In areas affected by drought, Ethiopian women and children sometimes spend hours waiting for water or food aid.

This year, 9.1 million Ethiopians will need water and sanitation assistance. “Women and girls travel up to 20 km (12.7 miles) to fetch water or buy a jerry can of water,” says Aysha Haji Jundi, a 37-year-old mother in Goro district. “Children are forced to drop education due to lack of food and searching for water.”

For years, Ethiopian farmers and herders have faced recurring drought that has worn down their land, livestock, and ability to make a living. Spring and summer rainfall has declined steadily since the mid-1970s, and the El Nino effect in 2015 and 2016 made things worse.

Where World Vision has sponsorship programs, support for water, sanitation, and hygiene helps “weatherproof” the lives of children. We build and rehabilitate wells, extend pipelines, and teach hygiene practices. Bringing water and sanitation to schools and health centers puts education and life-saving medical care within reach of whole communities.

The failure of the Belg rain season resulted in critical water shortage, health problem, and malnutrition both in the town and rural areas.

“There is no fodder for animals. There is critical water shortage. The lack of water is feared to trigger diarrhea outbreak. Unless there is a timely response the situation will turn into catastrophe,” warns a local disaster expert. 

Photo©2017 World Vision