Our Strategy
To End Poverty

Glimmer’s theory of change is our road map for eliminating poverty in rural Ethiopia. Our strategic approach is based on learnings from collaboration with peer organizations, research and our work on the ground since 2000.

Glimmer's Theory of Change

Problem

Rural Ethiopian families remain stuck in the cycle of poverty due to a lack of life’s most basic needs: income, food, clean water, health care and education, as well as the capacity and resources to cope with frequent environmental and economic shocks.

Activities

Livelihoods

Engage in and equip community members to manage value chain production of commodities (i.e., animal fattening, dairy, vegetable production).

Strengthen rural savings and loan cooperatives.

Health

Equip local health workers with knowledge and skills to support healthy behaviors at the household level.

Establish new health facilities and community-managed, clean water sources.

Education

Establish and strengthen girls’ clubs, build gender-segregated latrines and construct new schools.

Behavior Change

Livelihoods

Community members produce and sell value chain commodities and cooperative membership grows.

Health

Families consistently practice healthy behaviors and clean water sources are effectively managed and maintained.

Education

Girls engage in girls’ clubs. Students access and utilize new facilities.

Outcomes

Livelihoods
Woman selling produce

Increased income, food security and family savings, and strong, self-sustaining rural cooperatives.

Health
Woman holding child

Increased maternal and child health, improved nutrition, and clean water access for families.

Education
Woman sitting at computer

Increased access to improved, gender-sensitive learning environments.

Solution

Sustainable, resilient communities are equipped to absorb, anticipate, and overcome shocks and break the long-term cycle of poverty.

Enacting Our Vision

Nearly two decades of challenges and successes have honed how we implement our work. Our process addresses the many challenges of rural development and lays the groundwork for long-lasting impact.