Nearly 13 million people in Ethiopia urgently need agricultural assistance, according to a UN FAO report released on Friday.
The report highlights complex humanitarian challenges driven by climate shocks, economic instability, armed conflict, and food chain threats, which are exacerbated by limited access to essential food commodities.
Severely affected areas include Tigray, Afar, Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Ethiopia. The FAO stresses the need for timely support to improve access to agricultural inputs in these regions, which are highly vulnerable to extreme weather, conflict, and other shocks.
The FAO’s 2024 humanitarian response plan seeks $175 million in funding to support 5.46 million people, aiming to enhance crop production, safeguard livestock, and rehabilitate animal health facilities.
Over 80% of Ethiopians live in rural areas and rely on agriculture for sustenance and income.