Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Head of Busa Gonofa Oromia, Moges Adaye emphasized on the organization’s ambitious goals to enhance its capacity to respond to both natural and man-made disasters and its ongoing efforts to reduce dependency on aid.
In Oromia, the traditional concept of mutual aid has been formalized into the institutional framework known as “Busa Gonofa Oromia.” Legally recognized, this initiative is actively engaged in providing humanitarian assistance by own capacity.
With its 26 million members comprising employees, investors, and other stakeholders, Busa Gonofa has established itself as a vital force in Oromia’s efforts to achieve greater self-reliance and strengthen disaster resilience.
Moges Edaye recalled the drought that impacted the some part the region over the last few years, emphasizing how the organization’s efforts helped communities overcome the crisis.
“We have more than 100,000 quintals of reserve food items,” Edaye noted, highlighting the organization’s proactive approach to addressing food security needs.
Moreover, he elaborated that this not only addresses immediate food shortages but also reflects the long-standing Ethiopian tradition of supporting one another in times of crisis.
The head explained that so far the organization has reached out to over 7 million people through discussions aimed at shifting the mindset away from dependency and towards self-sufficiency.
As part of its ongoing efforts, Busa Gonofa identified 2.9 million people in need of assistance last year. This number has since dropped significantly to 584,000, showcasing the effectiveness of their approach.
Busa Gonofa is not only focused on immediate relief but also on long-term sustainability and empowerment.
Moges outlined the organization’s involvement in farming activities, with plans to cultivate a total of 43,000 hectares of land. So far, 13,000 hectares have been cultivated, and the harvest is underway.
This initiative aims to provide school feeding for nine million students across the region.
A budget of 15 billion Birr has been allocated for the program, and 8,000 hectares of cultivated land have been set aside to support the school feeding efforts.
To further strengthen food security, Busa Gonofa is constructing warehouses across various zones in the region, ensuring better storage and distribution capabilities.
The organization’s proactive approach has become a model for how communities can work together to overcome adversity while maintaining their dignity and self-sufficiency.
Hence, he emphasized that Busa Gonofa is committed to creating a shift within the community, moving away from an aid-dependent mindset towards a more collective and self-reliant approach to development.
Since its legal establishment two years ago, Busa Gonofa Oromia has implemented numerous programs aimed at benefiting the community, including initiatives focused on food security, agriculture, and disaster resilience.
The organization’s efforts are paving the way for a future where Ethiopians are no longer reliant on external assistance but are empowered to thrive through their own resources and collective action.
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