Resilient female pastoralist inspires women to rebuild their dreams

December 17, 2024

a little boy that is standing in the grass

Mother of eight, Hanawita Ibrahim, is rebuilding her life in northern Ethiopia after the recent conflict in the area left her farm and livelihood in ruins.

Before the conflict, Hanawita’s farm was a thriving testament to hard work and ingenuity. Over 25 years, she had cultivated an integrated small-scale farm, teeming with fruit trees like oranges, avocados, mangoes, and guavas, alongside cash crops such as onions and tomatoes. Her dairy farm and small ruminant production complemented her operations, enabling her to earn an impressive annual income of 360,000 ETB.

When the conflict erupted, however, Hanawita was forced to flee to an IDP camp in Afdera Woreda with her family. A year later, she returned to find her farm decimated: her livestock lost, her fruit trees destroyed, and her home reduced to rubble.

“They weren’t just animals to me; they were like my family,” Hanawita recalled, her voice heavy with sorrow.

Rebuilding

A trailblazer in the male-dominated field of pastoralism, Hanawita’s determination and resilience are a beacon of hope for her community.

As Hanawita began the arduous task of rebuilding her life, she received support from local authorities working with the UNDP-managed Peace Support Facility which helps bridge humanitarian relief with long-term development and enable individuals like Hanawita to reclaim their lives and livelihoods. UNDP’s Peace Support Facility is funded by the governments of Germany and Japan and supported by UNDP Core and Funding Windows.

Hanawit received essential resources, including gabion wire to protect her farm from floods, 30 improved fruit seedlings, and 12.5 kg of maize seeds. She also took part in training to build her knowledge in business management, bylaws, and planning. Psychosocial support was also provided to help her cope with the trauma of displacement and loss.

“I planted orange, avocado, watermelon, mango, and guava trees,” Hanawita shared. Her efforts bore fruit—literally and figuratively. She harvested 300 kg of maize, which she sold in the local market, earning 22,000 ETB from maize and its byproducts. Despite falling short of her expected yield due to poor soil fertilization and pest control, her determination remains unshaken.

Empowering Women

Hanawita’s story is not one of despair but of determination. A pioneer in a male-dominated field, she was the first woman in her community to venture into pastoralism. Her dedication earned her national recognition, including the prestigious national award presented to model farmers picked from across Ethiopia.

Over the years, she has inspired countless women to pursue pastoralism, demonstrating that success is not bound by gender.

“We are pastoralists, and I was the only woman to enter this field. I became a role model for others,” Hanawita said with pride, her medals glinting in the sunlight.

Hanawita’s vision extends beyond her own farm. She has organized groups of impoverished women, providing them with half-hectare plots of land and improved seeds. Currently, 10 women work alongside her, fostering a supportive community that challenges traditional gender roles.

“My goal is to empower women and increase their representation in pastoralism,” Hanawita explained. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she continues to receive accolades for her contributions to sustainable development and gender equality.

Looking to the Future

With her unyielding spirit, Hanawita plans to expand her operations. She wants to boost milk and dairy production, increase vegetable cultivation, and strengthen her small ruminant fattening business. Her resilience is a cornerstone in rebuilding not just her livelihood but also her community.