Tag Archive for: Poverty in Ethiopia

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Spearheading the Fight Against Mycetoma in Ethiopia

Mycetoma in EthiopiaMycetoma, a neglected tropical disease, results from bacterial or fungal infections. Symptoms typically begin with swelling under the skin and can progress to deformities in skin and tissues. The disease disproportionately affects poor, rural communities, where involvement in agricultural and pastoral activities increases contact with contaminated soil. Although a 2022 national survey reported that mycetoma is present in virtually every region in Ethiopia, where about a third of the population lives below the poverty line, the exact prevalence and severity of the disease is unknown due to lack of data and access to diagnosis. Since the disease does not heal on its own, raising awareness of mycetoma in Ethiopia and researching treatment options are crucial. Medical professionals and research organizations like the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) have made significant efforts to ensure the health of Ethiopians.

Dermatovenerologist Speaks Out

Professor Wendemagegn Enbiale, an influential dermatovenerologist serving on the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Neglected Tropical Diseases, has drawn attention to the difficulties in tackling mycetoma in Ethiopia. In an interview with Capital Ethiopia, he explains that relative painlessness in the initial stages of mycetoma and the long journeys to reach dermatology services deter patients from seeking help. Furthermore, the cost of medicine and lack of knowledge of the best course of treatment prevent patients from making a full recovery.

Addressing these challenges, Enbiale speaks on the need to wear shoes to limit exposure to the soil and the symptoms of mycetoma, including wounds that fail to heal and pus containing black, white, yellow or red grains. This educates Ethiopians on preventive measures and enables them to seek medical assistance before the disease worsens, which could ultimately result in amputation. Enbiale has advocated for mycetoma care to be incorporated into Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program and primary health care system, laying the groundwork for a targeted government strategy against mycetoma.

Training Program for Medical Professionals

Medical professionals have strengthened their response to mycetoma in Ethiopia in recent years. The training program arranged by universities and research organizations in 2025 was vital in equipping radiologists and dermatologists from various regions in Ethiopia with the expertise to diagnose mycetoma through ultrasound. Dr. Mustafa Elnour Bahar, consultant radiologist at the University of Khartoum, presented the complexities of mycetoma before teaching participants how to operate the ultrasound machines in a hands-on session, examining 35 patients. This was an important step in empowering Ethiopia’s health care system to diagnose mycetoma swiftly and effectively.

Mycetoma Open Source Project

DNDi, a not-for-profit research organization dedicated to developing new treatments, has initiated numerous projects to help those suffering from mycetoma. Partnering with the University of Sydney and Erasmus University Medical Center, DNDi launched the Mycetoma Open Source Project (MycetOS) in 2018. MycetOS seeks to discover new drug candidates for fungal mycetoma (eumycetoma) through a transparent, collaborative online platform where researchers and scientists can share their ideas and results.

As the development of drugs for neglected tropical diseases is rarely successful in the commercial market, this approach facilitates large-scale and efficient research. In 2025, the evaluation of Series 1 fenarimols determined the potency of the fenarimol analogue EPL-BS1246 against eumycetoma. DNDi’s continual efforts in drug discovery lay the foundation for more effective treatments for mycetoma.

Clinical Trial Promotes Drug Registration

Additionally, DNDi performed a Phase II clinical trial in Sudan examining fosravuconazole and itraconazole for eumycetoma. Fosravuconazole was not superior to itraconazole in the trial, but it offered practical advantages including weekly dosing and fewer drug-interaction concerns. In 2025, DNDi and Eisai initiated an early access cohort protocol in Kassala, Sudan. Partners also finalized a regulatory dossier for submission in Sudan and advanced wider regulatory engagement for fosravuconazole in eumycetoma-endemic regions.

Collecting Data in Ethiopia

To tackle the lack of epidemiological data, DNDi conducted a community-based survey across Afar, Amhara, Southern Nations and Tigray, screening households and referring people with suspected eumycetoma for diagnosis and care. The field surveys concluded in 2025 and are intended to help establish more robust estimates of the disease burden in Ethiopia, informing future prevention, treatment and clinical research.

Looking Ahead

Medical professionals and DNDi have made significant strides in establishing an initial framework for the fight against mycetoma in Ethiopia. Advancements in medical knowledge and growing visibility and community awareness not only encourage patients to seek help earlier, but also improve the quality of care they receive. This solid foundation in mycetoma care promotes more comprehensive prevention and control strategies in the future, offering hope for containing the disease.

