Menschen Switzerland (MfM CH) and Ethio Wetlands and Natural Resources Association (EWNRA) has begun its scheduled visit to assess the progress of ongoing development projects in Abaya District. The team, comprising senior leaders and experts from both organizations, visited various rural communities where project activities are being implemented to improve the lives of local beneficiaries.
The monitoring visit kicked off with the inauguration of a newly constructed office for the Guangua SACCO Union, located in the Guangua area. Established just one year ago, the SACCO Union has already grown to include 31 member SACCOs, with a total of 3,625 individual members. The union has made significant strides, particularly among women, who are not only benefiting from the financial support but also actively engaging in income-generating activities.
During the visit, female members of the union expressed their gratitude to Menschen für Menschen Switzerland for the financial support and to EWNRA for their effective implementation of the project. Many women shared how the union has positively impacted their households and villages. They highlighted improvements in household income and living standards, with several women also voicing their commitment to becoming financially independent. Income-generating activities, such as earning interest from loans and renting out office spaces, were among the key strategies they are pursuing to ensure long-term sustainability.
The monitoring team which included co-managers Claudio Capaul and Michael Kesselring, praised the women’s efforts and encouraged them to further enhance their operations, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and broader community involvement in their initiatives. The team also provided constructive feedback to support the continued growth of the SACCO Union.
Following the inauguration, the team continued their visit to beneficiaries involved in other livelihood projects, including coffee growing, goat rearing, and the cultivation of haricot beans and peppers. These activities are being carried out in the Kebeles of Bunata, Semero, and Odo Mke. In all the visited areas, the team found that the beneficiaries were making impressive progress, with many reporting positive results despite being new participants in the project this year. Their success in adopting new agricultural techniques and practices is a promising sign of the potential impact of these projects.
This joint monitoring visit, which is scheduled to span three days, is part of a regular evaluation process aimed at ensuring the proper implementation of the projects. The team will continue their visit tomorrow, traveling to additional Kebeles to meet with more beneficiaries and assess the continued success of the initiatives.
The monitoring team’s visit highlights the strong partnership between Menschen für Menschen Switzerland and EWNRA, as well as the ongoing positive impact of their joint efforts to empower local communities and improve livelihoods in Abaya District.
