Ethiopia
A proud history of culture and diversity, a future at risk of crisis and change
Ethiopia stands at a critical crossroads. Once celebrated solely for its vibrant cultures, ancient heritage, and resilient communities, the country now faces escalating challenges -conflict, climate shocks, and widespread food insecurity are putting immense pressure on families and the land they depend on. Millions have been displaced, crops are failing, and livelihoods hang in the balance. Yet, amid the adversity, hope endures. Across the country, communities are determined to adapt, rebuild, and protect their future - rooted in strength, and ready for change.
Key challenges
Hunger and malnutrition remain critical concerns for many Ethiopians, as highlighted by the World Food Programme. These issues are worsened by ongoing conflict and extreme weather events, with 3 million people displaced due to the severe political, economic, and climate-related challenges.
A significant majority of Ethiopia’s population depends on agriculture, with the Food and Agriculture Organization estimating that an astonishing 85% of employed people work in the sector. This heavy reliance poses a major challenge, as much of the agriculture is rain-fed and highly vulnerable to an increasingly unpredictable climate.
Over half of Ethiopia's land is experiencing degradation, and according to Reuters, 11 million hectares of land are at risk of desertification (that's bigger than Portugal!). This threatens the lives of smallholder farmers who rely on land to make a living, and severely weakens Ethiopia’s ecosystems leading to a great loss of native species.
Melesse Berhanu, Ripple Effect Ethiopia Country Director
Our role in growing a resilient future for Ethiopia
Ripple Effect is working with Ethiopian communities to create sustainable, long-term change in the face of urgent hunger, conflict and climate challenges. Our programmes tackle these issues head-on: supporting farmers with climate-smart agriculture and livestock practices that boost nutrition and income, restoring degraded land through integrated natural resource management, and improving access to water and sanitation.
By including and empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups, we’re not only addressing immediate needs but also strengthening community resilience for the future. This is how we’re helping to regenerate land, rebuild livelihoods, and fight hunger - with sustainable solutions, one community at a time.
Current projects:
- Responsible Carbon Sequestration - Wolaita zone - 2025-2028
- Dairy for Nutrition & Income (phase II) - Wolaita zone - 2023-2027
- Resilient and Empowered Women and Girls (phase II) - Bensa district - 2024-2027
- Wonchi Improved Nutrition and Income - Wonchi district - 2022-2025
- Working Animal Welfare and Household Livelihood Development - Wonchi district - 2024-2025
- Wonchi Equine Welfare for Livelihood Development - Wonchi district - 2023-2025
- Scaling Innovations for Reduced and Redistributed Women's Unpaid Work - Bayra Koysha district - 2024-2027
Our partners
With the vital support of our funding partners, and in close collaboration with local communities, government bodies, and grassroots organisations, we’re delivering programmes that make a lasting difference. We also work with respected research partners, such as the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), to ensure our approaches are evidence-based and effective. Together, these partnerships enable us to scale our impact, reach the most vulnerable, and build a more resilient and food-secure future for Ethiopia.
Our current projects are funded by:
Get in touch
Office address:
SA Building, 7th floor
Kazanchis, Menelik II Avenue (between Eilly International Hotle and ECA)
P.O BOX 19453
Addis Abeba
Ethiopia
Tel: +251-116-477233/34
Email: ethiopia@rippleeffect.org
More about our work in Ethiopia...
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