Enduring the Consequences of a Crisis in Which no Role was Played in

Amina* stood on the cracked, dry land in her backyard, her three children clinging to her side as the relentless sun beat down on a land that had turned against them. Their faces were filled with fear and worry, especially the youngest, who was suffering from severe health issues.

Life had never been easy for Amina. Although she had attended school until the second grade, financial constraints cut her education short, she was also set for marriage at the age of 18 through an arranged marriage made by her family. In her village, where young girls were often married off early, Amina knew her time would come, and by 25, she was already a mother of three. Her husband, a daily labourer in construction and charcoal selling, struggled to provide even the most basic necessities. Each day felt like a battle for survival.

Then, the drought came. Amina’s home in Yabello district, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, was hit hard by repeated climate shocks. Ethiopia, like many other vulnerable nations, has long been at the mercy of climate change. The five consecutive failed rainy seasons in Yabello district had left the land parched. With no crops to harvest and little water to drink, Amina’s ability to care for her children was severely strained. The emotional toll was overwhelming, and her mental health deteriorated under the constant pressure of survival.

Without adequate recovery interventions, the people in Amina’s community faced a growing crisis. Women and children were left without sufficient support. Amina found herself unable to meet her children’s basic needs, let alone provide a safe and nurturing environment. It was at this point that Amina was selected as one of 150 families to receive assistance from SOS Children’s Villages Ethiopia’s humanitarian response.

Through its Emergency Gap-filling interventions and livelihood support, the initiative provides high-impact, nutrition-sensitive support in Yabello Woreda. The initiative focuses on building the resilience of households, communities, and local health systems to withstand future shocks. Linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SOS Children’s Villages supports families like Amina’s with tools to rebuild their lives and secure their futures. This support extends beyond financial aid to include health care, education, and emotional well-being ensuring no child is at risk of losing parental care.

Amina was identified for support due to her daughter’s ongoing health struggles and the family’s inability to access proper nutrition. Through SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia, she received training in sustainable backyard gardening. She learned land preparation, planting techniques, and organic pest control, which allowed her to make the most of the minimal rainfall. Amina was given improved seeds like carrots, dark green vegetables, and moringa trees which would help her grow more nutritious food for her family.

Despite the irregular rainfall, Amina’s Garden was well on its way to flourish. The fresh vegetables she harvested improved her family’s diet, and she began selling excess produce at the local market. The extra income helped cover her daughter’s medical costs and other household needs. Amina also saved money by reducing her reliance on distant markets for food.

In addition, Amina was provided with livestock to increase her family’s food security. The milk from the animals not only nourished her children but also became a source of income when sold. She was also given beekeeping equipment, enabling her to produce and sell honey and beeswax, offering a vital income stream during the drought when other agricultural activities failed. These efforts strengthened her household’s food security and helped build resilience to future climate shocks.

Although water scarcity and irregular rainfall remain challenges, Amina’s small farm and diversified livelihood activities have brought meaningful improvements. Her daughter, once at risk of severe malnutrition followed by her medical condition, is now recovering thanks to better nutrition. Amina’s own mental health has improved, with her stress levels significantly reduced from the support her family received. Her husband, who initially had not understood the toll the drought had taken on Amina, is now more attuned to her needs and mental well-being.

Amina’s story illustrates the interconnectedness of climate change, poverty, and the lack of social protection. It underscores the need for global action on the SDGs particularly “Climate Action,” “No Poverty,” “Zero Hunger,” “Good Health and Well-being,” and “Partnership for the Goals.” These goals are essential for supporting families like Amina’s, who bear the weight of climate-induced poverty, despite contributing little to global emissions.

Although Amina’s journey remains difficult with the harsh climate in her hometown, the support she has received has made her hopeful. She dreams of a world where her children will never face the risk of losing parental care due to poverty or climate shocks. For that dream to become a reality, the global community must prioritize sustainable development, social protection, and climate resilience, ensuring that children everywhere can grow up in environments that nurture their well-being and potential.

*To respect the person's privacy, their real name has not been used.