– Katy Wong

Katy is based in Hong Kong and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Project Waterfall and Clean Water in Ethiopia

Clean Water in EthiopiaAccess to clean water continues to improve in Ethiopia as organizations and local communities invest in sustainable water solutions that strengthen health, education and economic opportunity. Roughly 62 million people in Ethiopia do not have access to clean water, while waterborne diseases remain a leading cause of death among children under 5. These public health challenges adversely affect educational opportunities, reduce economic productivity and contribute to long-term poverty, particularly in rural communities. However, for more than a decade, Project Waterfall, an international nonprofit, has partnered with coffee-growing communities in Ethiopia to expand access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services.

Changes in Climate Threaten Clean Water

The changing climate, prolonged droughts, shifting rainfall patterns and seasonal flooding continue to strain Ethiopia’s water resources, placing increasing pressure on rivers, groundwater supplies and aging water infrastructure. Many rural families travel long distances to collect unsafe drinking water, increasing their risk of diarrhea and other waterborne diseases. According to the World Bank, 38.6% of Ethiopians live below the international poverty line of $4 per day (2021 purchasing power parity, or PPP), making it especially difficult for low-income households to afford medical treatment for waterborne illnesses. Children, particularly girls, often miss school because they spend hours fetching water or attend schools without safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities. These conditions reduce household productivity, limit educational opportunities and make it more difficult for families to escape poverty.

Despite recording a historic $3 billion in coffee exports this year, coffee-growing communities face unique challenges. Ethiopia is Africa’s largest coffee producer and the world’s fifth-largest coffee exporter, with approximately 15 million people depending on coffee production for their livelihoods. Yet many of the same communities that produce one of the country’s most valuable exports still struggle to access safe water and sanitation services.

Project Waterfall Invests in Sustainable Clean Water

Founded in 2011, Project Waterfall unites the global coffee industry to fund sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) projects in coffee-growing regions worldwide. Rather than providing temporary relief, the organization works with experienced delivery partners, including Splash and WaterAid, to build systems that communities can maintain long after construction ends. Today, Project Waterfall has funded 34 projects, reached more than 80,000 people across seven countries and continues expanding its work where water insecurity remains most severe.

Project Waterfall began working in Ethiopia in 2014, investing in projects that install clean water systems, improve sanitation facilities, provide hygiene education and train local leaders to maintain water infrastructure. The organization also partners with schools to establish WASH clubs to teach students healthy hygiene practices while helping protect new facilities for future generations.

Clean Water Creates Better Health and Better Schools

One of Project Waterfall’s newest initiatives, Project WISE (WASH in Schools for Everyone), demonstrates how clean water can transform everyday life for students. Working with Splash, the program aims to bring safe drinking water, sanitation facilities and hygiene education to every public school in Addis Ababa, serving nearly 1 million children. According to Splash, the program reached 94% of government schools in Addis Ababa while securing $11.4 million in co-investment from the Ethiopian government.

The impact extends beyond access to drinking water, with schools receiving child-friendly water stations, improved toilets, menstrual health education and behavior-change programs that encourage lifelong hygiene habits. According to Splash, WASH service improvements have contributed to a 17% reduction in respiratory illness among students, while menstrual hygiene facilities are helping girls attend school more consistently. In addition to Project Waterfall’s work, the World Bank reports that Ethiopia’s national One WASH Program, spearheaded by the World Bank and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has constructed or rehabilitated more than 10,000 WASH facilities in schools, including 575 schools that now have improved water supplies and 428 schools with menstrual hygiene management facilities, increasing regular attendance and reducing dropout rates among girls. By the end of 2024, Project WISE had upgraded two schools in Addis Ababa, directly benefiting roughly 1,200 daytime students, 1,000 evening students and 170 staff members.

Building a More Resilient Future

Project Waterfall’s partnerships with local governments and organizations demonstrate how community-led solutions can produce lasting results rather than temporary fixes. As these programs expand to additional schools and drought-affected communities, more Ethiopians will gain opportunities to pursue education, improve their livelihoods and build healthier futures. Continued investment in clean water infrastructure will not only strengthen communities today but also help create lasting pathways out of poverty for future generations.

