Mother of four Worknesh works hard to feed her children and keep her coffee and vegetable farmlet thriving in the fertile but harsh climate of southern Ethiopia. This year, Caritas Australia’s Make Hunger History appeal shines a light on her story—one of resilience in the face of drought, landslides and illness.
Southern Ethiopia’s lush landscapes mask a fragile existence for its residents, who rely on rain-fed agriculture by smallholder farmers. Erratic rainfall, soil degradation and malaria outbreaks threaten livelihoods, and clean water is scarce. Climate shocks have intensified in recent years, with droughts and unseasonal rains disrupting harvests.
Worknesh’s family is always at high risk of hunger and disease, but especially during the lean season from June to September. ‘We were suffering during the lean season, and it destroys the yield,’ Worknesh says.
‘We suffer when there is not enough food for our family. Since there is no option, our family tries to sustain and pass the time with root crops.’
They are often forced to drink contaminated water as the nearest clean water source is a 90-minute walk away, leading to frequent waterborne illnesses in the family. Last year, most of her family also contracted malaria. They have limited access to healthcare for treatment for any of these conditions.
Despite these challenges, Worknesh’s life began to change after joining a program supported by Caritas Ethiopia. Through this initiative, she received training, vegetable seeds and business skills that helped her diversify her crops, improve nutrition and increase her income.
‘After engaging in the project, I am able to produce vegetables to secure my family food and to increase my family income with the surplus product,’ she says.
Donations to the Make Hunger History appeal can help provide seeds, tools and training to families like Worknesh’s, improving their food security. Caritas Australia CEO Kirsten Sayers, emphasises the urgency: ‘Worknesh’s story is one of strength and determination, but also of urgent need. No mother should have to watch her children go hungry.’
This tax time, Caritas says Catholics across Australia can help transform more lives, helping families like Worknesh’s break the cycle of poverty and hunger. Donations to the Make Hunger History appeal provide tools, training and sustainable solutions—turning struggle into resilience.
‘Your support can help families grow food beyond the lean season, protect their children from malnutrition and build a future where they can thrive,’ Kirsten says.
To donate, visit www.caritas.org.au/make-hunger-history or call 1800 024 413. All gifts are tax-deductible.
Banner image: Worknesh with her children. (Photo courtesy of Caritas Australia.)
