Hawassa May 18/2013 More than 1.1 million needy farmers embraced in food security program in Amhara State have ensured food security, the regional disaster prevention and food security program coordination office said. Office Head, Sileshi Temesgen said at a relevant discussion forum held in Bahirdar Town of the State on Friday that the beneficiaries have managed to produce surplus. Sileshi said the farmers are engaged in soil and water conservation, road construction, irrigation development, animal husbandry and fattening, among others.

Contextual Background

Pattern in Population Change

Already established camp received influx from Somalia in January 2011 and most recently in April/May 2011.

Areas of Origin

66% are from Gedo, 19% are from Bay and the rest of the population is from various other locations in Somalia.

Cultural Background

Sunni Muslim

55% are May May speakers from Rahanweyn clan, 30% are Mahatiri speakers from Maheren clan and the remaining are from various other Somali clans.

Main Occupations

Contextual Background

Pattern in Population Change

Organized large-scale relocation from the Transit Centre began in November 2011

Areas of Origin

46% are from Gedo, 35% are from Bay, 15% are from Bakol, remaining are from various other locations in Somalia.

Cultural Background

Sunni Muslim

64% are May May speakers from Rahanweyn clan, 22% are Mahatiri speakers from Maheren clan and the remaining are from various other Somali clans.

Main Occupations

Evaluation of the Irish Aid Ethiopia CSP (2008-2012) Executive Summary

In early 2012 Irish Aid commissioned an independent evaluation of the Irish Aid Ethiopia Country Strategy 2008-2012. The evaluation was carried out by a team of consultants from ITAD Ltd. The following is the executive summary of the evaluation with two lesson learning briefs.

Evaluation of the Irish Aid Ethiopia CSP (2008-12) Learning Brief RBM

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

· Although the recent good performance of seasonal rainfall has enhanced water and pasture availability in most drought-prone areas of Ethiopia, populations in some belg-producing parts of eastern Ethiopia will likely continue to experience Crisis—Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) 3—level food insecurity through June due to delayed and poorly distributed February-to-May 2013 belg rains and resulting planting disruptions.

This report covers the period 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012

Overview

Refugee Update

Tigray Region continues to receive new refugees from Eritrea, with an estimated 200 refugees registered in the past week. Although the rate of arrival has slightly decreased following the surge seen in March - when 1,480 refugees were registered - reports indicate that more are expected to arrive. Given this arrival trend and existing camps quickly reaching full capacity, UNHCR and the Government Refugee Agency, ARRA, are expediting the development of the fourth camp in the area. The new camp has a capacity to accommodate 20,000 people.

EWR Directorate, DRMFSS, MoA www.dppc.gov.et

CLIMATE OUTLOOK FOR BELG 2013

• Near normal onset and cessation are expected over many portions of the country.

• Normal to below normal rains are expected over much of the northeastern portions of the country

• Moreover, below normal rainfall is expected to be more pronounced over the southeastern region, where Belg is the major rainy season.