Responding to growing food insecurity in Ethiopia

Communities in Fedis and Midega Tola woredas, East Hararge, Ethiopia, are facing acute and rapidly worsening food insecurity following prolonged drought conditions. In response, Dorcas has launched a rapid, multi‑sectoral emergency intervention to support 28,000 drought‑affected people in the Fedis and Midega Tola woredas, as well as surrounding towns and market centres including Harar and Dire Dawa.

Running from 31 January to 16 April 2026, the programme is designed to deliver immediate, life‑saving assistance while helping households stabilise their living conditions and reduce reliance on harmful coping strategies. The intervention is funded by the Start Network and implemented by World Jewish Relief, Dorcas Ethiopia, and Coalition Child Support Association at £350,000.

Targeting those in the most vulnerable situations

The crisis disproportionately impacts people already experiencing multiple vulnerabilities. Dorcas prioritises households headed by women and girls, pregnant and caregiving women, persons with disabilities, older adults, and Indigenous populations. These groups were identified through rapid assessments and community consultations as being at the highest risk of deteriorating food security, protection concerns, and loss of income.

A multi‑sectoral approach to an urgent crisis

To respond effectively to diverse and urgent needs, the programme integrates cash assistance, in‑kind support, WASH interventions, and protection services.

Cash transfers

More than 12,600 people will receive multipurpose cash transfers, enabling families to immediately purchase essential food and basic items. Market assessments confirm that local markets are functional and able to absorb increased demand, making cash the most efficient and dignified means of support.

In‑kind support

An additional 13,850 people will benefit from distributions of food and non‑food items. These include WASH materials, shelter kits and health‑related supplies—items that are critical when household resources are severely strained.

WASH activities

Safe access to water, sanitation and hygiene services is essential to preventing disease outbreaks during food crises. The project therefore restores access to safe water and provides hygiene materials to reduce health risks for affected families.

Livelihoods and early recovery support

In addition to meeting immediate survival needs, the project includes activities aimed at protecting and restoring livelihoods. This includes provision of animal feed to prevent further loss of livestock—an asset central to rural livelihoods in East Hararge.

Protection and psychosocial support

Crises heighten risks of exploitation, violence, and social exclusion. Dorcas therefore integrates safeguarding, psychosocial support, and community‑based feedback mechanisms to protect dignity and ensure assistance is appropriate and accountable.

Measuring impact

Success for this rapid response is defined by measurable improvements in household safety, well‑being, dignity, and coping capacity within a 45‑day window. By supporting both immediate needs and early recovery, the intervention aims to reduce the use of negative coping strategies – such as skipping meals, forced migration, or selling essential assets – and to strengthen resilience ahead of longer‑term recovery efforts.

Building foundations for longer‑term recovery

While this emergency response provides urgent assistance, it also creates a foundation for more sustainable interventions. The combination of cash support, livelihood protection and strengthening of local market systems supports communities maintain critical stability while recovery and development programmes are mobilised.

Dorcas remains committed to standing alongside vulnerable households in East Hararge, ensuring they receive the support they need. Not only to survive the current crisis, but to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.