Priest steers goat's milk project
International
Catholic Mission has launched its major appeal for the year, aimed at supporting a community farm project in central Ethiopia.
Catholic Mission national director Fr Brian Lucas said the project was working towards a solution to bring hope to families and children suffering from malnutrition.
“Subsistence farming is a way of life for millions of people in Ethiopia. However, persistent drought and increasing food prices result in many experiencing health problems due to a lack of nutritious food,” he said.
“Distressingly, 70 per cent of families in the town of Emdibir are unable to put food on the table.
“The church and community in Emdibir know the situation will not get any better without any intervention, and in response have collaborated to design a goat rearing centre, to reach out to families in desperate need. It’s a life-changing project.”
The goat-rearing centre will be an extension of the Deberety Farm in Emdibir, which was first opened by local parish priest Fr Habtesilassie Antuan, in 2018.
Fr Habte, as he is known, grew up in Emdibir and experienced the challenges of substance farming living, firsthand.
The farm grows produce such as enset, a hardy banana-like fruit, avocado and coffee. But the current produce at the farm is simply not enough to sustain the village.
To reach more families, Fr Habte and the community want to expand the farm to include a goat-rearing centre and produce goat’s milk.
More nourishing and affordable than cow’s milk, goat’s milk can help provide a healthy source of food, which can also be made into staple food such as cheese and butter.
In addition to supplying families in Emdibir, the milk will be provided to local health clinics for nutrition programs. Any extra milk produced will be sold to other regions.
To learn more, visit catholicmission.org.au/community
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