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China and the World Bank Address Energy Security in Ethiopia

Energy Security in EthiopiaEnergy security is a constant concern for sub-Saharan African countries: out of the 20 countries with the largest energy deficits in the world, a staggering 18 are found in the region. At the same time, the area is home to about 80% of the global population lacking access to electricity.

Energy Security in Ethiopia

According to the World Bank, Ethiopia has the third largest energy deficit in Africa, with about half of the population unable to access reliable electricity. There is also a stark rural-urban divide: as of 2022, only 40% of rural households had reliable access to electricity, compared to 93% of urban households. Ethiopia has been making strides on this issue and recently expanded the electricity grid to cover almost 60% of towns and villages.

The main challenge, however, is the lack of adequate energy infrastructure rooted in a broader shortage of resources. Fortunately, several international actors have recently stepped up to help address Ethiopia’s energy gaps, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA).

China

China has been heavily involved in Ethiopia’s development for more than a decade now, reflected by the fact that Ethiopia is China’s second-largest debtor on the continent. Ethiopia was an early signee to China’s BRI, which has resulted in several multi-million dollar infrastructure projects in the country, including a flagship $5 billion railway from Addis Ababa to Djibouti.

Ethiopia doubled down on this partnership by joining BRICS+ in late 2023. This will grant the country access to BRICS’ multilateral financing institutions, thus paving the way for easier access to Chinese funding in the future. One program with particular appeal for Ethiopia is China’s “Africa Solar Belt” program, which aims to provide solar power to 50,000 African households. Ethiopia also plans to import more than 100,000 electric vehicles and 5,000 electric buses from China in the coming years in a bid to upgrade the country’s transportation infrastructure.

The World Bank

While China has often been Ethiopia’s main development partner, the country also cooperates extensively with the World Bank, primarily on financing. In the realm of energy security, the World Bank recently unveiled a program called Power Sector Reform, Investment and Modernization in Ethiopia (PRIME). This program provides Ethiopia with a “financing envelope” of $1.5 billion, disbursed in multiple phases in the next 10 years, to upgrade its energy sector.

The program focuses on investing in critical energy infrastructure and expanding electricity access more broadly. In an attempt to diversify and stabilize Ethiopia’s energy supply, PRIME will only invest in non-hydropower renewable energy sources since 96% of Ethiopia’s electricity is currently derived from hydropower. Almost all of the funding comes from the IDA, the World Bank’s fund for least-developed countries, with the remainder coming from a green energy trust fund, leaving none of the funding burden on Ethiopia.

Final Thoughts on Energy Security in Ethiopia

While energy security in Ethiopia remains an entrenched issue, the situation is improving: for instance, access to electricity has more than quintupled in the last two decades, rising from about 10% in 2001 to 55% in 2022, according to the World Bank. Furthermore, with Ethiopia’s new membership in BRICS+ and its 10-year financing deal with the World Bank, chances are good that energy security in Ethiopia will continue to improve.

– Kipling Newman

Kipling is based in Denver, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Project Mano: Ethiopia Uses Bitcoin to Fight Poverty

Project ManoIn Ethiopia, 40% of the population still doesn’t have access to electricity, contributing to high unemployment, particularly among young adults. Without proper technological skills and access to electricity, people are less likely to find jobs. Nearly 4% of the country’s population is unemployed across both rural and urban areas. Ethiopia’s new initiative, Project Mano, aims to address these challenges by utilizing Bitcoin. The project focuses on Bitcoin mining facilities and substations to strengthen the country’s economy.

Project Mano

Project Mano aims to integrate intensive bitcoin mining into Ethiopia’s economy, powered by the country’s renewable energy resources, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest dam in Africa. Led by the Russian bitcoin mining company Bitcluster, the project will support Ethiopia’s environmental goals of clean energy while also boosting technological infrastructure and growing the nation’s economy. If GERD is repurposed for bitcoin mining, it could generate billions of dollars annually for Ethiopia. At full capacity, the dam could power 200,000 similar machines, potentially yielding more than $2 billion per year.