– Ashley Belling

Ashley is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Ethiopia’s Textile Industry Women: Creating Jobs and Opportunities

Women working in an Ethiopian textile factory, rolling colorful fabrics. Ethiopia's Textile IndustryEthiopia’s textile and garment sector has quietly become one of Africa’s most significant engines of female employment. In a country where roughly two in five people live below the national poverty line, economic opportunities remain limited for many women, particularly in rural communities. As global brands diversify supply chains and the Ethiopian government doubles down on export-oriented manufacturing, hundreds of thousands of women, most of them young migrants from rural communities, are entering the formal workforce for the first time. The story of Ethiopia’s textile industry women workforce is one of real progress, complex challenges and organizations working hard to make opportunity sustainable.

A Sector Built on Women’s Labor

Ethiopia ranks as the fifth fastest-growing garment-producing country in the world, and the textile sector employs mostly women. The success of Ethiopia’s textile industry women is not a coincidence. On average, around 62% of women working in Ethiopia’s manufacturing industry have migrated from rural regions to take up these jobs. For 89% of them, factory employment provides a steady income for the first time in their lives.

Many of these women come from communities where poverty and underemployment limit economic opportunities. Rural households often depend on subsistence agriculture, leaving families vulnerable to economic shocks and unstable incomes. Factory jobs provide a rare source of reliable income, allowing workers to support relatives, save money and gain financial independence.

The scale of this shift is visible at Ethiopia’s flagship industrial zone. The Hawassa Industrial Park, located about 280 miles south of Addis Ababa, is the largest textile and apparel industrial park in Africa. As of May 2023, 18 companies were operating in the park, employing 23,334 workers, with female workers accounting for 84% of that total.

Jobs That Open Doors

The World Bank’s Competitiveness and Job Creation Project in Ethiopia offers a concrete measure of impact. The project, which ran from 2014 to 2023, supported industrial parks at Bole Lemi II and Kilinto. It contributed to the creation of more than 19,000 jobs, with 66% benefiting women. The project also generated more than $180 million in sales and provided nearly 8,000 workers with soft and technical skills training, helping many women develop skills that extend beyond factory work.

For many women, factory work is a launchpad rather than a ceiling. Research conducted at the Hawassa Industrial Park found that some women used their factory earnings to leave and start their own businesses, such as hair salons and coffee shops, a pattern of upward mobility that extends the sector’s impact far beyond the factory floor.

Organizations Leading the Charge

Several organizations are working to deepen the gains of Ethiopia’s textile industry women’s employment boom. The International Trade Centre (ITC) partners with its local partner, the Center for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment (CAWEE), to provide women weavers with capacity building, training and support to help them earn higher incomes through the ITC project “Supporting Women in the Textiles and Garments Sector” as part of the Women and Trade Programme.

Established in 2004 and licensed under the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade, CAWEE builds the capacity of women entrepreneurs through training, advisory services, product development, mentoring and market linkages with international institutions. Through its work, the organization has helped women-owned businesses gain access to markets and opportunities that were previously out of reach.

On the factory floor, the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Siraye program and Better Work Ethiopia initiative are tackling the leadership gap directly. Nearly 80% of Ethiopia’s garment and textile industry employees are women, many employed in factory floor roles with limited opportunity for career growth. Recognizing this, the ILO launched a Women Leadership Development Program providing a three-month intensive training and mentorship program for female workers interested in advancing to senior roles.

Now in its fifth round of training, the program continues to demonstrate how targeted skills development, mentorship and inclusive practices can empower women and accelerate Ethiopia’s industrial transformation. By helping women build leadership skills and professional networks, the initiative is working to ensure that women are represented not only on factory floors but also in management positions.

Challenges

Progress is real but incomplete. While women make up more than 80% of textile workers, men remain in the clear majority at the management level. Wage inequality is also a persistent concern. Women in Ethiopia’s garment sector earn just two-thirds of the wages that men earn and hold only about a quarter of senior positions and a third of technical posts.

Organizations including Better Work Ethiopia, Solidaridad and the ILO are working with employers to promote more gender-inclusive workplaces through leadership development, mentorship and workplace reforms. However, significant barriers remain before women can achieve equal representation in leadership roles and equal pay for equal work.

Industry advocates are pushing the Ethiopian government to address the absence of a statutory minimum wage. A study published in 2023 highlighted the damaging effects of poor wage conditions, especially for female workers in industrial parks and small and medium-sized enterprises, underscoring the urgent need for wage protections to safeguard workers’ rights and welfare.

