Ethiopian woman in patterned dress sitting on the floor next to kettle

Ethiopia

Why are we in Ethiopia?  Ethiopia is a country particularly vulnerable to weather-related shocks, such as droughts and floods, with over 80% of the rural population dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Four consecutive failed rain seasons have had a devastating effect on parts of the country, with over 4.5 million livestock deaths since late 2021. Ethiopia faces the added challenge of hosting 941,000 refugees from other countries, as well as recovering from intense conflict in the northern regions, with millions left internally displaced.

Humanitarian crises

In 2022, Ethiopia experienced multiple humanitarian crises that endangered the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. An on-going drought, which began in 2020, has severely impacted pastoralist communities in the Eastern and Southern regions of Ethiopia. As a consequence, an estimated 13 million people are suffering food insecurity, malnutrition, limited access to water, and increased risk of disease. In the Oromia and Somali regions, people are simultaneously affected by both drought and conflict. Although a cessation of hostilities has been achieved in Northern Ethiopia, significant humanitarian needs arising from conflict still persist. There remains an estimated 2.6 million internally displaced persons in Northern Ethiopia alone.

Latest achievements

Emergency response

In 2022, we responded to 19 emergencies, benefitting nearly 800,000 Ethiopians. Reflecting the impact of conflict and drought in Ethiopia, the responses focused on food, health, clean water & sanitation, and cash assistance. Most recently, we responded to flooding in Somali Region.

Livelihoods

Education

Children in classroom in Ethiopia sitting on floor and raising hands for teacher

There is now a library and classroom meaning children can attend classes at the Kebere Mido IDP site. Photo: Conor O'Donovan/Concern Worldwide

Young girl in Ethiopia smiling and pointing in camera

Amint Mohammed Yesuf's daughter Mieraj Yimam (3) in Abasokotu mobile health clinic. Photo: Eugene Ikua/Concern Worldwide

Group of women and children in Ethiopia receive nutrition education outside health centre

Nimo Abdulahi Gurays, her children Abdiwasa (4) and Abdirahaman (3), and others receive nutrition education outside the local health centre in Legahida. Photo: Conor O'Donovan/Concern Worldwide

Teenage girls in Ethiopia using sewing machines in classroom

Adolescent girls attending basic apparel production training at Kombolcha TVET college, Amhara region. Photo: Zelalem Mulugeta/Concern Worldwide

Woman and her son sitting outside mobile health clinic in Ethiopia

Aminat Said Yimer (32) and her son Yisahak Yenealem (4) from Asgedo-Robit village after attending a prenatal check up in Abosokotu mobile health clinic. Photo: Eugene Ikua/Concern Worldwide

Support worker Halimo Sheik Nuriye wears green hijab in Ethiopian village

Halimo Sheik Nuriye helps to facilitate mother to mother support groups in Legahida. Photo: Niall Conroy/Concern Worldwide

Female Concern staff in Ethiopia office gather under green and white balloons

International Women's Day celebrations in Concern Addis Ababa Concern office. Photo: Concern Worldwide

How we're helping Ethiopia

We are working hard to combat suffering and build resilience in Ethiopia. We are doing this by establishing programmes which will improve livelihoods, tackle gender equality and increase humanitarian response.

RTÉ Nationwide programme visit

In 2019, Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ travelled to Ethiopia to mark Concern Worldwide’s 50th anniversary and showcase the work being done by Concern in the country. Nationwide presenter Mary Kennedy was joined by our Director of International Programmes Anne O’Mahony as she visited the province of Wollo to examine the impact of donations made by the Irish public to Concern in response to the Ethiopian famine 35 years ago.

In addition, the crew spent time in Addis Ababa to learn more about Concern’s vocational skills programmes. This special edition of Nationwide was broadcast on RTÉ One in January 2019.