Food Crisis in East Africa
Spotlight: Afar, Ethiopia

Afar, Ethiopia – in numbers
"People come from very, very far away to fetch water"
Dr Kasahun Negash
Food Security Specialist, Amref Ethiopia

Help mothers and young children who are at risk of starvation
Donate now"There wasn’t anything remaining... I don’t know how the people lived there."

Short term vs. long term
“There are two stages. First: survive. And the second stage is sustaining food security and nutrition security."
"As part of the programme in Afar, we organised cooperatives, and helped people to create their own businesses, to increase their income."
"We provided them with water pumps and seedlings so they can cultivate different types of vegetables – onions, cabbage, etc. – so they can eat a balanced diet."
Changing ancient eating habits
With a diet comprised mostly of milk and meat, and with cows in short supply, 3 in 4 children in Afar suffer from anaemia. It was clear to Dr Negash and his team that nutrition could be improved by diversifying diets and introducing new eating habits.
Prior to this project, eggs were not part of the traditional regional diet, in large part due to superstitious beliefs.
"We taught them the importance of eggs for young children and pregnant women. And they now eat eggs! This is a big achievement!"

These lifesaving interventions are only possible with the help of Amref’s supporters
Donate todayAll images © Martha Tadesse, Alexander Awoke, 2021