Project Reports
Projects Implemented
Strengthening climate resilience of households and communities in Wolaita, Ethiopia. story
The project "Strengthening Climate Resilience in Wolaita" supported 360 vulnerable households in Abaya Chokare, Wolaita Zone, with the goal of improving their ability to cope with climate shocks. Funded by €100,000 from Provincie Vlaams-Brabant and implemented by the Ethiopian Catholic Church – SDCO Soddo, it focused on land rehabilitation, climate-smart agriculture, and community preparedness.
Key actions included rehabilitating 203 ha of farmland, planting over 77,000 trees, providing fuel-saving stoves, and forming 10 Self-Help Groups. The project also trained farmers and local committees in disaster risk reduction and introduced alternative livelihoods like poultry farming and use of drought-resistant crops.
As a result, communities saw improved soil fertility, water access, and food security, along with reduced deforestation and erosion. The project strengthened both household resilience and environmental sustainability in a climate-vulnerable region.
Coherence Project Gender Empowerment Progress Report
The Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission of Soddo (ECC-SDCO/S) is committed to inclusive socio-economic development through interventions in food security, health, education, gender equality, emergency response, and natural resource management. Gender mainstreaming is a priority, ensuring equal access and participation regardless of background. As part of the Coherence Project, a gender context analysis was conducted, highlighting disparities in labor, resource access, and decision-making. In response, the project developed a gender action plan and implemented community dialogues and training sessions using the Transformative Household Method (THM)to promote equity at the household level.
To support women’s economic empowerment, the project prioritized female-headed households (63% of total beneficiaries) in the Household Asset Building Program (HABP). Women received training in financial literacy, small business development, and livestock management, and were organized into SILC (Saving and Internal Lending Communities) groups. Over ETB 209,000 was saved by women across these groups, and each of the 252 women received ETB 10,000 in fixed subsidies to launch their businesses. These interventions enhanced women's leadership, income generation, and decision-making power.
The project also ensured gender-responsive planning and implementation, with active participation of women in beneficiary selection, training, and community leadership. Meetings and distribution schedules were adapted to women's availability and needs. Through diversified livelihood options and secure assets, women gained confidence, improved status, and resilience. Their active roles in SILC and community groups strengthened their voices and reduced vulnerability, especially to gender-based violence, marking significant progress toward gender equality and empowerment.
Social and Development Ministry of Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo
The Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo, part of the Ethiopian Catholic Church, operates across 11 zones in South and South West Ethiopia, serving over 5.9 million people. Through its Social and Development Ministry, the Vicariate delivers key services in education, health, and humanitarian outreach. Its mission is rooted in promoting human dignity and holistic development, especially among marginalized populations. The Vicariate manages a wide network of institutions, supported by religious congregations, that integrate spiritual care with practical development, reaching diverse ethnic and cultural communities.
In healthcare, the Vicariate operates hospitals and clinics serving more than 380,000 people across Wolaita and Dawuro zones. Facilities like Dubbo St. Mary Catholic Hospital and Mokonissa St. Anna Health Center provide outpatient and maternal care, diagnostics, and disease prevention. These centers, run in collaboration with religious sisters and congregations, offer critical care in remote and underserved areas. In education, the Vicariate runs 39 institutions, including kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and technical institutes. These schools serve thousands of students, combining academic training with Christian values and life skills, especially empowering girls and young women through targeted programs.
The Vicariate also leads humanitarian and emergency responses, addressing crises like droughts, landslides, and cholera in South Omo, Konso, Gofa, and Wolaita. Projects have provided clean water, sanitation, trauma support, and livelihood aid to thousands, with special attention to women through Self-Help Groups, poultry farming, and business training. These efforts combine immediate relief with long-term resilience, laying the groundwork for sustainable recovery and climate adaptation. The Vicariate’s integrated approach continues to make a lasting impact on lives and communities across southern Ethiopia.