Project Mano will establish a mining facility in Addis Ababa, strategically located near the GERD. Ethiopia’s climate is also a significant advantage for the facility’s construction. With temperatures ranging from 9°C to 24°C throughout the year, the country provides ideal conditions for bitcoin mining, as facilities are less likely to overheat or freeze. Additionally, Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, the largest on the continent, offers direct flights to most global capitals, making it a key transport hub and helping reduce the cost of importing equipment and materials.

The Benefits

Project Mano will offer significant benefits to Ethiopia’s population in the fight against poverty. Inflation remains high and the crises in Ukraine and Gaza have increased pressure on import prices. With 55% of the population unbanked, money circulation is limited, forcing the government to print more money and worsening inflation. One of Project Mano’s initiatives is to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, allowing it to be used for purchases, employee salaries and taxes. Since bitcoin maintains its value, this could help reduce poverty by stabilizing Ethiopia’s economy and promoting fiscal security.

Furthermore, using the GERD for bitcoin mining will provide 24/7 electricity access, helping Ethiopia combat poverty. The “electrification” of rural areas will lead to the establishment of bitcoin mining substations, allowing remote communities to gain access to electricity while creating new tech-related job opportunities. This increase in employment will boost Ethiopia’s economy and significantly reduce the number of people struggling with food poverty.

Summary

Project Mano proposes bitcoin mining as a solution for securing a stable economy. It plans to establish a facility in Addis Ababa powered by Africa’s largest hydroelectric project and other renewable energy sources. The project aligns with Ethiopia’s renewable energy goals while having the potential to generate billions of dollars for the economy. By expanding technological infrastructure, bitcoin mining will create more employment opportunities, address the high unemployment rate among young adults and help alleviate food poverty. Additionally, the Bitcoin facilities present significant opportunities for foreign investment and access to foreign currency, improving the quality of life for average Ethiopians and stabilizing the economy on a larger scale.

– Chelsey Saya McLeod

Chelsey is based in Southampton, Hampshire, UK and focuses on Good News, Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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$20 Billion in Funding to Boost Ethiopia’s economic recovery

Ethiopia's economic recoveryEthiopia, Africa’s second most populous country, has faced significant economic challenges recently, including a total debt of $28 million, a foreign currency shortage and the default of its $33 million Eurobond in 2023. In response to these pressures, the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) made a decisive move on July 29, 2024, by floating its currency to secure much-needed funding. This shift allows for free trade in the foreign exchange market, which the NBE believes will increase the country’s integration with the global economy.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have pledged $20 billion in funding in the next four years to support Ethiopia’s economic recovery and growth. This financial assistance aims to boost the financial sector, enhance investment and trade opportunities and advance the overall economy. The plan also focuses on reforming critical areas such as education, renewable energy, urban development and job creation, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Why Does Ethiopia Need Funding?

The effects of the pandemic were felt worldwide and Ethiopia’s agriculture industry, the most significant contributor to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), was no exception. Accounting for approximately 75% of the workforce and 80% of exports, the sector faced immense pressure as COVID-19 restrictions disrupted the food supply chain, limiting business operations and employment. These disruptions led to decreased crop production, particularly in rural communities, resulting in reduced household incomes, higher food prices and increased financial instability.

Additionally, tensions between Ethiopian and Eritrean forces escalated into the Tigray War from 2020 to 2022. Although a cease-fire agreement was eventually reached, the aftermath of the conflict left widespread devastation across Ethiopia, displacing many people and damaging critical infrastructure. The situation became particularly dire in the Amhara region, with communities deprived of access to food, water and health care. As a result, the area was declared an emergency zone in August 2023.

Relentless natural disasters have also severely impacted Ethiopia in recent years. In November 2023, heavy rainfall caused floods in parts of the Somali region. This year, floods struck several areas, including Afar, Central Ethiopia and Oromia in May and much of the Horn of Africa in June, leading to widespread damage and further displacement. Last month, two catastrophic landslides buried villages in the Gofa zone, marking the deadliest such events in the country’s history. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with humanitarian aid programs working tirelessly to rebuild and restore these devastated areas.

