Simple solutions to difficult problems

Over three-quarters of Ethiopians depend on agriculture for a living. The challenges they face are enormous. Many have to struggle to survive on less than $2 a day.

Most farmers have to make a living from a plot of land no bigger than the size of half a football pitch. The rains are often too little, or too late, and then too heavy – they take away as much as they give.

• Half of the population lives below the poverty line
• Child malnutrition is reported to be the highest in the world

How Oxfam is helping

We work with communities to increase the size and quality of their harvests. We help develop new farming techniques and are helping ensure reliable sources of water year-round.

Oxfam's other work in Ethiopia

• Promoting education, especially for girls
• Helping local communities influence government decisions that affect them

Oxfam's work in Ethiopia in depth

This programme is directly funded by Band Aid, DFID (Department for International Development), the EC (European Commission), and ECHO (Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission).

Ethiopia drought - 2008

The failure of seasonal rains and onset of drought has led to severe food shortages across large parts of Ethiopia.

Learn more about the situation and Oxfam's response

East Africa Food Crisis 2006

In 2006, eight million people across East Africa were affected by severe food and water shortages.

 We pray that there isn’t another drought, as we couldn’t take another year like the last one. After all the problems the community has been through this year, we are looking at other ways to better prepare.

Mohammed Hussain, Somali region, Ethiopia

Find out more about our East Africa Food Crisis response

Learn more

Oxfam's work in Ethiopia in depth