Boko Haram and the Lake Chad Basin Crisis explained
Read how the conflict started, who is affected, and how ShelterBox is helping vulnerable families.
The scale of need in Ethiopia
21.4 million people need humanitarian support
5.5 million people are displaced in Ethiopia
4.4 million people are in need of shelter
What is happening in Ethiopia?
Ethiopia is in crisis. People have been forced to flee their homes due to violent conflict, rising hunger and economic instability.
One of the most notable armed conflicts has been in Tigray, where many people are now in need of humanitarian assistance and have been displaced.
As of 2026, tensions have been rising between the federal government and the Tigray Liberation Front; as well as between Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Other areas of Ethiopia as also seeing significant conflict and displacement.
On top of the violence, five consecutive failed rainy seasons have caused the worst drought in 40 years, affecting over 30 million people.
Seasonal floods and dozens of earthquakes since 2024 have displaced even more.
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ShelterBox’s Response:
Between 2019 and 2024, we supported almost
140,000 people with emergency shelter and
household items through six projects with the
International Organization for Migration (IOM).
This included tarpaulins and rope to support
people to keep shelters watertight and items like
sleeping mats, mosquito nets, blankets, kitchen
sets, solar lights, and water carriers.
Since 2025, we’ve been working with Positive
Action for Development (PAD) to support
thousands of displaced people in Tigray and
Shire.
We supported thousands of
people living in communal shelters or returning
home as border stability with Eritrea improves.
People are returning to damaged or looted
homes with little support to access or services.
Aid packages have varied depending on needs,
but includes shelter, cash assistance so people
can buy additional materials to repair or build
their homes or improve their living conditions,
and essential items like reusable sanitary pads
and soap.
Where is Ethiopia?
Ethiopia is a landlocked country in East Africa. It borders Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Sudan.
It is a hugely diverse country, with ten ethnic regions.
The country is affected by four crises. The conflict in Tigray, the drought in the Horn of Africa, seasonal flooding in the West, Central and Northern regions, and inter-communal violence. These crises have caused millions of people to leave their homes.
Kadir and his family, sitting in a displacement camp in Ethiopia, 2024.
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Kadir’s story
Kadir has been supported as part of our sixth project in Ethiopia which has helped him, and 7,000 households displaced by drought and conflicts.
Kadir was once a farmer. He and his family lost their home and livelihood due to drought. Long term health problems make his life more challenging. He explains the results of climate change on his land:
“We have been displaced twice before, and this is the third time. Previously, the land was suitable for livestock and we had regular rainfall. Now, the situation has changed and there has been no rain during the rainy season.”
I lost most of my livestock and came here with some of my goats before becoming empty-handed. I felt broken and worried about providing for my family, but support has given me hope.
