A Tale of Drought, Struggle, and Hope in Ethiopia, Amhara, South Wollo, Dessie Zuriya 

Virtually unnoticed by Austrian media, people in large parts of Ethiopia continue to face a multiple crisis: In addition to the disastrous effects of an ongoing armed conflict, disease outbreaks and the impacts of the global economic crisis, a reported 2.8 million people in 43 districts of Amhara, the country’s second most populous region, are struggling with a worsening drought. About one million people lack access to drinking water as at least 1,500 waterpoints have dried up1 

Against this backdrop and the Ethiopian Red Cross Society's (ERCS) alert of a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation due to food insecurity, the AutRC is going to respond to the needs with a new project called MESELAL ("ladder"), funded by Austrian Development Cooperation, that will be implemented in the South Wollo areas of Dessie Zuria and Tenta Woredas, as well as the North Wollo Jara IDP camp.

Over a period of 18 months, the following activities will be carried out by the ERCS in cooperation with the AutRC: 

• multipurpose cash assistance (MPCA) for 12,700 individuals (or 2,540 HHs; 70%f,30%m) 

• rehabilitation of water points following a gender-sensitive and inclusive assessment and training of 7 WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) Committees, involving the provision of access to safe water for 5,600 people (50%f,50%m) 

• hygiene promotion through 40 Health Extension Workers (HEWs) and ERCS volunteers (75%f,25%m) targeting approximately 30,000 people (50%f,50%m) 

• menstrual hygiene management (MHM) sensitisation events for 3,000 people (70%f,30%m) & distribution of MHM kits for 1,200 women and girls 

• emergency medical services (EMS) for approximately 4,224 people (80%f,20%m) following the training of 30 ERCS EMS staff/volunteers and 20 HEWs (70%f,30%m). 

In total, approximately 45,694 people (60 % women and 40 % men) are expected to benefit from the activities described above, for which 2 million EUR will be spent. 

The following human-interest story about Awale Seid Mohamed and his family, written Temesgen Geremew (Head of Programmes of AutRC's delegation in Addis Abeba), illustrates how urgently well-targeted aid is needed and that resilience is more than a mere buzzword. 

In the picturesque Amhara region of Ethiopia, specifically in the South Wollo zone, there existed a small village named Dessie Zuriya. Within this village resided a man identified as Awale Seid Mohamed. Awale Seid Mohamed made his home in the village of Dessie Zuriya, specifically at 04 (Atari Mesk) Kebele. He held the responsibility of being the head of a sizable family, comprising nine members in total. Among them were five males and four females. Awale's family had traditionally relied on farming as their primary source of sustenance. They were diligent and industrious farmers, accustomed to reaping plentiful harvests and enjoying abundant meals. However, their circumstances took a sharp turn for the worse as relentless drought gripped the region. The once-fertile soil transformed into a parched and infertile land, rendering their fields barren and devoid of crops. This dire situation left them grappling with the loss of livelihood and a sense of hopelessness. 

As agricultural production declined, Awale's household faced a scarcity of food. In the past, they had enjoyed the luxury of three to four meals per day. However, the prevailing circumstances compelled them to adapt to a stark reality of surviving on only one or two meagre portions each day. The reduced access to food significantly impacted their daily lives and added to the challenges they were already facing. 

The inadequate availability of food resulted in their bodies being deprived of essential nutrition, which, in turn, gave rise to various health issues within Awale's family. The lack of proper nourishment took a toll on their well-being, potentially leading to a range of health problems. The family's overall health and resilience were further compromised by the ongoing struggle to obtain sufficient food in the face of challenging circumstances. Adding to their challenges, obtaining clean drinking water became an arduous task for Awale's family. In the past, they had the convenience of accessing water for an hour, but the situation had worsened. They were now required to embark on a demanding journey lasting two to two and a half hours in order to quench their thirst. This long and tiresome trek placed additional strain on their already weakened bodies, exacerbating their difficulties and further impacting their overall well-being. 

Desperate times called for desperate measures. Awale's family had to make tough decisions to sustain themselves. They sold their oxen and sheep, which were crucial to their livelihood, in order to meet their basic needs. The children, Mohame, Yimam, Kider, and their sister, had to give up their education and seek employment in nearby cities to support their struggling family. 

Despite enduring significant hardships, Awale's family had received minimal assistance over the course of the past two years. Their reliance was primarily on the safety net they received in June 2023, which provided them with some support. However, apart from that, they had largely been left to navigate their challenges with limited external aid. The absence of adequate humanitarian aid further compounded the burdens faced by Awale's family, leaving them with a sense of being forgotten and neglected. The lack of substantial support from external sources increased their feelings of isolation and helplessness, intensifying the difficulties they were already grappling with. 

In addition to the devastating drought, the village of Dessie Zuriya found itself at risk of conflict. The growing tensions in the area further intensified the already dire circumstances for Awale and his family. The combination of the drought's impact and the looming threat of conflict created an unbearable situation, plunging them into a constant state of fear and uncertainty. The overlapping effects of these challenges made their lives even more challenging and precarious, as they struggled to find stability and security amidst the turmoil. 

Awale Seid Mohamed and his family are among many in Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara Region, South Wollo, who face the devastating consequences of drought. Similar crises are persisting in northern, southern, and southeastern Ethiopia and are expected to deteriorate further unless aid is urgently scaled up. Their resilience and determination exemplify the spirit of the Ethiopian people, who remain steadfast in their hope for a better future, despite the adversities they endure. 

MESELAL project will help some households thrive, but the need is extremely hard to meet with a single initiative.