The distribution of contraceptives in rural Ethiopia is a challenging business. The Ministry of Health has limited resources, but recognises an unmet need. Fulas is a farmer in a small community a long way from the nearest town, and he has volunteered to be the local provider of family planning. Once a month he makes the journey by bus to the city, where he picks up his supplies, which he will then give out to women at his local surgery, at the same time as educating them in their use. As a literate person, he has been able to receive training from the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia, a local NGO affiliated to IPPF, the International Planned Parenthood Federation. IPPF sponsors this pioneering programme in co-operation with the Ethiopian Health Ministry, and is achieving great success in areas where communication is very limited.