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Ethiopia

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Ethiopia is prone to recurrent droughts and floods, which have increased in frequency and intensity in recent years. This year's Horn of Africa drought has left more than 4.5 million people in Ethiopia in need of food assistance. This is in addition to the 7.5 million people who are already receiving food aid. This year, pasture and water shortages have caused massive livestock deaths in the south and south-eastern parts of the country.


In 2011 the European Commission has allocated €46 million in humanitarian aid to Ethiopia. The Commission's response has been to provide adequate multi-sector assistance in the areas of food aid, nutrition, livelihood protection and rehabilitation, emergency health care services, and targeted assistance to refugees. This figure includes funding focused on drought response, mitigation and preparedness.

Ethiopia is part of the Regional Drought Preparedness Programme that was launched by the European Union in 2006. The programme seeks to alleviate the impact of recurrent drought cycles on vulnerable communities in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. Activities focus on the upkeep of water sources, initiatives centred on livestock, and alternative income generating activities.

Conflict and the risk of starvation have led many Somalis to cross the border into Ethiopia. By November 2011, the number of refugees that arrived in Ethiopia from Somalia was 93000; bringing the total number in the Dolo Ado camps to 133,000. An escalation of fighting in Sudan's Blue Nile Region has also caused an exodus of people seeking safety in western Ethiopia. Since the beginning of September 2011, close to 30,000 refugees have crossed the border and the influx continues.


Stories from the field


Related information

Other EU websites about Ethiopia: