The South West Maize livelihood zone is one of the historically food secure areas in Amhara Region. It spreads across: West Gojam (Achefer, Bahir Dar Zuria, Bure, Dega Damot, Dembecha, Jabi Tehnan, Mecha, Quarit, Sekela, Seme Achefer, Wemberma, Yilmana Densa woredas); Agew (Ankasha, Banja, Dangila, Fagta Lakoma, Guagusa Shikudad, Guangua); and East Gojam (Debre Elias, Michakel).
The information presented refers to November 2005-October 2006, a good year by local standards. Provided there are no fundamental and rapid shifts in the economy, the information in this profile is expected to remain valid for approximately five years (i.e. until 2012).