Ethiopia’s Economic Recovery

Since the announcement of the floating currency, Ethiopia’s birr has faced a sharp decline in value, immediately triggering a rise in inflation and widespread concern. In response, the government lifted import bans on more than 30 products that had been restricted since 2022. While this move could enhance Ethiopia’s competitiveness in the global market, the long-term benefits are yet to be seen.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the importance of this shift, stating that it is “critical to relieving foreign exchange shortages, removing constraints to private sector investment and growth and aligning the prices of imported and exported goods and services with market realities.” The restructuring is expected to keep Ethiopia on track to becoming a middle-income country within the next several years.

Final Note

The $20 billion funding from the IMF and World Bank will help stabilize Ethiopia’s economic recovery by restructuring debt, boosting key sectors and supporting recovery from natural disasters and conflict. This aid is crucial for enhancing global competitiveness and advancing the country toward middle-income status.

– Tanita Love

Tanita is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Ethiopian Mental Health: Challenges and Progress

Ethiopian Mental HealthThe world is becoming much more aware of mental health issues. Countries all over the world are looking for solutions to mental health issues. However, poorer countries are working at a disadvantage. Ethiopia has been able to overcome this disadvantage and improve its mental health care.

Ethiopian Mental Health Issues

Ethiopia has been looking for ways to improve mental health for years. As recently as 2021, it had included mental health services in the health extension package but had not implemented any changes. The lack of any action was due to many factors. Some include “low political commitment, lack of resources, non-functional referral system, lack of interest from private health care organizations,” stigma within the culture and poor reporting, according to Dove Medical Press.

One of the biggest factors is the stigma and discrimination of mental health issues in Ethiopia. A majority of the people in Ethiopia follow Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. Some followers of this form of Christianity believe demonic possession is the cause of mental health issues, which could prevent people from speaking up on these issues. This presents a huge hurdle into addressing Ethiopian mental health.

The Ethiopian government is currently using the media for advocacy of mental health issues. Its strategy is to reach the Federal Ministry of Health, general and mental health physicians, mental health service users and providers and the general population.

The battle against the stigma is just half the battle. Even if the stigma issue was removed, Ethiopia does not have enough physicians to sustain an increased volume of patients. In 2022, Ethiopia had 1.08 physicians per 10,000 people.

Solutions

The Federal Ministry of Health in Ethiopia along with the World Health Organization (WHO), European Union and Foundation d’Harcourt have worked together to implement the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). This program aims to help low and middle-income countries scale up their mental health services.

Dr Tedla Wolde-Giorgis, Mental Health Advisor in the Office of the Minister of the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health explains that the program’s goal is “to integrate mental health in the existing primary health-care system by leveraging the existing health delivery platforms. The strategy that we developed emphasizes the training of health staff on mental health issues using the mhGAP programme and making sure that they are provided with close supervision and oversight at the different health centres. To this end, the mhGAP training materials and approach was very helpful to us.”

The program has made some huge progress quickly. As of March 2023, a total of 1,230 general health care workers received training from mhGAP.

The Future

The progress in the Ethiopian mental health landscape illustrates the challenges and opportunities that many low- and middle-income countries face. While there are many obstacles like stigma, resource constraints, and limited healthcare infrastructure, the collaboration between the Ethiopian government, international organizations and local communities shows that meaningful change is possible. By continuing to build on these efforts and fostering a more inclusive and understanding society, Ethiopia can pave the way for a healthier future. Furthermore, this is an example for other nations facing similar struggles. The journey is long, but with sustained commitment and international support, the vision of comprehensive mental health care in Ethiopia can become a reality.

– Matthew Mendives

Matthew is based in Colonia, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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A Deep Dive Into the Health Care System in Ethiopia

A Deep Dive Into Ethiopia’s Health Care System According to a National Library of Medicine study, health care systems in low-income countries remain as fragile as ever. The COVID-19 pandemic put such these systems under immense pressure. An example of this is the health care system in Ethiopia. 

