Overcoming Chronic Famine and Drought in Ethiopia

In 2003, a severe drought affected close to 14 million Ethiopians; years later, rural communities are still struggling to recover. Despite improved humanitarian conditions, poor agricultural habits and dangerously depleted natural resources have compounded the issues leading to chronic drought in many parts of the country.

Using CHF’s participatory approach to development, we have created Asset Building Groups comprised of emergency-affected communities and clan elder councils, who play a critical role in identifying those most in need of support, and prioritizing how best to increase people’s assets, enhance access to safe water, and reduce their dependence on food or cash assistance.

In the Southern Nations Nationalities and People’s Region, for example, community participation has helped diversify and enhance livelihood opportunities that will thrive in spite of future droughts, including fiber and silk production, improved irrigation techniques for small farmers, and enhanced livestock management.

We are also providing sustainable income generation and livelihoods support tailored to the needs of vulnerable pastoral families living in Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State, distributing information about sanitation practices, and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Following a devastating flood in the eastern city of Dire Dawa, which killed hundreds and left thousands homeless and without access to safe drinking water, CHF helped build 330 permanent homes located a safe distance from the flood-prone areas along the river. CHF worked hard to engage affected residents in the reconstruction process, and build the permanent homes in areas safe from future devastation, but that still afforded convenient access to roads, schools, hospitals and markets.

The results have been successful on numerous fronts, as CHF’s activities have expanded income-generating activities, initiated savings at the household level, promoted access to credit, and improved the capacity of local governments to provide citizens with effective support for decades to come.

Mitigating Complex Emergencies

Since CHF International began working in Ethiopia in April 2004, we have established ourselves as a leader in mitigating the effects of emergencies caused by chronic drought, flooding, and food shortages by focusing on livelihood recovery and employment generation. Currently, we are implementing two grassroots programs in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia, building upon our successful past work in the region.

Livelihood Support for the Somali Region

Since 2007 we have been implementing the OFDA-funded Livelihood Support for Somali Agro-Pastoralists (L-SAP) program. This program assists people who depend on livestock and agriculture for their livelihood in the Gode, Afder, and Warder zones of Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State. Main goals of the project include the achievement of sustainable agriculture for food security, the creation of household incomes for economic recovery, protecting community health through improved practices in sanitation and hygiene, and improving access to water resources. The programs are developed through Asset Building Groups (ABGs), in which group members are selected by the community, providing ownership and community involvement in the development projects.