Attachments
OVERVIEW OF THE SITUATION
Due to El Nino phenomenon Ethiopia is experiencing one of the worst droughts in decades. The two main rainy seasons – that supply over 80 per cent of Ethiopia’s agricultural yield and employ 85 per cent of the workforce – were not successful in 2015. The most affected regions are Amhara Region (East and South Tigray, North and South Wollo, Waghimra and Oromia zones), Oromia Region (North and East Shewa, Arsi, Bale, East and West Hararghe), Somali Region (Shinile Zone), Harar, Dire Dawa and Afar Region. The drought has led to severe deterioration of the food security and nutrition situation affecting 10.2 million people (Ethiopia Humanitarian Requirement Document –HRD-). The sparse and irregular rains have created critical water shortages, particularly in the pastoral areas of the country, causing death and weakened conditions of livestock and a decline in milk production. According to the findings from the Government multisectoral assessment (Meher assessment) conducted in November 2015 and as reflected in 2016 HRD, the current drought has increased child protection concerns and school absenteeism. The latest data from the Ministry Education indicates that more than 2 million children are affected by the drought.
The Government of Ethiopia launched the 2016 HRD focusing on the humanitarian requirements of the drought which includes critical activities to respond to aggravated child protection concerns. Following the findings of the Meher assessment, the Regional Governments of five affected regions conducted a child protection focused assessment to determine the extent to which drought has exacerbated pre-existing child protection concerns.