Making farmers proud!

Empowering 1,000 Farmers & 700 Youth in Hawassa!

Introduction
Ethiopia faces a youth unemployment crisis due to political and economic shocks and systemic challenges in education and skill development. Conflicts, droughts, and global disruptions have worsened shortages, food insecurity and job opportunities. Limited access to loans, business support, and market entry challenges hinder youth employment and entrepreneurship. Despite government efforts, technical and vocational training centers (TVETs) fail to equip graduates with marketable skills. Dorcas Ethiopia is implementing SAYEP (South Area Youth Employability Program) in Hawassa to enhance agricultural development and youth employability, fostering economic resilience.

Hawassa Area Livelihood Development Project
The intended program will be implemented in Hawassa town and the Hawassa Zuria district in the southern part of Ethiopia. The program aims to improve food security and the livelihood situation of the targeted populations. The emphasis of the intervention is on agricultural development and youth employability.

Agricultural Development
The warm climate, access to lake water, and the very fertile soils surrounding Lake Hawassa make the area highly suitable for vegetable production and for fruit trees such as avocado and mango. In addition, its proximity to Hawassa – a large urban center with a population of over 500,000 – creates an ideal market with a strong and growing demand for vegetables and fruit. Despite these favorable conditions, a significant proportion of farmers primarily grow cabbages for household consumption. It is this combination of favorable conditions and strong market potential that motivated Dorcas to propose this intervention, aimed at empowering local farmers and their families to improve their vegetable and fruit production. This initiative will enhance food security in two ways: it will support a more balanced diet for participating households, and it will strengthen economic access to food through increased income

‘Thanks to the support from Dorcas, my life has transformed. Engaging in vegetable production has not only improved my skills but also significantly increased my income. I am now able to provide a better future for my family.’ – Yonas, Farmer

Youth Employability
Youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges in Hawassa town and the Hawassa Zuria district, with rates estimated at up to 25% and still rising. Dorcas Ethiopia is committed to turning this challenge into opportunity by equipping young people with the skills and resources they need to thrive. Our approach is comprehensive and impact-driven:

• Vocational Training: Practical, market-relevant skills tailored to local needs.
• Enterprise Development: Supporting the growth of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) to stimulate job creation.
• Access to Finance: Improving loan opportunities for MSEs to unlock entrepreneurial potential.
• Business Development Services: Guiding start-ups toward sustainable success.

Every initiative is designed to create real opportunities for youth in the labor market. Trainings are demand-driven, ensuring alignment with local economic priorities and adding tangible value. Given Hawassa’s strong agricultural orientation, many programs focus on agribusiness and related sectors, fostering innovation and resilience in the local economy. By investing in skills and enterprise, Dorcas Ethiopia empowers young people to build a future full of possibilities.

Impact
Over the course of three years, the project will directly reach a total of 1,000 farmers through agricultural support and 700 youth through life‑skills and vocational training, the majority of whom are expected to become self‑employed. In addition to the direct beneficiaries, the project will indirectly benefit a further 6,250 people. Therefore, this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of nearly 8,000 people!

‘Before receiving support from Dorcas, I felt hopeless and jobless. Starting my own small business has transformed my life, allowing me to earn an income and support my family. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to create a better future.’ – Azeb, small business owner

Budget
The 3-year project budget is $393,000, with $178,000 needed for the first year to launch in 2026. Funding will be used to train farmers in modern efficient technology, agroforestry and climate smart agriculture. Furthermore, to support Selam Hawassa college to run a business incubation center, offer business development support, and improve public TVET and government offices. Since Dorcas has already secured $87,000 (22%) of the total budget, MissionInvest USA is seeking the remaining $306,000 for the three‑year project period 2026–2028.

Warm Recommendation from MissionInvest
In mid‑March 2025, I had the opportunity to visit this successful project together with a group of business people. We visited the Selam vocational training center and the agricultural component of the project in the rural areas outside Hawassa. We were excited to learn that the Selam Training Center – originally established by a Swiss organization – is highly respected in Ethiopia due to the quality and strong success rate of its training programs: 100% of all trainees secure decent jobs! Amazing! It was absolutely fantastic to walk through the fields with a group of farmers and hear their enthusiastic stories about how much the project is already benefiting them.

The recent visit of this project, made us even more motivated to raise funding for this successful project. Therefore, MissionInvest USA is committed to scaling this project to help lift 1,000 more poor farming families out of poverty and in addition to initiate 700 small businesses! This project is all about bringing justice to the poor and giving them opportunities to realize their God-given potential! How much of this are you willing to contribute?