A Future Worth Fighting For

Despite the hurdles, the trajectory of Ethiopia’s textile industry women points toward meaningful change. Programs like the ILO’s Women Leadership Development Program and CAWEE’s entrepreneurship training are proving that access to jobs is only the beginning. When paired with skills development, mentorship and advocacy for fair wages, factory employment can become a genuine pathway out of poverty.

For the young women arriving in Hawassa and Addis Ababa with ambitions larger than the sewing machines in front of them, that pathway is already becoming real. As Ethiopia’s manufacturing sector continues to grow, ensuring that women can access leadership opportunities, fair wages and long-term economic mobility will be critical to sustaining that progress and extending its benefits to future generations.

– Nay Mohamad

Nay is based in Milan, Italy and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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The Impact of Heifer International in Ethiopia

Heifer International in EthiopiaIn April 2026, Heifer International reported breakthroughs in youth-led soil health in Ethiopia. This is part of its 2026 initiative to integrate climate-smart technology with smallholder financing. Heifer International has transitioned from simply providing farms with more cows and livestock to high-tech, market-based systems in Ethiopia. 

This shift aims to address global poverty by targeting sustainable living incomes for impoverished people in rural areas. By 2030, its goal is to lift one million smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, 70% of whom are young people, into financial stability.

About Heifer International

In 1944, founder Dan West looked toward a new way to solve the global poverty crisis. After volunteering to feed those in need during the Spanish Civil War, West saw that this method of hunger prevention was not the only way. Given the short shelf life of food, it was clearly not a sustainable solution.

This is where the groundwork for Heifer International began. West identified a better way to address global poverty: providing rural residents with livestock to stabilize their access to food. This idea has shaped the organization’s current projects.

To this day, the organization works with local farms in the countries it serves to further develop their livestock and crops. This helps grow their economies through food. Supporting farming industries in rural communities provides a reliable food source.

It also connects these communities to the broader market. As these farms grow, so do the people working on them, setting the stage for a world of success for future generations. The impact of Heifer International is vast, spanning 19 countries throughout four different continents. 

It’s Work in Ethiopia

The organization is working directly with communities in Ethiopia to develop and strengthen a soil health program. This program, pioneered by Samson Alemu, works directly with young adults to provide them with a stable future. Its main objectives are to improve soil health and productivity, reduce acidity and increase nutrient absorption.

Alemu, a 26-year-old biotechnologist, is the co-founder and CEO of an Ethiopian start-up that developed eco-friendly biofertilizer and other solutions using microscopic bacteria to meet these goals. However, Alemu and his team did not yet have the resources to scale these solutions. This limited their impact on the country. 

To address this, in 2023, Alemu entered the Agriculture, Youth and Technology Africa Challenge Ethiopia (AYuTe). AYuTe is a competition hosted by Heifer International to support young inventors in the agricultural industry. After many rounds, Alemu won the $10,000 funding prize for his project.

By promoting regenerative practices such as composting and reduced tillage, the program boosts crop yields, strengthens food security and enhances livelihoods for smallholder farmers. The impact of Heifer International and its competition lies in the numbers. Because of the organization’s funding, Alemu and his team have been able to work with more than 56,000 smallholder farmers and partner with 96 local retailers. 

These retailers sell the biofertilizer directly to farmers. On top of this, their annual sales have increased from just three tons in 2022 to 94.5 tons in 2025.

Future Outlook

By 2026, Heifer International aims to strengthen rural resilience and alleviate poverty by helping farming households achieve a sustainable living income. In Ethiopia, this involves fostering Heifer Ethiopia’s agriculture-led development. This specifically includes improving the value chains for dairy, poultry and honey.

The impact of Heifer International on social development, specifically gender equity, is significant. It has announced that during 2026, it will elevate the voices of female producers and promote gender-equitable agricultural practices. As an organization, it hopes to continue growing and supporting its current projects. It also aims to expand beyond them.

Final Remarks

Heifer International’s work overall and specifically in Ethiopia, represents a sustainable path out of poverty. It does this by equipping farmers with modern tools, providing training and offering opportunities to pass on the gift. By fostering local leadership, like that of Alemu and creating sustainable food systems, Heifer is enabling Ethiopian communities to achieve self-reliance and secure livelihoods.

