Since 2020, the Tigray War and other armed conflicts within Ethiopia have displaced more than 10 million people, creating increased poverty and food insecurity in the country. Despite U.N. efforts, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Food Program (WFP) have suspended aid to Ethiopia several times, citing the theft by soldiers of millions of dollars’ worth of donated food. Few humanitarian organizations are willing to assist Ethiopian civilians in such a tumultuous period, but the forerunner of this group is the Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Here is how CRS is providing aid in Ethiopia.

About CRS’s Work

With funding from the Department of Agriculture, CRS has provided aid in Ethiopia in the form of food, shelter, medical care, sanitary care and humanitarian training in Ethiopia for nearly 60 years. In 2023, CRS received $529.3 million in funding from the U.S., distributing it through local partners such as churches and NGOs in Ethiopia. CRS is currently extending aid into regions of Tigray that war has destabilized. Nearly 71% of the region’s population received wheat, split peas and vegetable oil from CRS partners, with 50% of the aid going to women who the conflict left widowed.

Its outreach includes training Ethiopian citizens in humanitarian work, enabling communities to respond more quickly and efficiently to disasters. Following a series of devastating droughts in Dire Dawa, CRS provided packets of wheat, split peas and vegetable oil, and kept the market prices of necessities low by selling directly to residents.

Challenges with CRS’s Work

While CRS has seen its share of success in Ethiopia, the work has not been without its obstacles. In addition to the theft of donated food, multiple CRS workers have died while performing humanitarian work in violent regions like Amhara and Tigray. Despite these setbacks, CRS continues to work toward its goal of eliminating food insecurity and extreme poverty in Ethiopia.

CRS is one of the leading humanitarian agencies working to reduce extreme poverty in Ethiopia. With regular funding from the U.S., its food aid and training to communities who the ongoing conflicts affected foster an environment of humanity and compassion.

– Parth Mishra
Photo: Flickr