COVID-19 and Health Care Infrastructure

The pandemic highlighted many flaws and shortcomings in the health care infrastructure. Global leaders underestimated the need for health care reform and it was only after the pandemic claimed millions of lives that such leaders recognized the need for reorganization and restructuring to ensure adequate procedures and the anticipation of failures.

A 2022 study reviewed measures taken during the pandemic, offering an alternative means of control based on analysis. Researchers provided a more efficient model for managing deadly diseases and outbreaks, reformulating emergency response measures based on management, protection and containment via control and suppression of transmission, information and support.

The Impact on Ethiopia

Deadly diseases significantly impact global health security. Researchers have found that in countries with limited access to health care services, high poverty rates, and prevalent comorbid diseases, the effects of the pandemic intensified. From early March 2020 to July 2022, Ethiopia reported a total of 491,917 COVID-19 cases and 7,568 deaths, figures that are partly attributable to ongoing poverty-related conditions. Additionally, families experienced significant economic impacts, with about 8.4% of households reporting job losses between March and Oct. of 2020.

Ethiopia’s Response

Following the policymakers’ decision in Ethiopia, the government did not implement a pandemic lockdown like many other countries. Instead, it instated pandemic-preventive measures to reduce the spread of the virus. While somewhat successful, such an approach posed obstacles in implementing community-based services and initiatives to provide additional support to communities. Researchers proposed scaling up community-based resources and approaches as essential support elements.

Like some other low-income countries, Ethiopia could not initiate a country-wide lockdown. Instead, it immediately implemented measures such as thermal screening, contract tracing and isolation, which proved successful. Authorities tailored these measures specifically to the health care system in Ethiopia, weighing the pros and cons. The government demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the shortage of essential medicines, effectively utilizing resources to produce critical medicine and prioritizing medicinal efforts.

Financing for Health Measures in Ethiopia

Financing is critical to supportive measures enacted to assist countries affected by health crises. It was found that funding for health initiatives and measures in Ethiopia had increased only after the pandemic. Such financial constraints the government of Ethiopia faced during the pandemic led to unprecedented circumstances, such as a shortage of protective equipment. 

According to the Institute of Medicine Committee on the United States (U.S.) Commitment to Global Health, low-income country revenues amount to only 18% of their gross domestic product (GDP), which limits their ability to finance health services, proving consequential in the face of severe health crises. Studies have shown that the level of investment needed to deliver extensive care and improve health care systems requires significant and sustained investment by outside agencies and sources. Additional aid from other organizations is therefore essential. 

Launch of the Response Project in Ethiopia

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of Jan. 2024, the Ethiopian government launched the Ethiopian Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project. This extensive project aims to address pandemic-related response measures and preparedness. Such analysis is specific to Ethiopia’s specific socioeconomic landscape. In addition, the project will also examine factors like communication and alerts, enhancing the surveillance of outbreaks in some regions of the country.

Dr. Dlamini Nonhlanhla, WHO’s Ethiopia Representative, discussed the initiatives, noting, “The key components and project activities are aligned with the national plans, including Ethiopia’s Health Sector Transformation Plan, the Ethiopia Public Health Institute’s Strategic Plan, the Ethiopian National Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan and the Ethiopian Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) National Action Plan.” Additionally, Nonhlanhla explained that funding would strengthen Ethiopia’s health care systems and other government structures crucial to public health protection. “This fund will enable us to mobilize resources, strengthen health systems and support critical sectors such as agriculture, environment, antimicrobial resistance and animal health, ensuring a holistic approach to safeguarding public health,” Nonhlanhla added.

Role of Government Leadership and Foreign Aid

Since July 2021, the U.S. has donated 10,095,170 COVID-19 vaccine doses to the citizens of Ethiopia, increasing aid to a severely affected country. In a public health crisis, government leadership, as well as foreign aid, is especially critical in mitigating both the economic, health and social consequences of a deadly viral outbreak, proving essential in assisting countries with poorly structured health care systems.

Looking Ahead

The Ethiopian government, with support from international organizations, has taken significant steps to strengthen the health care system in Ethiopia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The launch of the Ethiopian Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project marks a critical move toward improving the country’s ability to manage future health crises. With continued investment in health systems and targeted foreign aid, Ethiopia aims to enhance its pandemic preparedness and safeguard public health.

