Adanech showing her thriving coffee trees in Ethiopia

Ethiopia

A proud history of culture and diversity, a future at risk of crisis and change

Key challenges

Ethiopian family sharing a meal
Over 10 million people in Ethiopia face food insecurity

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.

Rain-fed potatoes grown in Ethiopia
Agriculture accounts for 85% of total employment in Ethiopia

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.

Degraded soil due to drought
11 million hectares of land are at risk of desertification

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.

"My country and its people have faced many social and economic challenges. I want to see that change so Ethiopia can thrive, with a united and prosperous people living in freedom and equality. A country where communities support one another while protecting the environment for future generations, building a sustainable and healthy planet for all."

Melesse Berhanu, Ripple Effect Ethiopia Country Director

Our role in growing a resilient future for Ethiopia

Little girl with a white moustache from her big cup of milk
93% of families eat six or more food types per day compared to 27% when we started, demonstrating increased access to nutritious food
Woman and man talking about savings ledger
100% of people we work with now have savings up from 3% when we started - additional income builds stability and resilience in times of crisis
Hygiene and sanitation in Ethiopia - Zenebech using a tip tap to wash her hands
88% of communities have access to hygiene and sanitation facilities up from 35%, reducing disease and increasing confidence
Responsible Carbon Sequestration | 2025 - 2028

This project, funded by Riverford Organic Farmers, focuses on offsetting carbon while feeding communities. Avocado, mango and apple trees will be planted in various kebeles in Wolaita, sequestring over 20,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in their first 15 years.

This project has been extended thanks to its previous success. The project is monitored and supported by our local delivery partner, the Terepeza Development Association, and carbon sequestration is verified by UK-based Climate Stewards.

Resilient and Empowered Women and Girls (phase II) | 2024-2027

In the coffee-growing areas of Bensa district, smallholder farming families face serious levels of hunger, poverty and vulnerability to climate shocks. Women and girls are particularly affected by these challenges, but due to traditional gender norms and socio-cultural barriers they lack access to skills and opportunities to improve their situation. Funded by The Starbucks Foundation, this project will empower women and girls in improving their own wellbeing and build a brighter future for their families and communities through:

  • Improved gender relations and women’s leadership
  • Families producing safe and nutritious food using climate-smart practices
  • Diverse and sustainable income sources for families to build economic resiliency
  • Sustainable community structures which deliver development benefits for all

Wonchi Improved Nutrition & Income | 2022 - 2025

Funded by Guernsey Overseas Aid and Samworth Foundation, this project located in Wonchi aimes to increase families’ access to nutritious food, and improve community access to saving and credit systems and formal financial services. 

Farmers are being trained in sustainable farming practices, gender and social inclusion, water sanitation an hygiene, and enterprise development.

Working Animal Welfare and Household Livelihood Development | 2024 - 2025

Ethiopia has the largest working animal population in Africa. However, the welfare of working animals often receives inadequate attention due to a limited understanding and knowledge gap among owners regarding proper handling, management, and sustainable feed. These factors contribute to the overall poor health and wellbeing of livestock.

We are committed to improving human, animal and environmental health, which are interconnected. This project, funded by SPANA, works with communities to support them in learning how to take good care of their animals for:

  • Improved welfare and management of working animals
  • Improved food security and diversified income streams for working animal owners

Wonchi Equine Welfare for Livelihood Development | 2023 - 2025

Equines play an important role in the socioeconomic structure of Dawro zone in Southwest region, contributing significantly to rural families' lives. They are used by local communities for a variety of purposes, including human transportation, construction materials, water carriage, and crop production, as well as agricultural operations like as traction and tilling. However, the community's understanding of equine welfare has been limited. Funded by Brooke, equine welfare specialists, this project continues previous successes in working with communities to take better care of their horses and donkeys. This will benefit equines' wellbeing, and owners' livelihoods.

Scaling Innovations for Reduced and Redistributed Women's Unpaid Work | 2024 - 2027

Funded by IDRC, this project seeks to lighten women’s workload and contribute to shifting gender norms towards a more equitable division of unpaid care responsibilities. Women and girls conduct a disproportionate share of unpaid care work in their households (World Bank 2014 estimates 16 hours per day) – this limits their ability to participate in income generating activities such as livestock rearing. Our approach leans into social and gender work with households and communities to shift perspectives, and in the integration of technologies to help reduce women's unpaid workloads. This will empower women to make decisions with regards to the source of their family's income and benefit from improvements as much as the rest of their family.

Our partners

Get in touch

Sign up to hear more

Want to hear good news stories from Africa, get involved in fantastic fundraising and be part of exciting events? Fill out your details below and we will keep you updated by email.

Name *

* Required information.

By providing your email address above, you are confirming that you are happy for Ripple Effect to contact you by email. We will use your email to let you know about news, events, fundraising and appeals. We will never sell or trade your details. Read more about how we value your privacy. You can unsubscribe at any time by emailing info@rippleeffect.org or by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email we send.