In the worst famine crisis to hit the area
since the mid-1980's, approximately 12.8 million people are at risk from
the latest drought in Ethiopia.
"The region is cursed with a cyclical
drought that occurs approximately every 10 years and the current water
table depletion and desertification conditions have been intensified by
La Nina-related weather. It is imperative that we continue to assist those
in need," says Frank Carlin, Deputy Executive Director for Catholic
Relief Services.
Catholic Relief Services' Response
Catholic Relief Services is a member of, and continues to work within the Joint Relief Partnership (JRP) distributing 71,000 metric tons of food to more than 730,000 people throughout August 2000. The JRP is a partnership of mostly local non-government, Ethiopian organizations working side by side with a consortium of international Christian organizations.
Catholic Relief Services will also respond to the non-food emergency needs in Ethiopia. The agency is helping to provide a significant water intervention, technical advice and additional supplies including transportation to the areas most in need.
Catholic Relief Services' staff is currently in the area working on a number of emergency preparedness and preventive projects. Catholic Relief Services continues to work in conjunction with its local partners to develop the next phase of program activities, expected to run through December 2000.
Background of the Situation
Current emergency efforts are being focused on helping those victims in the southeast region of the Ethiopia. However, the consortium will work to reach the people located in the north as well as the hardest hit areas of southern Ethiopia. The level of vulnerability is very intense in the north and east.
The countries of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan and Kenya commonly called the Horn of Africa continue to suffer from the drought, but Ethiopia will require 80% of the food assistance. Compounding the cyclical droughts, La Nina has pushed the warm humid weather to the south, hence the flooding in Southern Africa. This shift in currents has left the Horn of Africa with cooler, dryer weather and forecasters expect very little rain in the future.
Ethiopia's seasonal belg, or short rains, have been scarce. At present, there are very few viable crops and animals are dying or being used for food.
Agency History
Catholic Relief Services has worked in Ethiopia since 1957. In 1984-85, the agency provided relief assistance and helped to save millions of lives during the 1984-85 drought. CRS/Ethiopia started feeding programs for targeted populations, reached through institutions such as hospitals, schools and orphanages. Currently, CRS/Ethiopia's Maternal Child Health program and an USAID-sponsored Food for Work program focus on development programs designed to address community problems.