Help families survive the hunger crisis in Ethiopia


1 in 6 people in Ethiopia don't have enough food. 

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Latest video update 

Watch this update from Tim Manson, Tearfund’s International Programme Director, who recently visited Ethiopia to see the work in action, which has been made possible thanks to the generous donations of over 1700 Kiwi’s. 

 

 

East Africa’s hunger crisis continues to escalate from the combined impact of a three-year drought, massive livestock loss, conflict, corruption and hyper-inflation. Less international assistance has been offered, with global attention being focused on Ukraine and the Middle East.

Time is of the essence if we are to save lives.  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have agreed to match every dollar we can send to help families in Ethiopia $1 for $1 (up to a cap of $750,000).

 

How is Tearfund responding?

What makes Tearfund different is our partnership with local communities.

We believe communities know the issues they face better than anyone. That’s why we've partnered with Terepeza Development Association (TDA), a remarkable local Ethiopian organisation that has been active in the country for 30 years. 

Together we're delivering food directly to people impacted by this hunger crisis. In September, TDA distributed food supplies to 10,000 of the most vulnerable people in southern Ethiopia and these distributions will continue for several months.  

Soon TDA also plan to provide drought resistant seeds and goats to families as well as training to assist people in maximising their crop yields in this changing climate. 

This dual strategy sees people's urgent food needs met directly, and resilience built for the longer term. Together we can help people survive and rebuild their lives.  

 

Kiya's story

Kiya was one of those who received emergency food at TDA’s distribution in September. 

“I’ve been struggling to feed my children. After losing my livestock I became hopeless. God bought this food support to our community during this time of crisis. I have received maize and oil which will feed my children and help sustain us. I thank TDA and Tearfund New Zealand who are saving our lives during this hard time!” 

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Partnership with The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

 

Donate today and have double the impact in Ethiopia. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) are troubled by the scale and realities of this hunger crisis. Having been impressed by the work of our partner, MFAT have agreed to match every dollar we can send to help families in Ethiopia $1 for $1 (up to a cap of $750,000). 

Your donation today can have an even greater impact.

Donate now

Latest Video Update

10 September 2024

2 May 2024

1 May 2024

3 May 2024

 

More information about our partner 

Terepeza Development Association (TDA) is the community development arm of Terepeza Evangelical Church and has been working in Ethiopia for decades. They’ve been doing all they can to be God’s hands and feet in helping the most vulnerable people survive the current hunger crisis and their response has been extremely effective. 

In 2023, TDA provided life-saving food assistance to 11,000 of the most vulnerable people in southern Ethiopia. Some of these families told Tearfund staff  that this support literally saved their lives.  

TDA’s integrity and effectiveness were highlighted when a government officer overseeing the humanitarian response told our team that TDA delivered that food aid on time, in the right quantity, and to the correct people. It’s notoriously difficult to provide relief in such a remote and fragile location, and this is evidence of our partner’s expertise. 

 

How you can help


Every $1 we can send to our partner will be matched. By donating today, your impact on the ground will be doubled. Join us to distribute more life-saving food and assist families to rebuild their livelihoods. 

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Frequently Asked Questions 

How many people is your partner helping?

Approximately 12,675 people will benefit from our partner’s response to the hunger crisis. 7,875 drought-affected will receive emergency food aid and 4800 individuals will benefit from the resiliency building part of the work. Our partner will work with local community leaders and stakeholders to identify those most in need of this support. 

How long will food support be provided for the most vulnerable? 

Our partner will provide immediate food assistance to the most vulnerable for 4 months. Middle and upper arm circumference (MUAC) screening will be carried out to identify malnourished individuals among the most vulnerable groups (children under 5, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers). These people will be given an emergency food supplement (FAMIX).  

What are the long-term benefits of my donation beyond short-term food aid? 

In addition to providing food aid, your donation will also equip our partner TDA to provide drought-resistant seeds (like pigeon pea) and goats to families so they can rebuild their livelihoods.Training will also be provided to assist people in maximising their crop yields in this changing climate. 4800 individuals will benefit from this long-term resiliency building part of the project. 

Is your partner a Christian organisation? 

Our partner, Terepeza Development Association (TDA) was established in 1987 and is the community development arm of Wolaita Kale Heywot Church in Ethiopia. TDA has over 30-years' experience designing and implementing food security and resiliency building projects across Ethiopia. As a Christian organisation they live out Matthew 25:35 where Jesus says: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”  

TDA is led by Bereket Tassew, who has a strong faith and significant experience in working in complex humanitarian contexts, including Borena.  

How much of my donation will actually be sent to the work?

At Tearfund, we work to be good stewards of the financial support given to us. 73% of your donation will go directly to the field supporting our response to the hunger crisis in Ethiopia, ensuring every dollar makes an impact. The remaining percentage is used for administration costs that support all our work from here in New Zealand. 

At Tearfund we value good stewardship. Our 27% overhead ratio means most of your dollar will be sent directly to our partner. For a detailed breakdown, click here.

Heavenly Father,

We lift up East Africa to you and ask for your provision for those who are impacted by the severe hunger crisis. 

Grant rain for agriculture, sustaining livelihoods and food security, and strengthen those providing emergency food assistance. 

Protect our partner and others distributing aid across the country and empower communities into the future. 

May your love inspire compassion as together as we seek to serve our brothers and sisters in their time of need.  

Amen.