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. Millions of 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 9 million people are now in need of humanitarian assistance and 3.6 million people have been displaced. Although a ceasefire has now been agreed, the needs are still great. Other areas of Ethiopia as also seeing significant conflict and displacement.
In addition to the conflict, the Horn of Africa has experienced five below-average rain seasons. People are struggling to meet their basic food and water needs, and are taking drastic action to survive.
So far over 800,000 people have left their homes because of the drought.
Rising food prices are making the situation worse. Below average harvests and rising international prices, partly caused by the Ukraine conflict, have caused the cost of a food basket to increase by 66%.
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.
How is ShelterBox helping?
The crisis in Ethiopia has left millions of people in need. We have supported over 80,000 people in Ethiopia since 2018.
Items like tarpaulins, rope, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, water carriers and kitchen sets are helping people to survive in the increasing insecurity.
Working with our partner IOM, we have supported a total of 22,000 people in the Afar and Somali regions in the last year. We are now working on another project to supply household items and cash assistance to a further 7,000 households.
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.