– Dominic Samaniego

Dominic is based in Fullerton, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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USAID and Maternal Mortality in Ethiopia

USAID and Maternal Mortality in Ethiopia Across the developing world, the health of mothers and the risks of childbirth remain a difficult challenge. Developing nations experience a lack of modern health care centers, inaccessible medical training, diseases that the developed world has eradicated and food insecurity, among other hindrances to healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Despite recent improvements, Ethiopia continues to experience these difficulties. It is for this reason that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has built up various programs that work to improve the health of mothers and reduce maternal mortality in Ethiopia. 

The Situation

In the last 20 years, the number of mothers who die from childbirth in Ethiopia has dropped from 29,600 mothers in 2002 to about 10,000 in 2020. Likewise, maternal mortality measures such as the maternal mortality ratio (number of mothers who die from pregnancy-related causes per 100,000 live births) have more than halved in the last two decades. Currently, there are 401 deaths per 100,000 live births in Ethiopia. Despite these levels remaining high in comparison with developed nations, which experience just 24 deaths per 100,000 live births, these improvements are extremely significant. In addition to the work of the Ethiopian government and other NGOs and nonprofits working across the country, USAID has made major contributions to improve maternal mortality in Ethiopia. 

Health Care Worker Program

An aspect of the discussion surrounding maternal mortality in Ethiopia is the state of health care across the country. Currently, there is a global median of 48.6 health care workers per 10,000 people. Ethiopia only has 9.2 workers per 10,000 people. These numbers indicate a stark shortage of health care workers, which has serious implications for expectant mothers and birthing women. When there are so few health care workers, it is impossible to ensure that pregnant people receive antenatal care, access a sterile birthing facility or receive quality health care during and after labor.

In response to the ongoing situation, USAID has built up two programs in Ethiopia, known as USAID’s Transform Primary Health Care and Transform Health in Developing Regions projects. These projects focus on underserved areas of Ethiopia to expand basic health care needs, strengthen the abilities of health care workers and provide support for health care programs through planning, budgeting and managing. This program is a major source of aid in rural parts of the country, where women experiencing pregnancy and childbirth are at an increased risk of maternal mortality. 

Preventable Disease Programs

Another important aspect of maternal health is infant and child health. Currently, 24% of all preventable deaths in Ethiopia are women and children. It is for this reason that USAID intervenes in Ethiopia with various vaccination and nutrition programs for both mothers and children. In 2023, USAID reached three million to provide mosquito nets, 62% of births measured received DTP3 immunizations before age 1 and nearly 700,000 women gave birth in a sterile U.S.-funded facility. USAID also funds the Core Group Polio Project to improve vaccination (namely in rural areas), provide outbreak response and eventually eradicate polio from Ethiopia. These programs do the vital work of avoiding preventable deaths in not only mothers across Ethiopia but also their young children.

Nutrition Program

A key aspect of both maternal and child health is nutrition. Nutrition is an extremely difficult obstacle to overcome in a country like Ethiopia, where droughts, conflict and extreme poverty are constant challenges. For this reason, USAID works through its Feed the Future Growth through Nutrition Program to boost the nutrition of pregnant women, mothers, infants and young children. This program focuses on education programs that ensure good nutrition via nutrient and vitamin-rich foods are household staples. With only 11% of the USAID budget for maternal health in Ethiopia, this program reached 6.1 million children under 5 in 2023 alone. Despite difficulties in ensuring good nutrition which impacts the health of mothers and children, USAID has put in important work to improve the health of mothers and therefore lower maternal mortality in Ethiopia. 

Looking Ahead

Maternal mortality remains a critical challenge in the developing world and Ethiopia is no exception. However, organizations like USAID are making significant strides in creating a safer environment for mothers. Their efforts are crucial in improving health care, reducing preventable diseases and enhancing nutrition.