– Megan McGrath

Megan is based in Verona, NJ, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty Reduction and EVs in Ethiopia

EVs in EthiopiaOn Jan. 29, 2024, Alemu Sime, Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, announced his government’s new electric vehicle (EV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle policy. The policy, the first of its kind globally, banned the importation of diesel- and gasoline-powered ICE vehicles while dramatically lowering import tariffs on EVs. Import tariffs for completed EVs were reduced to 15%, to 5% for semi-assembled vehicles and to 0% for vehicles shipped in parts and locally assembled.

Several global players are currently benefiting from the new EV policy. For instance, international EV manufacturers have experienced substantial market growth in sub-Saharan Africa. The Toyota bZ4x EV has become increasingly popular in Ethiopia since 2024, as has the Mercedes-Benz EQ range.

The policy’s impact on the environment cannot be understated. Ethiopia aims to accommodate 60 EV manufacturing plants by 2030 and have 500,000 EVs on the roads by 2032; both aims will lead to a significant and sustainable reduction in the state’s hydrocarbon emissions. The policy, while contributing to environmental protection and the growth of international conglomerates, is also set to aid poverty reduction in Ethiopia through three distinct pathways.

Import Cost Redistribution

The new EV policy will free up significant government resources, which it can invest in vital infrastructure and social services. Before passing the EV bill, the Ethiopian government spent roughly $7.6 billion per year importing fossil fuels, approximately 5% of its GDP. This led to the accrual of billions of dollars in international debt.

Ethiopia defaulted on its sovereign bonds in 2023 and received an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout in 2024. Without the enormous financial pressure imposed by the cost of importing fossil fuels, the Ethiopian government will have more capital to invest in education, health care and infrastructure.

Approximately 55% of children in Ethiopia complete primary schooling. Increased investment in education could encourage school attendance by subsidizing stationery, uniforms and school meals. An increase in educational access in Ethiopia would provide a stable basis for economic development in traditionally deprived communities, contributing to the alleviation of poverty.

Job Creation

The new EV policy, through the construction of EV manufacturing plants, is set to create thousands of new jobs. The policy’s staggered import tariff favors the assembly of EVs in Ethiopia over traditional vehicle imports. As a result, many new manufacturing plants are currently being built in Ethiopia. Seventeen are currently operational.</span>

Ethiopia’s labor market is stable; unemployment sits at just 3.9%. However, the growing EV industry will provide opportunities for workers traditionally employed in agriculture to earn higher, less seasonally dependent wages in skilled secondary-sector manufacturing jobs. This will support poverty alleviation through increased wage stability.

Vehicle Distribution

Vehicle ownership in Ethiopia has traditionally been concentrated in Addis Ababa. Cars are a rare luxury in the sub-Saharan country, with just 13 cars per 1,000 people. The increase in local car manufacturing is forecast to lower vehicle prices by offsetting import tariffs and other costs.

Cheaper cars will democratize access, allowing a greater proportion of Ethiopia’s population to commute. These activities will encourage economic development in areas that have traditionally lacked strong transport links, such as deprived rural areas, thereby contributing to poverty reduction. Overall, Ethiopia’s new EV policy is set to help alleviate local poverty.

It will do so by freeing government resources for reinvestment in social infrastructure, providing secondary-sector employment and democratizing vehicle ownership. Large corporations and states, while also benefiting from the policy, are not the only actors set to benefit from EVs in Ethiopia.

– Arthur Horsey

Arthur is based in Hampshire, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Foreign Aid to Ethiopia

Foreign Aid to EthiopiaEthiopia remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Despite decades of foreign aid from as far back as the Cold War, the World Bank expects that 43% of its 138-million-person population is living below the poverty line of $3 per day. As much as 72% of the country lives without reliable education, health care or basic services, presenting immense challenges to people in rural and urban areas alike. However, with global politics constantly evolving, a growing number of nations and independent organizations have begun to help lift this developing nation above the line of poverty. Here is more information about foreign aid to Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s History With Aid

The United States and Ethiopia have long held an important bilateral relationship in terms of aid. This east African country has consistently stood among the top recipients from the U.S, and the U.S. has consistently been its top donor. However, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) paused its foreign aid to Ethiopia in 2023, following reports that large amounts were being diverted away from the residents who relied on it and resold locally. The agency oversaw reforms in the distribution of its aid that year, allowing its vital efforts to continue its life-saving work. The assistance that USAID provided has helped reduce AIDS-related deaths by 79% and supplied locals with essential testing materials and medication kits.

