Ethiopian Drought and US Aid

Currently, Ethiopia is in its third consecutive year of drought. This has resulted in the government putting in place a 10-month state of emergency that was recently lifted. Not only is the drought causing problems with food production and cattle herding, but there is also a fear of conflict resulting from instability in the government and neighboring countries. Drought on the border of Ethiopia and Somalia has caused prolonged problems for herders searching for grazing land. There is fear that these climate-induced stressors could result in conflict amongst herders. In response to the drought and possible conflict, the United States has donated aid to help combat the drought and the resulting famine that continues to occur. The goal is to help Ethiopia switch from a herding economy to an agricultural economy which could help provide different food sources while also improving the economy so that future aid is not needed.

This article shows the interconnectedness of climate and conflict. Climate induced conflict over natural resources has caused a major economic problem for Ethiopia. The country is unable to provide for itself because they are reliant on climatic conditions for their livelihood. This is especially true for the semi-nomadic herders who rely on the availability of grazing lands to maintain their herds which are their economic reliance. Without the natural capital of water, Ethiopian herders are unable to support themselves.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/us-gives-ethiopia-91-million-in-drought-aid-for-food-and-medicine/2017/08/31/0f8d381e-c101-4a08-86e4-562fae028a2c_story.html?utm_term=.cdf1f8e73ccf