Amidst a relentless barrage of challenges over the past three years, communities have struggled to recover from a series of devastating setbacks. From consecutive failed rainy seasons to the worst desert locust infestation in a quarter-century, compounded by the impacts of COVID-19 and conflict in northern Ethiopia, rural households have borne the brunt of these crises. Loss of productive assets, including farm animals, beehives, seed stocks, and essential resources, has left many grappling with poverty and food insecurity. In regions like Oromia, Somali, and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s (SNNP), the toll of drought is stark, with a staggering 6.8 million livestock reported lost.
Opportunities Amidst Challenges
The signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in November 2022 marked a turning point, offering a glimmer of hope for millions to rebuild their livelihoods. However, access to crucial farm inputs, especially seeds and fertilizers, remains severely constrained for conflict-affected households, disrupting agricultural activities. Sustained agricultural assistance is imperative to empower people to seize this opportunity and rebuild their lives.
Persistent Struggles: Food Insecurity and Malnutrition
Despite significant strides in development, Ethiopia still grapples with food insecurity and malnutrition, affecting over 20 million people, including internally displaced individuals forced to flee their homes due to conflict and drought.
Program Overview
In the face of these daunting challenges, Save the Children's Food Security, Livelihoods, and Resilience program plays a pivotal role in addressing food security needs and bolstering community resilience. With an annual budget of approximately $10 million, our program focuses on three critical sub-themes: Cash and Voucher Assistance, Agriculture and Livelihoods Recovery, and Economic Opportunity Creation for Youth.
Program Objectives
Our program objectives are clear: to build community resilience through system strengthening, create economic opportunities, provide cash and agricultural inputs, and develop transferable skills.
Innovative Approaches
Through our innovative approaches, such as "Resourcing Families for Better Nutrition," we adopt a comprehensive strategy to combat maternal and child undernutrition, integrating cash transfers with social behavior change communication and nutrition-specific interventions.
Our "Life Skills for Success" initiative equips adolescents and young adults with essential skills to thrive in the workforce, enhancing their capacity for socio-economic advancement.
Additionally, our "Household Economic Analysis" approach provides critical insights into household economies, enabling targeted interventions to support families in times of crisis.
Impact and Achievements
Our achievements speak volumes about our impact. In 2023 alone, Save the Children supported thousands with agricultural recovery interventions, provided multi-purpose cash assistance to vulnerable families, and empowered thousands of young men and women with skills training and access to finance, paving the way for sustainable employment opportunities.
