Drought and food crisis in Ethiopia

Suku Deda Photo: Caroline Waterman/ACT-Christian Aid

Story: R. Hughes

People in southeastern Ethiopia are experiencing drought and food scarcity following the failure of two rainy seasons.  The long dry spell has caused severe shortages of pastureland and water.  Many livestock have died and unusual livestock migrations are occurring.   

Suku Deda, pictured at right, lost most of her cattle to drought.  Without cattle, her family has no food and no source of income.  

Working in coalition, Church World Service is helping affected vulnerable households with emergency food supplies, agricultural inputs, and in some cases cash to purchase food where food remains available in local markets.  The coordinated initiative is focused to address immediate food needs, save lives, and improve families’ recovery and future household food security.  Priority is on the needs of people living with disabilities and women headed households.  

Church World Service is helping ACT Ethiopia Forum members to assist 120,880 people, and is focusing its support on the work of long-time partners the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and on the Development and Social Services Commission of Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (an indigenous national church).  These efforts are expected to last through June 2009.  

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