COUNTRY STOP

Ethiopia

Where your monthly support is helping families survive and rebuild their lives

Selam!

(Hello in Amharic)

Welcome to Ethiopia – the next stop on your journey with World of Difference! 

Ethiopia, a landlocked country located on the Horn of Africa, is in the east of the African continent. It is the continent’s oldest independent nation, and a fun fact – it is the only African country that was never colonised! With its remarkable historical heritage, captivating landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, its beauty collides with a horrific reality that millions face. Three years of failed rains have devastated the region and pushed the people to the edge of famine.

Join us to see the World of Difference your monthly gift makes for families who have lost their livelihoods.

 

The hunger crisis in Ethiopia

Fighting hunger in Ethiopia 

In this remarkable drone footage, you can see how dry, barren and remote the region is after three failed rainy seasons in a row. 

We captured images of our partner TDA distributing food to vulnerable families in southern Ethiopia, in December. It’s a unique glimpse into the impact of the life-saving food Kiwis like you are equipping our partner to provide. 

Our partner is the only NGO working in the area. It’s because of your support; they can support these communities that feel forgotten by everyone else. 

Since September, there have been five food distributions to 10,000 of the most vulnerable people in southern Ethiopia.  

Each family receives maize and oil, and FAMIX food supplements for people suffering from malnurtition, such as children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

Huqa’s story 

“My name is Huqa and I am 48 years old. I had 15 cows before the drought, because of the drought, I lost all 15. I’ve been surviving by selling charcoal and firewood. 

In the middle of the drought the food aid started from Terepeza Development Association (TDA), and it helped us very much.  

A lot of small children and older people were on the brink of death. I remember a lot of people who were very weak, and they didn’t have hope. But because of this supplementary food aid they have recovered, and they survived."

 I used the money I made selling charcoal and firewood to buy goats as startup stock. I have five goats now. I hope when the number grows, I can start to buy cows. I’m trying to rebuild; we are desperately praying for more rain.” 

SHOW MORE

Where to from here?

These food distributions have helped the most vulnerable families survive the dry season in southern Ethiopia. The next rains are expected to begin in March, we ask that you pray for rain so that our partner TDA can start the livelihood rebuilding work. 

What does this look like? 

1. Drought-resistant seed distribution
Drought-resistant seeds will be distributed so people can grow food, rather than depend on emergency food distributions. 

2. Climate-smart farmer training
This training will help farmers grow crops even when there is low rainfall. The seeds will be distributed to farmers in areas close to dams and water sources. Although they are dry right now, they will catch any available rain

3. Goat distribution 
As most livestock has died due to the prolonged drought, TDA will distribute goats. Goats are cheaper and more resilient than other livestock. They will help farmers to rebuild herds and give them an economic base for when the drought ends. 

SHOW MORE

Did you see Tearfund’s response to the crisis in the media? 

This hunger crisis was largely forgotten about around the world, as attention and aid diverted to Ukraine and the Middle East. But these families were not forgotten about by us.  

Our team worked tirelessly to apply for funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and to raise the profile of this crisis in the media. And we did. 

God is so faithful, together with MFAT, stories amplifying the crisis in the media and our generous supporters, we have been able to have an even greater impact for these drought-affected people.  

Published Kiwi author Dr Himali McInnes travelled with Tearfund to Ethiopia with Newshub’s Europe Correspondent and camera crew, Tearfund’s CEO Ian McInnes and International Programmes Director Tim Manson in May. 

In this article she describes her encounter with unimaginable hunger and being confronted with heart-breaking stories of lost livelihoods and loved ones. 

We hope you enjoyed your visit to Ethiopia and were able to witness your incredible impact. Where will you be visiting next? You'll just have to wait and see...

Revisit previous destinations

While you wait for your next destination, you can find more encouraging stories of transformation by looking back at all the other fantastic places we’ve visited with World of Difference here.

 

See destinations