Ethiopia’s economy is dependent on agriculture, which contributes 43 percent of the GDP and 90 percent of exports. However, just five percent of land is irrigated, and crop yields from small farms are below regional averages. Market linkages are weak, and the use of improved seeds, fertilizers and pesticides remains limited. Despite these challenges, agriculture-led economic growth that is linked to improved livelihoods and nutrition can become a long-lasting solution to Ethiopia’s chronic poverty and food insecurity (USAID). According to UN FAO, 10.2 million people were food insecure.
The governments is committed to ensuring food security and strengthen the capacity of disaster prevention and preparedness by increasing agricultural productivity and production and implementing other safety net and risk reduction programs. There are also other strategies and programs intended to enhance disaster prevention and preparedness capacity. Hence, strengthening the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) and other related facilities will be undertaken to benefit chronically food-insecure citizens. Providing effective credit facilities and other supplementary and complementary programs will be implemented to accelerate the graduation of PSNP beneficiaries (GTPII). The program provides regular cash and/or food transfers to roughly eight million people in more than 318 food insecure districts, people who would otherwise be included in the humanitarian appeal for food aid. During the GTP II period Food Reserve from 405,000 tons in 2014/2015 will grow to 3,000,000 tons in 2019/20.
In its refugee and local community context, MCMDO had implemented numerous projects on food security and livelihoods thematic component. The interventions enabled target communities to improve their household income, improve their productivity and enhance their dietary diversity. As a result of this poor and marginalized women and children in particular could realize their vision and use their potential which contribute for the reduction of gender disparities and reduce poverty and vulnerabilities. MCMDO had implemented 20 projects under the development and humanitarian response programs.