Ethiopia is experiencing a strong period of economic development that could make the country one of Africa's largest economic and political actors in the years to come. Despite this, close to 40% of Ethiopia's population lives in poverty. The country's economy is dominated by small-scale agriculture, which provide livelihoods for 80% of the population.
Food security and access to clean drinking water are among the major challenges in Ethiopia. Almost half of the population lacks access to potable water. The Ethiopian people are therefore extremely vulnerable to climate change. Harmful traditional practises prevail, such as female genital mutilation (FGM) to which 73.6% of Ethiopian women and girls have been subjected. High rates of HIV with an estimated national prevalence rate of 2.3%, close to one million orphans, and other associated health ailments are affecting the overall wellbeing of the young and of society in general; women and children are particularly vulnerable.
Ethiopia is a multicultural, multiethnic and multilingual country, with over 89 different languages. The Ethiopian people are also strongly religious, with large numbers of both Christians and Muslims. This gives faith-based organisations a solid foundation and a strong connection to people at the grassroots level.
Our work
Norwegian Church Aid’s programme is implemented together with Ethiopian partner organisations and in close contact and coordination with the country’s authorities. This is in line with our overall goal of contributing to sustainable development for Ethiopia and its people.
Livelihood and trade: In general, agricultural and pastoral production is fundamental for the economic development of the Ethiopia. Norwegian Church Aid will, through various integrated development projects in rural areas, help to improve living conditions for most Ethiopians. We will have a particular focus on securing both livelihood and trade conditions, including in some cases a fair market for farming and pastoral communities.
Women development: Norwegian Church Aid is working to protect women from being subjected to harmful traditional practises, violence and female genital mutilation. By focusing on capacity building for women, engaging faith communities, establishing and/or strengthening networks, engaging in advocacy in partnership with local government structures aimed at influencing policy both at national and local level, Norwegian Church Aid contributes to improving women and girls’ wellbeing and their economic development.
Climate change adaptation: Through various climate change adaptation measures, Norwegian Church Aid contributes toward the Ethiopian people’s being less vulnerable to climate change, especially those in rural areas. We are building competence in diversified agriculture, watershed management, development of small-scale irrigation schemes, rainwater harvesting and improved food security. Norwegian Church Aid is also working in Ethiopia to build partners' capacity to engage in active and coordinated influence of policy in the formulation and implementation of national plans for climate change adaptation.
Water, sanitation and hygiene: Norwegian Church Aid has worked for many years with water supply as a means of reducing waterborne diseases and infant mortality. We will continue this work in Ethiopia to ensure that communities have access to potable water and safe sanitation and hygiene conditions, both in disaster situations and in the long term.
Social mitigation of HIV and AIDS: We contribute to better welfare and quality of life for people living with HIV. This programme also includes children who have been orphaned because of HIV and AIDS. Norwegian Church Aid will work with Ethiopian civil society and authorities to improve access to treatment and care for those living with HIV and AIDS. We focus particularly on young people and women in this work.
Faith communities and peacebuilding: Norwegian Church Aid will contribute to building structures and institutions that work for and promote peacebuilding. Lasting peace is the key to further development of the country. Norwegian Church Aid is working with capacity building and mobilisation of religious leaders and faith-based communities in Ethiopia for peacebuilding in violent conflicts.
Coordination through the ACT Alliance
Norwegian Church Aid in Ethiopia is a driving force for cooperation in the ACT Alliance Ethiopia Forum. We have regular meetings with other ACT members working in Ethiopia to coordinate activities, streamline cooperation with local partners and develop joint plans for capacity building and relief work.