Praying for Rain In Ethiopia

Ethiopia is in the midst of its worst drought in 50 years. People struggle to feed their families and their animals.

Despite the pressing need, Ethiopia has avoided a full-blown humanitarian disaster thanks to the Ethiopian government’s preparedness, the critical work of local and international aid organizations, and continued U.S. government assistance.

But more work needs to be done. The poorest are most affected by climate change and persistent drought.  With support from the U.S. Agency for International Development, a program called REAAP, short for Resilience through Enhanced Adaptation, Action-learning and Partnership, trains communities to adapt to climate change by identifying and addressing their risks and challenges, like land degradation, financial instability, a lack of water sources or poor nutrition.  CRS and its partners work with communities to implement manageable, sustainable and low-tech solutions to adapt to a new reality brought on by climate change.  

CRS’ communications director Kim Pozniak recently traveled to Ethiopia to report on the effects of the drought. Here is what she saw in her own words.

“God, please give us rain. Make it rain today. We believe we will get rain today." — Translated prayer for rain

Read and Act:

• Ethiopia Drought Crisis by the Numbers
• Building Resilience in Ethiopian Drought
• Signs of Resilience in the Face of Ethiopia's Worst Drought in 50 Years
• Ethiopia Food Crisis: 5 Things You Can Do to Help
• Ethiopia Suffers Worst Drought in 50 Years
• Helping Mothers Feed Their Children During a Food Crisis

Watch and Engage:

• El Nino and Ethiopia: Year of Extremes?

Since April, there has been rain —and even flooding —in some areas of Ethiopia. But with the next rainy season and harvest still months away, millions of people still need assistance.

You Can Help Ethiopia Now