Ethiopia

In country for nearly 5 decades, our latest work in Ethiopia has focused on deepening our active role in contributing to the government’s efforts to alleviate poverty.

Ethiopia is a country particularly vulnerable to weather-related shocks, such as droughts and floods, with over 80% of its rural population dependent on rain-fed agriculture. While large strides have been made in fighting hunger and improving food security, 7 million people still deal with hungry periods, many of whom are pastoralists and farmers who also face malnutrition and water scarcity.

It faces the added challenge of being one of the largest host communities to refugees in Africa, with almost 750,000 refugees from neighboring countries.

The most recent Human Development Index places Ethiopia 173 out of 189 countries, despite a steady rise in GDP and ongoing overall improvements in reducing poverty since 2000. A significant proportion of the population remains vulnerable to climatic and other shocks, and Ethiopia is still recovering from its worst protracted drought in decades (2016 and 2017). The situation is exacerbated by simultaneous internal conflicts, along with the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, and swarms of desert locusts affecting crops.

While childhood mortality and stunting have declined substantially in recent years, large regional differences still persist.

Livlihoods

In South Wollo and Wolayita, our integrated livelihoods program reached over 51,000 people in 2019. The program uses a Graduation approach to build job security and improve the nutrition of participants through a number of activities. A survey conducted in 2019 shows that participants are now in a much more financially and nutritionally secure position since the start of the program in 2017. The amount of livestock households now own has grown from an average of 1.7 animals to 11.5 animals, and 97% of households are now able to save cash regularly.

Health & Nutrition

In the Amhara Region in 2019, Concern reached over 135,300 people with our integrated program to reduce spikes in child malnutrition (CMAM Surge).

Maternal & Child Health

Over 10,000 Ethiopians were supported in 2019 with nutrition education, focusing on maternal and child feeding. With 66 mother-to-mother support groups (totaling just over 1,050 members), rehabilitated latrines, and hygiene education, we have helped to help reduce incidents of diarrheal disease, especially among children.