In the picturesque landscape of Ethiopia, an extraordinary story of determination, collaboration, and success has taken root. The women of Lemlem and Selam Self-Help Entrepreneur Groups (SHE) have cultivated a bountiful ginger harvest AND grown something even more valuable – more confidence, experience, and success. And it's all happening because of the support of donors just like you.

The Seeds of Collaboration

When 40 remarkable women from Lemlem and Selam SHE joined forces to venture into ginger farming, they planted the seeds with excitement and courage. The 'ginger queens' trusted the process, each other, and the research and training that helped them decide to farm. 

These enterprising women rented a 0.75-hectare plot of land from one of their members and invested in 11 quintals of seed ginger. In the US, that's 2,425 pounds of seeds. They spent just over $1,100 on this first step as 'ginger queens.' Then, they used local farming practices to help determine how to apply fertilizer and prevent pests from ruining their crop. 

Their initial investment is significant sum that represented not just their group savings, but their collective dreams and aspirations. But, they knew they were ready. (Read part 1 to learn more about their first planting) 

Through regular knowledge-sharing sessions these Ginger Queens developed the skills and confidence needed to break stereotypes and take on farming activities traditionally dominated by men, including plowing with oxen. It has been an amazing journey for these 40 women.

A Royal Harvest Thanks to You

The results of your investment? Nothing short of extraordinary!

These determined Ginger Queens harvested an impressive 67 quintals of ginger. Folks, that's over 14,000 pounds! And, they generated a a remarkable gross revenue of 234,000 Birr. WHOA -- about $4,430 USD!

After accounting for their initial costs, each member took home a net profit of 4,300 Birr -- about $32 at today's valuation.

*All $USD are being converted based on the value of the dollar today in Ethiopia. 

A Future With Promise

This remarkable achievement happens because you care about families in Ethiopia. And, your belief in these women's potential has provided crucial training in basic SHE concepts that include life skills, business skills, and social and economic empowerment. 

Today, thanks to you, there are over 80 SHE groups with over 1600 members. Almost all members are now engaged in various income-generating activities, creating a sustainable cycle of growth and prosperity. 

You can be part of these beautiful stories with sustaining support by joining The Roots.  Join the family and become a member of The Roots! We can't wait to welcome you and share more stories of success for moms in SHE.