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A drought severe enough to kill thousands of livestock has tested the resilience of pastoralist communities in Borena Zone, southeastern Oromia, and caused widespread food insecurity due to crop losses. In this context, even a single raindrop can mean the difference between survival and hardship. A 2023 needs assessment conducted by Ayuda en Acción and the Italian NGO CESVI across the most affected woredas highlighted extensive livestock mortality, reduced food and water availability, high malnutrition rates among vulnerable groups, limited access to safe drinking water, and disruptions in education and local infrastructure. The assessment confirmed the urgent need for coordinated resilience-building interventions and long-term support.
From emergency to resilience: an integrated response in Borena
In response, the HORA BULA Project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented by Ayuda en Acción in collaboration with CESVI—has been supporting communities in Dubuluk, Dire, and Moyale woredas to strengthen their capacity to withstand future shocks. The project combines immediate assistance with long-term recovery strategies, focusing on both pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihood systems from a gender transformative approach.
7500 households reached through distribution of drought-tolerant maize and haricot bean seeds to agro-pastoral households, selected for their nutritional value, quick maturity, and suitability to the local environment. Training for government extension workers and agronomists, delivered in coordination with the Bureau of Agriculture of Borena ensured proper guidance on crop agronomy and post-harvest handling for all seed recipients.
Restoring water, land and livelihoods
To restore critical community assets, the project rehabilitated traditional water wells and a community pond, improving access to water for thousands of livestock. Cash-for-work mechanisms provide short-term income to vulnerable households during these rehabilitation activities. Rangeland regeneration was also carried out across six kebeles, focusing on invasive bush thinning and pasture restoration, with the involvement of customary institutions and local committees.
The project further strengthened inclusive local systems through market-oriented veterinary services, improved rangeland management practices, and the introduction of index-based livestock insurance to reduce the impact of future droughts. The Haburu mobile application delivers disaster risk reduction information, early warning updates, and market data, supporting informed decision-making for pastoral and agro-pastoral households.
Through AICS support, Ayuda en Accion in collaboration with local NGOs, regional governments, academia and private sectors support the transition toward more inclusive, diversified and resilient livelihoods. Hola Bula project integrated crop production, improved livestock services, digital early warning tools, and community-driven natural resource management, the project contributes to restoring food security and strengthening household resilience and self-reliance in the Borena Zone, Oromia region of Ethiopia.
