Ato Asfaw Mekuria, Vita’s Ethiopia Country Director, reflects on 14 years of service and the lasting impact of the team’s work across the country.

Since Vita’s establishment in Ethiopia in 2005, the organisation has been strong in its mission to support rural communities, particularly in the southern regions, focusing on enhancing food security and agricultural practices. “Our work has always been about serving the community,” says Asfaw. “We are deeply committed to improving farmers’ livelihoods through sustainable and innovative solutions.”

Vita’s efforts are intricately connected to critical areas such as food security and climate change resilience. By collaborating with federal ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment Protection Authority, Vita has earned a strong reputation at both regional and federal levels. “We have been fortunate to work closely with government bodies and other partners to ensure that our programmes are effective and sustainable,” Asfaw notes.

A significant part of Vita’s work involves introducing new technologies to rural households. Asfaw highlights the introduction of improved cookstoves as a pivotal project. “Women, who are the backbone of these communities, have long suffered due to traditional cooking methods,” he explains. “Our goal is to eliminate the use of three-stone cooking stoves, which are inefficient and harmful to health. The new stoves we provide are safer, more economical, and save valuable time for these families.”

Beyond household improvements, Vita has also focused on agricultural innovation. “For example, in the pastoral areas, we introduced banana farming—previously unheard of. Today, those communities are growing bananas, selling them, and improving their income,” Asfaw shares. Our overall approach is holistic—we link production with marketing to ensure the benefits are sustained over time.”

The success of these initiatives, according to Asfaw, is a shared responsibility. “Sustainability is a collective effort,” he emphasises. “It’s about the government, the community, and our partners working together to ensure that these improvements last. We have seen firsthand how impactful these changes can be, not just during the project, but long after.”

Looking ahead, Vita aims to expand its reach, with plans to operate in six regions across Ethiopia. “Our ambition is to integrate food security with our other programmes, ensuring that households have both the tools to cook and the food to cook,” Asfaw says with quiet determination. “This holistic approach is essential for truly improving livelihoods.”

Reflecting on Vita’s journey, Asfaw remains grounded yet optimistic. “We have learned so much from the communities we serve, and we continue to adapt and innovate,” he concludes. “Our work is about supporting these communities and enhancing the capacity of policymakers and government institutions to ensure that these improvements are sustainable and far-reaching.”

Vita’s impact in Ethiopia demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on sustainable development. Through the efforts of Asfaw and his team, Vita continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless Ethiopians, one community at a time.

Listen to Ato Asfaw’s Vita Voices podcast episode at the following link: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/vitavoices/episodes/2024-08-22T00_02_51-07_00