As the world convenes in Azerbaijan to discuss what can be done to rectify the climate breakdown, here at Islamic Relief Worldwide we are sharing stories of how we are helping communities around the globe cope with climate change.
Living in the Miesso district of Ethiopia, 60-year-old Merien has had her life shaped by both conflict and climate challenges. The mother of 10 has been forced to flee her home due to regional violence and, like many other women in her community, has struggled to find ways to support her family.
With few options available to her, Merien turned to collecting firewood.
Firewood collection, though a common source of income, has a devastating effect on the local environment. With over 100 women in Merien’s community relying on firewood collection as a way to generate money, widespread deforestation, soil erosion, and the destruction of natural resources became increasingly common.
These environmental problems only made the area more vulnerable to floods and landslides, putting the community in a vicious cycle of instability and hardship.
A new beginning
Everything changed when Merien joined Islamic Relief’s Strengthening Community Resilience and Economic Empowerment Project (SHEEP).
This initiative has helped women transition from firewood collection to more sustainable livelihoods, such as poultry farming. With hands-on training and resources, Merien learned how to raise chickens – offering her a steady, environmentally-friendly income. She now collects 30 eggs a week, earning about 300 Birr (approx. £1.90), which allows her to support her family and reinvest in her growing farm.
The benefits of the SHEEP project go far beyond Merien’s own personal success. It’s part of a broader effort to help 37,500 people across Miesso and nearby communities rebuild their lives and their environment.
By teaching sustainable agricultural practices and improving water management, the project aims to reduce the community’s dependence on firewood as a means to generate income. As fewer trees are cut down, the risk of floods and landslides is decreasing, and the land is beginning to recover.
The SHEEP project is proving that local actions can contribute to solving global climate issues.
Resilience at the heart of climate action
For Merien, poultry farming isn’t just a new source of income, it’s a path to stability and self-sufficiency. The SHEEP project has given her tools and confidence to improve her family’s future, and it’s doing the same for many others.
As the world continues to confront climate change, Merien’s story reminds us that even the most vulnerable communities can lead the way in building a more sustainable, resilient future.
Discover more about how Islamic Relief is empowering communities like Merien’s. Visit our news section for additional stories and join the conversation at COP29.