– Carlie Duggan

Carlie is based in Newtown, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Fight to End Malnutrition in Ethiopia

The Fight to Better Malnutrition in EthiopiaMalnutrition has been a significant problem in Ethiopia, starting with the 1983 hunger shortage that left many without food and nutritional value. Then in the early 2020s, Ethiopia suffered from a severe drought which caused almost 6.8 million livestock to pass away. As a country that heavily depends on agriculture, drought has caused an increase in food insecurity and malnutrition, according to Disaster Philanthropy. Crop production also fell due to pests that roamed the farms, leading to a downfall in maize production from 25 million tons to more than four million tons. However, three organizations have currently been on the road to improving malnutrition in Ethiopia.

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has primarily been working with the government to resolve this issue. It supports the government’s nutrition program called the Health Extention Program which was developed in 2004. The main focus of this program is to increase awareness about nutrition actions in households, limit bacteria with vaccinations and promote healthy behaviors. In addition, it allows for family health services, putting the spotlight on helping adolescent nutrition. 

UNICEF also works with the pilot program that allows for a new innovative way of growing crops, which has been especially beneficial in preventing damage from sudden hits by natural disasters. Through this new method in hydroponic vegetable farming, malnutrition rates have gone down, especially for children. This practice allows farmers to grow food with little soil and water, perfect for situations of extreme drought. Not only did self-sufficiency increase through this process, allowing farmers to cultivate year-round, but it also has made farming practices sustainable, as this process promises generations of this usage.

United States Agency for International Development

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has accomplished many tasks involving increasing nutrition access. Feed the Future movement which aims to end world hunger is one of its most influential successes. This organization not only aims to increase the amount of agricultural produce, but it also seeks to increase wages earned through their produce to increase their income and buy products to lift them out of poverty. 

In Ethiopia specifically, there are three main steps that USAID and Feed the Future have been following to aid poverty. The three steps are as follows:

  1. Supporting sustainable agricultural growth with an increase in market accessibility, providing further job opportunities and creating a range of crops and cattle to make use of.
  2. Increasing the flexibility in agriculture by modernizing their system’s ability to adapt to new conditions, especially with natural disasters and also bettering the organization of different resources.
  3. Improving nutrition, particularly for the more vulnerable demographics like women and children, by implementing new ways to address and target specific malnutrition problems like providing financial literacy. 

Results for Development

Results for Development (R4D) is a global nonprofit that works with government officials and social leaders to create grand changes in health and nutrition. R4D has aimed to integrate wasting treatment into the health care routine of Ethiopia, especially when wasting has become one of the largest mortality causes for small children.

By incorporating ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), R4D has begun to address the severe underweight problem caused by malnutrition. But even though this product is made with high quality and is cost-effective, it is not widely available to minorities. This issue is currently on the road to becoming resolved through market shaping which would introduce more access to RUTFs. Ethiopia is one of the countries that has access to this solution through R4D. This organization is looking to increase funding for RUTF to increase its presence in markets and create a set of cost-effective recipes. 

Looking Forward

Malnutrition is a heavily prevalent issue in Ethiopia, with more than 5 million children in Ethiopia suffering. However, through actions provided by these three organizations, UNICEF, USAID and R4D, malnutrition is on its way to being tackled in this country. 

– Linda Yoonseo Lee

Linda is based in Phoenix, AZ, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Agricultural Organizations in Ethiopia

agricultural organizations in EthiopiaAgriculture plays a crucial role in community health and wellness in the developing world. This is particularly evident in Ethiopia, where 20.1 million people require food assistance and 7.4 million women and children suffer from malnutrition. This figure includes internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have sought refuge in safer areas to escape conflict and droughts. The significant food productivity and security challenges in the country highlight the critical role of agricultural organizations in Ethiopia to address these issues.

Nuru Ethiopia

One innovative agricultural organization in Ethiopia is Nuru Ethiopia. This organization was founded in 2012 and follows a community-based model entirely led and designed by local people. It aims to create lasting, positive change. The work of Nuru Ethiopia moves local populations from subsistence farming toward “thriving farmer-owned and farmer-led agribusinesses.” This work creates stronger communities that become resilient to issues that Ethiopians face such as adverse weather conditions, conflict and poverty. 