As the U.S. continues to taper its contribution, other key actors are met with the responsibility of filling in its role. The World Food Programme (WFP) is a leading international organization in distributing humanitarian aid to those who most need it, regardless of political tension. Conflict, drought and rising food prices have displaced an alarming number of men, women and children without stable food supplies, making emergency assistance essential for survival. In 2024, the WFP detailed its plan to support 1.9 million high-risk Ethiopians and a further 1 million refugees through its assistance. Its unique initiatives involve optimizing and protecting harvests by providing seed inputs, expanding market access and preventing post-harvest loss.

Impact of the Humanitarian Efforts

The $1.3 billion in U.S. foreign aid to Ethiopia in 2024 has helped drive Ethiopians through periods of immense strain in several regions. The combination of armed conflict and a multi-year drought has proved challenging for tens of millions of residents, but the country has not gone without external aid. The vast majority of the U.S. donation—$831 million—was humanitarian, supporting emergency food distribution, malnutrition treatment for children and mothers and school meals for children in displaced communities. Smaller portions went toward long-term economic development, pro-democratic governance and stabilizing efforts like education and the environment.

Wealthy nations are not the only actors in the fight for global development. The International Rescue Committee (IRC), a humanitarian nonprofit that Albert Einstein helped create, is one of many independent organizations working to alleviate the country’s refugee crisis. Ethiopia accepts more than 1 million refugees and asylum seekers from neighboring nations, making it one of the world’s largest refugee hosts. Since 2000, the International Rescue Committee has played a decisive role in supporting vulnerable residents and refugees in the region, especially for women and children.

The Future of Funding

As the United States cuts back on large amounts of its foreign aid to Ethiopia and other countries, European and international bodies are placing a greater emphasis on humanitarian efforts in the area. The European Union has offered about $700 million to support the developing nation through 2027, focusing on development that promotes conflict resolution, governance and peacebuilding. Denmark has pledged a further $238 million sum over five years in bilateral grants, marking efforts to support sustainable growth amid waning U.S. assistance.

The WFP has outlined five goals for its operations in Ethiopia, each underscoring the importance of long-term solutions rather than solely monetary contribution. Among these, they hope to see crisis-afflicted populations gain “strengthened livelihoods supported by resilient food systems that enable them to withstand multiple shocks and stressors.” The primary aim of the WFP is in developing social and political systems in the country that allow residents to thrive despite unexpected conflict or natural disaster.

– Jayhan Adhi

Jayhan is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How REgrow Yirga is Reshaping the Coffee Industry in Ethiopia

ethiopia coffeeEthiopia produces some of the best specialty coffee in the world. Demand for specialty coffee is rising, and Ethiopia’s potential to market 6,000 more varieties creates an opportunity to export coffee at a higher rate. Yet, many of the farmers do not see the benefits of their own labor.

Many farmers lack access to basic necessities such as potable water, a proper education and electricity. Rural and remote coffee farmers produce 95% of the coffee while owning less than five acres of land. A disconnect between the coffee supply chain and smallholder coffee farmers prevents them from receiving fair pay. This causes intermediaries to control the flow of money. REgrow Yirga is reshaping the coffee industry in Ethiopia to address these issues.

REgrow Yirga

The USDA, JDE and Peet’s Coffee started REgrow Yirga to change the Ethiopian coffee sector. Their goals include enhancing competitiveness, increasing productivity, improving supply chain performance and strengthening market conditions, according to TechnoServe.

The program targets the Gedeo Zone in southern Ethiopia, an area widely known for its Yirgacheffe coffee. This project supports 45,000 smallholder coffee farmers and 45 private wet mills by addressing the root problems hindering growth in the coffee sector.

How It Works

The program prioritizes addressing the gap in education on agronomy for Ethiopian coffee farmers. This involves a two-year agronomy training program from the TechnoServe Coffee Farm College, which is responsible for teaching farmers how to adopt regenerative agronomic practices through practical and knowledge-based training. REgrow Yirga equips coffee farmers with the necessary equipment and support to begin independently increasing their incomes.

Another issue that the program is tackling is the replacement of outdated coffee trees. Many of the current coffee trees are more than 20 years old, limiting coffee production. REgrow Yirga is reshaping the coffee industry in Ethiopia by teaching farmers the benefits of cutting coffee trees at the stump in a process called rejuvenation.

