Ethiopia Drought and Food Security Crisis – CARE Canada 2016

December 2015 - As a result of a particularly strong El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean Ethiopia is facing its worst food security crisis in thirty years. Failed rains in many areas of southern and eastern Ethiopia throughout 2015 have left more than 10 million people in need of emergency food assistance a massive increase from 2.9 million people at the beginning of the year. Malnutrition rates also continue to rise with 350 000 children expected to require treatment for severe acute malnutrition in early 2016. In addition access to safe water particularly in rural areas continues to decline leading to widespread livestock deaths and the threat of outbreaks of water-borne diseases such as cholera. Depending on events the situation in Ethiopia is expected to remain critical until at least October 2016. With Canada’s support CARE Canada is helping to meet the humanitarian needs of drought-affected households in West Hararghe zone Oromiya State. Project activities include: (1) improving access to treatment for acute malnutrition for more than 51 000 people and the provision of safe water and adequate sanitation facilities; and (2) increasing knowledge of proper hygiene practices for more than 47 500 people.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to interventions aimed at preventing identifying and treating severe and moderate acute malnutrition among children pregnant lactating women and other vulnerable groups; and (2) improved access to water sanitation and hygiene services for vulnerable populations. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.