A joint team from Menschen für Menschen Switzerland (MfM-CH) and EWNRA just finished a week-long field visit. They found great project results and shared ideas to keep the progress going.
The team met in Dilla Town to review the results of the project after concluding the field monitoring.
•Clean Water and Better Lives for Women
The team praised the construction of offices for women’s savings groups (SACCOs) and new warehouses and offices built by the project are excellent.
The new clean water springs are also a major success. They bring safe water to rural families who used to suffer from dirty water.
In schools, giving out sanitary pads helped girls stay in class. The project also works closely with local government offices to get the best results.
•Simple Changes to Improve Farming and Savings
The team suggested a few quick fixes to help farmers and save money:
- Sheep Breeding: Move or sell young male Bonga sheep to avoid unhealthy inbreeding.
- Crop Help: Consider additional supports and integrated approaches to farmers who are waiting for apple trees to grow.
- Farming Gaps: Study why crop yields differ between Hambella and Raphe. Differences in soil and altitude are likely causes.
- Better Tracking: Follow up closely on unpaid micro-loans. Help communities form committees to protect closed forest areas and collect water fees.
•Forward-Looking Operational Improvements
The team discussed ways to adapt to local changes. They plan to consider raising daily worker payments to match local costs. They will also teach family planning early and help people start new small businesses like barbershops and other income generating side businesses.
Finally,both MfM-CH and EWNRA remain committed to helping low income families in the project areas build a better future.
