Overview
Ethiopia is one of the world’s fastest growing countries with an estimated population of 90 million people. Yet despite increased economic growth in the past decade, Ethiopia still ranks near the bottom of the Human Development Index.
More than 80 percent of the population lives in rural areas and relies heavily on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods.
Insecurity in nearby Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan has forced some 370,000 people to seek refuge in Ethiopia.
By September 2016, the country was host to 765,000 refugees in the country with the new influx of 23, 250 that month alone.
What we’re doing in Ethiopia
In our work with rural Ethiopian communities, the LWF assists with agricultural development through inputs, small-scale irrigation schemes, training and technical support, and veterinary support. We also partner with communities on water sustainability through water user associations, water facilities, and training in water supply management.
In addition, the LWF supports tens of thousands of refugees with programs in water and sanitation, education, psychosocial support, livelihood development, and environmental conservation. We provide assistance both to refugees and the host communities that receive them, helping to reduce potential new conflicts over water resources.
We help refugees to develop their livelihoods by combining seed and tool distribution with training in multi-story gardening, poultry production, and vegetable production.