The process removes trees from production for one year while they regrow. Many farmers avoid doing this because they cannot afford to lose a year’s worth of income, but this process creates a more productive tree and a higher yield of coffee over time.

Gaining Independence

Through education on renewable practices, and by providing the resources to increase productivity, REgrow Yirga is reshaping the coffee industry in Ethiopia by allowing smallholder farmers to gain independence. This project brings equity to the coffee industry. Farmers gain a fair share of the value that their coffee creates. These long-term sustainability efforts will serve as a model for changes that are driving reform for equality for marginalized farmers worldwide.

– Sachin Kapoor

Sachin is based in Atlanta, GA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Productive Safety Net Program Combats Poverty in Ethiopia

Productive Safety Net ProgramEthiopia launched the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) in 2005 to reduce food insecurity and strengthen resilience to climate-related shocks. The program operates through cash transfers, public works and targeted nutrition support. According to the Climate Policy Initiative, the program reaches more than 8 million households each year, representing more than 7% of the population.

Background

The Climate Policy Initiative reports that Phase V of the PSNP began in November 2020 under the Strengthen Ethiopia’s Adaptive Safety Net Project. This project received a $200 million credit and a $312.5 million grant. It also received $430 million from USAID, $281 million from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and $600 million from the Government of Ethiopia.

This phase aims to expand the geographic scope of the program, improve PSNP implementation and strengthen disaster response efforts. These objectives support broader policy goals. According to the European External Action Service, this focuses on reducing extreme poverty in targeted rural areas and strengthening household resilience to recurrent shocks. 

It also aims to prevent harmful coping mechanisms, promote sustainable livelihoods and improve food security and access to essential services for vulnerable populations.

Project Components

The PSNP includes a range of components and policies. The European External Action Service reports that this program provides cash or food payments to about seven million people who participate in public works initiatives. Participants receive benefits for up to six months while engaging in community-building tasks.

One million people identified as chronically impoverished or unable to work receive unconditional benefits for 12 months. The program implements public works projects in both livestock-based and non-livestock-based areas to protect residents from resource losses linked to poverty and disasters. These projects focus on strengthening infrastructure, improving soil and water conservation and supporting environmental protection efforts.

Some policies include developing roads and schools, planting seedlings for reforestation, preventing soil erosion and creating or rehabilitating irrigation systems. PSNP provides financial and social services to beneficiaries. This program facilitates grants and loans for farming and nonfarming activities to support poverty reduction.

This program connects beneficiaries to social support services across nutrition, health and education. The Shock Responsive Safety Net administers assistance to beneficiaries facing food insecurity, particularly those affected by droughts and other shocks.

Environmental Shocks

Environmental policy plays a key role in the PSNP. As stated by the European External Action Service, integrating climate shift adaptation into public works projects helps minimize the impact of climate shocks on food insecurity. For example, watershed rehabilitation and area closures can promote vegetation growth for livestock feed.

In addition, environmental management efforts can lessen the risk of landslides, floods and soil erosion. According to the World Bank, a significant portion of Ethiopia’s population depends on rain-fed agriculture. The country has endured recurrent droughts in previous decades, historically occurring every three to five years.

While the frequency of environmental shocks has varied over the years, they remain a consistent concern that has shaped Ethiopia’s social protection response. The World Bank further states that droughts and famines have affected millions of people over multiple periods. Environmental degradation, weak resource management and shrinking landholdings driven by constraints in policy implementation have worsened the effects of droughts.

These factors have led to the degradation of productive assets and the erosion of household and community resilience.

Economic Impacts

Programs like the Productive Safety Net Program help stabilize incomes and productive assets, enabling households to participate in local and regional markets. By reducing financial uncertainty connected to recurrent shocks, PSNP helps create a predictable economic environment that supports trade and investment. Over time, these factors can expand consumer markets and reinforce supply chains, creating trade opportunities for companies based in the U.S. and the U.K.

– Sasha Banaei

Sasha is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Ethiopian Highland Malaria Exposure

Ethiopian Highland MalariaRising temperatures are changing where malaria is transmitted in Ethiopia. Multiple studies show that as the climate warms, thermal thresholds suitable for malaria shift upward in elevation, increasing risk in places that were previously considered lower risk. This trend is directly relevant to Ethiopian highland malaria exposure.

