07 December 2013, Shelfo Village, (Awasa Zuria Woreda, Sidama Zone, SNNP region), Ethiopia - Mr Bekele, 57 years of age (right) looks on as his daughter elainesh Bekele (18 y.o.) cooks freshly harvested carrots to serve with enjerra, their staple food. Mr Bekele grew the carrots using seed rovided by FAO. About fifty percent of the harvested seeds is sold at market, while the rest is used for home consumption and for planting next season. FAO has been playing a leading role providing access to seeds and planting materials under the umbrella of various emergency and development-oriented projects supported by different donors, particularly over the past four years. WFP is providing food assistance to 1.6 million people in SNNP region. While IFAD is the leading agency in the field of rural finance. Repayments of loans in the region are high, with up to 92-96 percent of loans are paid back.Mr. Bekele received seeds to grow carrot plants.