Drought, Disaster and Hope

Rescuing and Restoring the Lifeblood of Pastoral Communities

On average, it takes at least five years for a pastoralist family to rebuild their herd following just one drought, much less back-to-back failed rainy seasons. Over the last year alone, Boru Kala, a pastoralist from Hamer woreda, has lost 20 of his cattle.

To help him and other pastoralists weather the devastating impact of this unprecedented disaster, RIPA South selected Boru and 4,465 other livestock-owning households to receive multi-nutrient livestock feed under the project’s first Crisis Modifier. The father of five said he was selected not only because of the cattle he lost but because the animals he has left are rapidly deteriorating. Like many other pastoralists, he has not been able to feed or seek medical care for his livestock to keep them healthy.

“I have observed that their body condition has reduced and the quantity of milk I have gotten from the cattle is not as much as before,” said Boru, as he gestured to an emaciated cow with clearly visible ribs. “This support means very much to me, because my livestock are suffering.”

In August 2022, Boru received 4.5 quintals (450 kilograms) of livestock feed specifically designed to quickly improve the body condition of drought-affected animals and boost their milk production. As part of the intervention, RIPA South trained Boru and other recipients on how to properly store and ration the feed for it to last up to three months for five cows per household.

Providing supplemental feed not only helps prevent livestock deaths and sustain livestock productivity but reduces the pressure on grazing lands and spurs regeneration that can help communities cope better in the future.

Rehabilitating Water Points to Meet Critical Needs

Prior to the most recent rainy season (March-May 2023), 10.1 million people in Ethiopia could not access enough water for drinking, cooking and cleaning or basic sanitation and hygiene. Water availability has decreased significantly from all sources – boreholes, wells, collection ponds, etc. – due to ongoing drought. Damaged water points and dire conditions have forced many households into obtaining and consuming water from unhygienic sources, which has also led to serious health issues such as cholera outbreaks.   

RIPA South’s WASH access intervention plays a critical role in ensuring year-round water supplies for both humans and livestock, particularly in water-stressed pastoral communities where water shortage has been exacerbated by the ongoing drought. Together with local water offices and woreda officials, the project began by obtaining a list of non-functional water points from each woreda where it operates and assessing which ones required minor or major rehabilitation.

Of the 274 water sources assessed, 100 needed repairs ranging from new handpumps and other service parts to total reconstruction.    

The Ellekolom water point, which serves more than 100 pastoralist families from the Terongola kebele of Dassenech woreda, is one of 100 water points that was made operational again over the last year. Prior to its rehabilitation, community members had to walk over 6 miles to retrieve water from a local river, a journey that was all the more arduous for people and livestock already suffering from malnutrition and dehydration.   

“Before [the drought], it was green enough and there was rain regularly. The land was covered by grass, and the cattle and livestock were excellent. That was before,” said Makolo Lowoy, a pastoralist who serves as vice chair of the WASH committee that manages the Ellekolom water point. “In the last five years, our livestock has died in many numbers. If you go down this bush and just walk a ways, you can see the bones. We almost lost all of them.”  

Sitting under a small sliver of shade on cracked, desolate land that stretches for miles, Makolo and other members of the WASH committee shared how the rehabilitated water point is just 4 km (less than 2.5 miles) from their village and a godsend for their community during such a difficult time.  

“Now we’re getting water from here and cooking. It’s very beneficial for the family and the children,” said Egura Gure, treasurer of the WASH committee. “... When I am far away buying food at the market, I will not worry anymore, because the water is nearby. Even the goats will come after they are on the bush, and they will come and get water.”  

Providing Vital, Dignified and Immediate Support through Flexible Cash Assistance

On a hot afternoon in August, Yerkol Lokoyo stood outside the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in the Dassenech woreda of South Omo, with a broad smile on his face and 5,000 Ethiopian Birr (approximately $100) in hand. It was the first time the widow and father of 11 had ever withdrawn money from a bank account, and the first opportunity in months he had money of his own to buy essential items for his family. 

“I have two children who still live with me who are waiting at home, so I am going to the market to buy clothes for them and food,” he said. “Previously, I had livestock. Now, since the drought happened, all my livestock are dead. … I haven’t any kind of cattle.” 

Yerkol and his family were one of 4,000 households selected to receive multi-purpose cash assistance under RIPA South’s first Crisis Modifier last year. Over the course of three months, the project transferred 15,000 Ethiopian Birr (approximately $300) to each recipient, with priority given to the most vulnerable, including women-headed households, older adults and people living with disabilities.  

“I am going to purchase food for my children and then I am going to purchase a goat,” said Aras Elemu, a widow with 9 children, 3 of whom still live at home with her. “I haven’t a husband, so this feels like God has given this for me. Another time when I am hungry, I will come to withdraw what I’ve kept in the bank to restock the food.”  

Under the first Crisis Modifier, RIPA South distributed 60,000,000 Ethiopian Birr ($1.2 million) across 4,000 households, benefiting a total of 30,847 people (of whom more than 47% are women).  

Before sending the cash transfers, RIPA South helped designated recipients obtain identification cards, open bank accounts and plan how to make the best use of the cash support during this challenging time. While basic commodity prices have increased, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) reports household purchasing power is 40% lower than average. Multi-purpose cash assistance is intended to help those in need buy food baskets, farming inputs, basic household items and health care without resorting to negative coping mechanisms.