As officials prepare a multifaceted approach to
preventing famine throughout the country, they are
estimating that 11-14 million people could go hungry in
the coming months.
Government officials state that 15 percent of the
October/November 2002 harvest was destroyed due to
severe drought conditions. Resulting in failure of root
vegetables and green crops, families that depend on
subsistence farming will not only lack food, but also
seeds for replanting next year.
As a result of the poor conditions, not only are the
people’s crops suffering, but their livestock as well.
With the mortality rate steadily rising, those remaining
are experiencing a lowered body weight, which results in
reduced traction, power and milk production, which again
will lead to food insecurity. Unless veterinary services
improve, the death toll will continue to increase as the
livestock’s immune system grows weaker resulting from
poor conditions and common diseases.
With the combination of livestock prices plummeting
and the raging cereal prices, the poorer households are
facing an even worse predicament in obtaining food.
Their wage rate is reported to be 3 times lower in the
current year than in the same period last year.
According to the August appeal, there were 35,000
people in Ziquala, 34,920 people in Ambassel, 16,300 in
Wadla, 17,455 in Kewet and 156,200 in the three woredas
of South Gondar who are in need of external assistance
in the upcoming months.
Food for the Hungry’s
Response:
Food for the Hungry’s Ethiopia
office is already responding in several locales with
programs assisting over 571,000 people in Amhara Region
with other programs under consideration.
Through partnerships, a three-year
program has assisted over 42,000 people. This program
includes activities involving crop production, forestry
and fodder development, water supply, access road
construction, micro-nutrient supply, and environment
rehabilitation.
FH and a partner implemented another program
focusing on seed distribution and aiding 11,000,
providing cereal grain, vegetable seeds, and water cans
for vegetable gardens.
In exchange for labor on community
projects, FH has distributed food to over 474,000
people.
Food for the Hungry is planning to directly implement
relief interventions to soften the impact of the current
drought in Lay Gayint, Tach Gayint, and Simada woredas.
Food for the Hungry is also proposing to form a
partnership to intervene in Kewet of NoRTH Shewa zone,
Wadla, Ambassel North Wello zone and Ziquala of Wag
Himra zone.
FH has worked in Kenya since 1976 and in Ethiopia since 1984, in or near the affected areas, and is therefore prepared to move quickly and effectively to provide the necessary aid.
What one person can do:
-
Pray for the Ethiopians affected
by the drought and relief workers who are seeking to
help them
-
Give a financial contribution
-
Go to the Food for the Hungry web
site at www.fh.org
for more information
