A Flourishing Future: The Hiryoota Haro Adi Breadmaking CIG
The
Hiryoota Haro Adi Common Interest Group (CIG) is a shining example of community
empowerment. Established in 2023 in Haro Adi Kebele, Fentale district, East
Shoa Zone, Oromia regional State, Ethiopia, the CIG comprises 12 members, with
10 women and 2 men. Formed with the support of the Lowland Livelihood
Resilience Project (LLRP), the group prioritized bread making as their business
venture, aiming to improve the economic well-being of its selected members,
particularly youths.
The
LLRP provided a grant of Birr 422,400 to purchase a bakery machine, while the
CIG members themselves contributed an additional Birr 181,028.50 for other
necessary equipment. Since their launch a year ago, the group has demonstrated
remarkable progress, both individually and collectively.
The
bakery machine has the potential to produce over 1,000 loaves of bread daily.
While not yet operating at full capacity, the CIG has consistently produced
1,000 loaves per day for the past year. This has resulted in a total income of
Birr 2,160,000 from bread sales. After factoring in expenses for ingredients,
employee salaries, utilities, rent, and other operational costs (totaling Birr
757,200), the CIG has achieved a net profit of Birr 202,800.
Prior
to joining the CIG, all members relied on their families or relatives for
financial support. Sisay Diksa, a member of the group, shared, "Life was incredibly difficult before.
Without a source of income, you're forced to depend on others. Thankfully, this
project rescued us from that dependence. We no longer need to seek work abroad.
We've created our own jobs, and the business revenue is managed
transparently."
Since
the group's inception, all members have actively participated in management
decisions. They take pride in their collective achievement. The bread-producing
CIG has not only addressed the economic challenges faced by its young members
but has also helped bridge the gap in bread supply within the community.
"The net profit generated from our business
is used for three purposes," explained Ms. Zamzam Jemal, the group
leader. "Firstly, to sustain the
business itself. Secondly, to support individual members and improve their
livelihoods. And lastly, to build a reserve fund." She further
elaborated, "Each member has already seen an improvement in their life and
livelihood thanks to the profits we've shared."
The
unwavering commitment of the Lowland Livelihood Resilience Project to improving
the lives of marginalized communities is clearly evident in the success story
of the Hiryoota Haro Adi CIG and its members.