Building on Solidaridad’s strong engagement with small-scale farmers and leveraging the long-standing presence of BASF |Nunhems—BASF’s vegetable seeds division—in the area, this three-year initiative aims to strengthen climate resilience and improve livelihoods for 1,600 farmers and their communities by 2028.
Key project components include:
- Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Training farmers in climate-smart practices, composting, water harvesting, solar irrigation, and safe crop protection.
- Livestock Development: Supporting widows and vulnerable households in dairy and poultry farming through infrastructure, training, and market access.
- Infrastructure & Resource Management: Installing solar-powered irrigation systems and erosion control structures in four Farmer Training Centres.
- Market & Financial Access: Connecting farmers to markets and financial institutions to improve productivity and income.
- Gender & Youth Inclusion: Prioritizing women-headed households and youth through tailored training and enterprise development.
As a global leader in vegetable seed innovation, BASF contributes expertise in resilient crop varieties, agronomic support, and inclusive value chain development, building on BASF Nunhems’ longstanding vegetable seed production farm in the area.
Solidaridad’s country manager for Ethiopia, Sanka Sepe, emphasizes that the project aligns well with Solidaridad’s mission to empower farmers to thrive in the face of climate challenges: “This project puts farmers at the centre of climate-smart agriculture, enhancing their productivity, income, and resilience. By strengthening resource management and creating economic opportunities, we are laying the foundation for long-term community sustainability.”
Ben Depraetere, Managing Director BASF|Nunhems Ethiopia PLC, says: “At BASF | Nunhems, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive real change. Through the project, we’re not only introducing resilient seed solutions – we’re contributing to a future where smallholder farmers thrive in the face of climate uncertainty”.
Melanie Bausen-Wiens, Senior Vice President, Regulatory, Stewardship & Public Affairs at BASF Agricultural Solutions, adds: “Climate Resilient Opportunities for Sustainable Livelihoods is opening doors for women and youth in agriculture, creating opportunities for thousands impacted by the project. It is a powerful step towards inclusive rural development. This is how we turn stewardship into impact.”
Heske Verburg, Managing Director of Solidaridad Europe, underscores the importance of global collaboration for long-term sustainability. “Where Solidaridad brings on board its strong connection with small-scale farmers, BASF contributes with climate-resilient vegetable seeds and expertise. Bringing this together not only addresses immediate livelihood needs but also lays the foundation for long-term sustainability in the vegetable supply chain”.