Nearly 13 million people in Ethiopia urgently need agricultural assistance, according to a report by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released on Friday.
The FAO highlighted the severe humanitarian challenges caused by climate shocks, economic instability, armed conflict, and threats to the food supply chain.
The situation is worsened by limited access to essential food commodities, even in regions with adequate production.
The report pointed out several severely affected areas, including Tigray, Afar, Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Ethiopia, emphasizing the impact of northern conflicts and the drought vulnerability of southern and southeastern pastoral areas.
The FAO stressed the need for prompt support to improve access to agricultural inputs for households in these regions, which are particularly susceptible to extreme weather events, conflict, and other shocks that worsen food security.
The organisation’s 2024 humanitarian response plan seeks $175 million in funding to assist 5.46 million people across the country.
Planned aid includes boosting crop production and productivity, protecting livestock assets, and rehabilitating animal health facilities.
The report also noted that over 80% of Ethiopians live in rural areas, relying on agriculture for their sustenance and income.
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