Nuru Ethiopia is distinctive in its approach, which incorporates unions into its model, enabling farmers to access international markets and achieve higher profit margins. This strategy supports the upliftment of communities from extreme poverty and food insecurity. It also establishes Nuru Ethiopia as a notable player among the significant agricultural organizations in the country.

Agri Service Ethiopia

Another organization that works to improve agriculture in Ethiopia is Agri Service Ethiopia (ASE), founded in 1969. This organization was the first national nongovernmental organization (NGO) established in Ethiopia. It has worked with remote populations and smallholder farms since its inception. ASE works in three regions across Ethiopia with projects in various Woredas or districts.

ASE aims to educate rural populations on modern farming techniques to make small household farms more productive. ASE’s programs focus on training farmers to use household items to increase food productivity and their homes. Education and training are essential to overcoming unproductivity, so ASE is one of many important agricultural organizations in Ethiopia.

Farm Africa

Farm Africa is a larger organization operating in five African countries, including Ethiopia. The organization finds that most Ethiopians live on less than $1 a day and that 35% of the country suffers from food insecurity despite 67% of the population being involved in agriculture. Farm Africa began its work in Ethiopia in 1988 and it remains the largest project due to the unique challenges that the country faces. Ethiopia is landlocked, drought-prone and experiences extreme effects of changing climatic conditions. For this reason, Farm Africa has tailored its programs in Ethiopia to fit the country’s specific needs.

Farm Africa recognized the need to address unsustainable farming practices, so it focuses on holistic approaches to forest conservation and climate resilience. Given Ethiopia’s significant role in coffee production, Farm Africa has also worked to enhance the sustainability and profitability of these farms for local communities.

The organization has completed 11 projects nationwide and is working on eight more. These initiatives tackle challenges such as sustainable forestry, livestock livelihoods, spice production and marketing, ecosystem preservation in Bale and supporting female farmers in combating adverse weather. The wide array and success of each program of Farm Africa Ethiopia adds to the importance of agricultural organizations in Ethiopia.

Agricultural Organizations in Ethiopia

Despite ongoing food insecurity and malnutrition throughout Ethiopia, organizations like Farm Africa, Nuru Ethiopia and ASE improve the situation daily. Major improvements have drastically decreased the numbers of those affected by extreme poverty. Agricultural organizations in Ethiopia create positive and lasting change locally and nationally and their importance cannot be overstated.

– Carlie Duggan

Carlie is based in Newtown, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Save the Children in Ethiopia

How Save the Children Helps Ethiopian ChildrenThe Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, landlocked in Eastern Africa, is bordered by Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti. The country is located in the Horn of Africa, also known as the Somali peninsula, in the easternmost part of Africa. As of 2023, it has a population of approximately 127 million. Ethiopia is the second most populated country in Africa, behind Nigeria. Despite its large population, Ethiopia remains one of the continent’s poorest countries, with a per capita gross national income of $1,020, according to the World Bank. This region is currently experiencing its worst drought on record. According to Save the Children, more than 21 million children are affected. Since 2020, the severe lack of rain has devastated agriculture. The ongoing drought has made it impossible for millions to grow crops or raise livestock, leaving many facing severe hunger.

Save the Children’s Role and Response

Save the Children, a major nonprofit organization founded in the United Kingdom in 1919, aims to aid children in dire situations worldwide. With programs and members in 113 countries, the organization prioritizes support for children in the most resource-deprived nations.

In 2022, the Save the Children Ethiopia Country Office initiated a Category 1 humanitarian response plan across most of the country. This comprehensive plan encompasses the Northern Ethiopia Complex Response, the Hunger and Drought Response and the Forced Displacement Response. These initiatives aim to protect Ethiopian children, sustain their livelihoods and enhance food security. Save the Children operates in several regions, including Somali, Tigray, Amhara, Afar, Oromia, Gambela and the Southern, Central and Western Ethiopian regions, along with Sidama.

In 2023, Save the Children provided support to 6.8 million people in Ethiopia, including 3.9 million children. While the organization primarily focuses on aiding children, its efforts benefit the entire community.