A landmark analysis of long-term data from the highlands of Ethiopia (and Colombia) found that interannual temperature variability drives upslope movement in malaria incidence, providing clear evidence of altitudinal change. Complementary climate work using Ethiopia’s enhanced national climate dataset (ENACTS) identified statistically significant increases in the elevation of key temperature thresholds linked to transmission suitability, reinforcing concerns about such risks. Ethiopia’s malaria risk has traditionally been determined by altitude and temperature.

Program profiles identify “malaria-free” areas above roughly 2,500 meters—or above 2,000 meters where average annual temperatures stay below about 16 °C, highlighting how climate historically restricted transmission at higher elevations. As those conditions change, the boundary of receptivity can move, with implications for surveillance and response in fringe highland districts.

National Strategy and Health System Planning

Ethiopia’s National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) operates under a five-year strategic plan (2021–2025). It aims to consolidate gains, further reduce malaria burden and interrupt transmission in selected areas. The plan emphasizes evidence-based stratification, vector control (long-lasting insecticidal nets [LLIN]/Indoor Residual Spraying [IRS]), case management and surveillance, pillars that can be calibrated as malaria exposure changes.

Ethiopia’s recent malaria situation highlights the stakes. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported more than 7.3 million malaria cases and more than 1,100 deaths between January 1 and October 20, 2024, a reminder that national systems must plan for surges and geographic shifts. While these figures are national (not highland specific), they frame the operational urgency for climate-informed malaria control.

Climate-sensitive planning is already embedded in Ethiopian research and practice. Recent analyses link El Niño and other climatic drivers to epidemic risk in Ethiopia and programmatic efforts have piloted integration of climate information with disease surveillance to strengthen early warning and response.

Donor Financing and Policy Frameworks

The Global Fund and Ethiopia have launched three new grants totaling more than $441 million for 2024–2027 to sustain progress against HIV, TB and malaria while strengthening health and community systems. This funding can also support climate-aware targeting, improved surveillance and vector control, aligned with national health priorities. Globally, the Global Fund’s 2023–2028 Strategy and subsequent guidance explicitly encourage integrating climate considerations into malaria programming, including grant reprogramming to address climate-related shifts in risk.

These frameworks offer a pathway for aligning budgets and activities with evolving transmission zones. Partner inputs extend beyond financing. Program profiles from the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) detail Ethiopia’s stratification and intervention mix, a baseline that can be recalibrated if Ethiopian highland malaria risk zones expand.

Compounding Factors: New Vectors and Urbanization

In addition to climate-driven altitudinal shifts, the emergence of Anopheles stephensi, an invasive urban malaria vector, has complicated control in the Horn of Africa. WHO has issued an alert on its spread and peer-reviewed studies from Ethiopia have implicated the vector in outbreaks, underscoring the need for expanded entomological surveillance and tailored control in urban and peri-urban settings.

Actionable Recommendations

  • Continuously update high-elevation risk maps by adopting climate-informed micro-stratification that uses high-resolution temperature data and surveillance information to identify newly receptive highland areas. Reassess historical altitude thresholds (for example, the 1,750–2,000 m guidelines) where warming has increased thermal suitability for malaria transmission.
  • Strengthen climate-informed early warning systems by integrating meteorological drivers (rainfall, temperature anomalies, El Niño) with routine case data for predictive action; deploy tools and workflows documented in Ethiopian pilots and international reviews.
  • Target vector control to shifting zones. Prioritize LLINs/IRS and larval source management in highland districts where suitability has increased; expand entomological surveillance along elevation gradients, including monitoring for Anopheles stephensi in at-risk urban corridors.
  • Use flexible financing to adapt grants by leveraging Global Fund climate and malaria reprogramming guidance. Adjust budgets and activities mid-cycle as risk maps evolve, for example, by increasing procurement of nets and IRS supplies, adding surveillance sites or deploying rapid response teams.
  • Protect equity in access. As highland communities confront new exposure, ensure case management, outreach and supply chains reach newly affected areas to prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion: Health, Equity and Stability

The evidence is clear that warming can shift malaria suitability to higher elevations, challenging historical assumptions about Ethiopian highland malaria. By aligning national strategy, donor financing and climate-informed surveillance, Ethiopia and its partners could anticipate and respond to highland malaria risk before outbreaks take hold. Doing so is not only a public health imperative but a matter of equity and system resilience in a changing climate.

– Clara Garza

Clara is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr