Building climate resilience for women farmers in Ethiopia

Across rural Ethiopia, women are on the frontlines of climate change. Unpredictable rainfall. Drought. The growing cost of fuel and fertiliser.

These continuous uncertainties are making it increasingly difficult for women to grow food for their families and earn a living. For women already facing economic and social inequalities, the effects of climate change can be particularly severe.

Meselech, a mother of two from the Menja community in southwest Ethiopia knows these challenges first hand. A smallholder farmer, she previously struggled to grow enough food and earn enough money to support her family. With no savings or alternative sources of income, changes in weather or growing conditions can have a major impact on the lives of families like Meselech’s.

Through a programme supported by Irish Aid and delivered by ActionAid Ireland, Meselech received training in sustainable farming techniques designed to help farmers adapt to a changing climate. She learned how to produce and use her own compost and began growing a greater variety of crops.

She also joined a community savings and credit group, giving her an opportunity o build savings and strengthen her financial security.

These changes quickly began to make a difference. Within three monhs, Meselech had significantly increased her income. She is now able to provide more comfortably for herself and her children, has built up some savings, and is better equipped to cope when climate shocks affect her farm.

Training and practical support

Meselech is one of 950 women in Ethiopia supported by this programme in 2025. Participants received training in sustainable agriculture, alongside practical support to help them respond to unpredictable weather, including access to more resilient seed varieties, solar powered devices and energy-saving stoves.

The programme forms part of ActionAid Ireland’s wider work with women and girls in Ethiopia, Kenya and Nepal, supported by Irish Aid. Its work aims to address the inequalities that can leave women particularly exposed to the effects of poverty and climate change, while supporting women to build sustainable livelihoods and greater economic independence.

As the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, ActionAid is continuing to work with women and communities to strengthen their resilience through sustainable agriculture, diversified livelihoods and women-led climate action.

For women like Meselech, that resilience can mean greater security today and more options for the future.