Educational Initiatives and Health Focus

Save the Children focuses on providing educational resources to children. Approximately 13 million children in Ethiopia are not enrolled in school, nearly half of whom are girls, according to UNICEF. Many children who begin schooling often drop out before reaching secondary education. To counter this, Save the Children leads extensive programs with support from various stakeholders, concentrating on essential early childhood education in areas like math and literacy.

Save the Children also emphasizes children’s health and nutrition. Decades ago, many children died before the age of 5 from preventable causes. Significant progress has been made. Mortality rates have dropped from 123 per 1,000 births in 2005 to 59 per 1,000 in 2019, representing an overall decrease of about 15%. Despite these gains, nutrition remains a critical challenge, as malnutrition contributes to approximately 45% of children’s deaths. To reduce this rate, Save the Children integrates primary health care to ensure children receive necessary interventions, such as immunizations. The organization also spearheaded the Growth through Nutrition initiative from 2016 to 2023, which aimed to enhance nutrition and health care services.

Looking Ahead

Ethiopia’s severe drought has left millions of children facing hunger and hardship. Save the Children’s humanitarian efforts have been crucial in providing relief and support to affected communities. Its focus on education and health initiatives aims to address long-term challenges, such as malnutrition and school dropout rates. Ongoing efforts and support can potentially improve the lives of Ethiopia’s most vulnerable children and ensure a more stable future for the nation.

– Sabrina Betterly

Sabrina is based in Drums, PA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Solution in Sight for Drought in the Horn of Africa

Drought in AfricaThe Horn of Africa, encompassing Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan and Uganda, has been experiencing the most severe drought in decades. This crisis has directly and indirectly impacted millions. The death toll in Somalia alone reached a staggering 43,000 in 2022. However, the accurate scale of the devastation caused by the drought in the Horn of Africa will only become clear once we have the total count of deaths from the other affected countries.

Current Situation

In the past three years, the region has been grappling with a severe lack of precipitation, with some areas receiving minimal to no rainfall. This prolonged drought has had devastating consequences, particularly for the communities whose livelihoods depend on livestock and the rain. Approximately 10 million animals have perished due to drought, resulting in displacement for millions of herders who are forced to flee their homes for areas where water is available and seek humanitarian assistance.

The drought-related food insecurity has pushed them to the brink, where they face hunger, malnutrition, starvation and even death. Furthermore, the drought has increased transportation costs and food prices, exacerbating the situation and plunging more individuals into poverty. These dire conditions have also heightened the risk of conflicts in the region.

Good News

Recurrent droughts have led to collaborative efforts between governments and aid agencies to explore long-term sustainable solutions. These efforts have yielded promising results, with numerous studies revealing substantial regional underground water reserves. This finding offers hope in this crisis, as these reserves have the potential to sustain millions of people for an extended period, reducing their dependency on rainwater and mitigating the effects of drought and other such phenomena.

Project – Africa Groundwater Access Facility

Implementing a cross-border initiative presents challenges and opportunities of paramount significance to the region. Essential to this project is the necessitated exchange of knowledge and comprehensive research across participating nations. The primary objectives of this strategic plan are as follows:

  1. Active engagement of local communities to instill a sense of ownership and commitment to the project.
  2. Rigorous identification of already known drought hotspots for targeted intervention.
  3. Execute well drilling and establish deep underground bores near these identified hotspots for long-term water scarcity mitigation.

Other Solutions – Land Restoration

Certain countries, like Burkina Faso, are implementing nature-based solutions to challenges such as drought and flooding. These strategies involve tree planting, utilizing innovative agricultural practices and integrating agriculture, farming, fruit crops and livestock pastors within a single area. This holistic approach, which is cost-effective and sustainable, has the potential to not only help millions of people but also save billions of hectares of land in low-income countries in the years to come.

Final Remark

Approximately 1.84 billion people worldwide are impacted by drought, with 85% residing in low-income countries. According to estimates, drought will displace 700 million in the next decade and affect one in every four children. Therefore, the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to reduce the effects of drought cannot be overstated. 

– Maria Waleed

Maria is based in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr