Background

Hecho Men Reflect group was established in April 2025 by 18 members who are willing to come together discuss and change their lives. The circle was established in Konsore chefa kebele by economically marginalized members. The group members said even if we have economical problem some of us problem were deep. Since our first meeting we have agreed to work hard change our lives and not waiting for any external support to start what we were agreed on. All of we have farmers background and we identified farming as a best opportunity to start our work. However, we don’t have money to rent farming lands and we didn’t want to simply seat and wait until their saving reach their. So, the group decided to work in share with the owner of the land and planted boloke, and sweet potato. Recently, they harvested 10 quintal boloke and sell twenty four thousand birr their share.

Before the intervention of Emanuel Development Association (EDA), members of the Hecho Reflect Circle had limited knowledge of modern agricultural practices and weak participation in structured group discussions. Their farming productivity was low, and they faced challenges in managing resources effectively. Income generation was minimal, and there was little awareness about improved techniques such as compost preparation and proper time management.

The intervention of the organization

Based on the action plan submitted by Edget Men Men Reflect circle, EDA supported parts of their action plan to participate in irrigation activity at the end of 2025. The group with the support of EDA/Kinvia they started irrigation work of potato, onion and carrot on 0.5 hectare farmlands. EDA staffs provide continuous support through facilitating visit and technical support by focal person. Members were trained on improved agricultural practices, including compost preparation, crop management, and efficient land use. In addition, EDA facilitated reflect circle discussions that helped members share experiences, plan their future activities, and strengthen teamwork.

They said based on current market prices of vegetables they expected income beyond one hundred twenty thousand birr and planned to egage in poultry and farming.

Result

Due to technical and financial support of EDA, Hecho  Reflect circles working in production of vegetables like carrot, tomato, potato and its growth is in good shape. They are currently harvested 350kg carrot and waiting for other to harvest in the coming weeks. They said based on current market prices of vegetables they expected income beyond one hundred twenty thousand birr and planned to egage in poultry and farming.

The members of the Hecho Reflect Circle also said they have seen significant improvement in both social and economic aspects. Their Agricultural productivity increased, social interaction among the group members improved, they started engaging as a group in different social responsibilities such as opening and maintaining walkway, helping others in need. They said they are very happy for being parts of the group and working willingly to make a significant impact in their life.