Sustainable Livelihood
Promoting food autonomy for refugee families in the Domiz camp with greenhouses
Addressing the lack of sustainable income, fresh produce, and gardens in Domiz 1 camp, Iraq, Mercy Hands created community gardens under greenhouses to empower refugee families to grow their own sustainable food sources. 12 refugee families were given vegetable seedlings and trained to plant them in the community garden. However, all camp residents benefit from the harvests. Thanks to this project, refugees gain skills and confidence in their abilities to achieve self-sufficiency!
Reviving the beekeeping activity in Al-Bab
Beekeeping constitutes a viable microeconomic enterprise and presents an opportunity for poverty alleviation, empowerment of the local population, and strengthening of climate resilience. 10 years of conflict have led to the collapse of the local economy in Syria, the displacement of people, as well as the decline in the number of bees in the region and opportunities for Syrian beekeepers. In collaboration with the International Agricultural Cooperation Organization (IACO), we organise beekeeping training sessions to strengthen the capacities of experienced beekeepers who have lost their hives and are no longer able to make a living from this activity. We also distribute quality beekeeping equipment so that they can rehabilitate their damaged hives and establish new ones.
Cultivation of Hibiscus sabdariffa Tea Flowers to Treat Hypertension
The project is located in Dohuk, Kurdish Region of Iraq. We are cultivating Hibiscus tea thanks to the Syrian refugees from the Domiz 1 Camp. The Hibiscus project aims to equip Syrian refugees with “Cash for Work” activities that will lead to new job opportunities and the development of a new market. A medical follow-up of hypertensive patients will follow the cultivation of the Hibiscus to improve health through natural treatments. The project has been realized under the request of scientific research made by a Swiss foundation and an Iraqi health company.
Water, Plants and Animals for a Sustainable Ethiopia
This project is located in the Amhara region in Ethiopia, more precisely in the Bibugn Woreda. Our aim is to empower the rural community, especially women, through various income-generating activities and the rehabilitation of degraded agricultural land. This includes capacity building in beekeeping practices, ecological agriculture and forestry and breeding of livestock. Having assessed the local needs, seeing that the region has very poor coverage in drinking water sources, we will also create 2 fountains to be used as safe drinking water sources. Thanks to our local partner Agri Service Ethiopia, we ensure the continuation of the project and the integration of women in the local community through community learning forums, where our beneficiaries will create a democratic way to have their say at every stage of the project.
Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Saffron and Ginger for Holistic Health Treatment
This project aims to cultivate hibiscus sabdariffa, saffron and ginger in Domiz 2 Camp in Dohuk, Kurdish region of Iraq and produce herbal tea products from these plants that will allow for the natural treatment of various diseases such as hypertension. This work is inspired by medical research conducted by the Antenna Foundation in Iraq. Members of the camp community will not only benefit from improved health through these natural treatments, but disadvantaged refugees living in the camp will be able build a livelihood through specialized training and the foundations of a sustainable micro-enterprise. This project will also enable reforestation through the introduction of new environmentally-friendly plants with long-term yields of useful health products and the possibility to expand this scope in the future.
