Millions of smallholder farmers and pastoralists require agricultural support to sustain their livelihoods
The recent El Nino induced drought left millions of Ethiopian farmers and breeders with meagre livelihood support system. It was the worst drought that the country experienced in three decades. Those depending on farming and livestock for a living were the worst affected – either lost their animals or their crops. On the other hand, another episode of climate impacts caused floods and landslide across five regions including crop and pasture productive areas. Within its mandate, the Food and Agriculture Organization has been supporting the affected communities to cope up with the impacts. Pierre Vauthier, FAO Surge Response Team Leader speaks about the drought impact and FAO responses.
What was the impact of the recent drought like on the farmers and breeders?
The El Nino induced drought resulted in 10.2 million people to require food aid and more than 2 million small holder farmers and pastoralists require agricultural support to sustain their livelihoods by the end of 2016.
What was the focus area of FAO’s response?
The impact of the El Nino induced drought was widespread covering the six major regions of Ethiopia: Afar, Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, Somali and Tigray. FAO covered all the six regions in terms of coordination and actual implementation of projects including seed distribution, animal health, animal feed provision and destocking activities.
Are there any achievements that you would like to highlight?
FAO, other than directly intervening in the six major regions, managed to solicit resources for the seed intervention. Within a small window, FAO in collaboration with partners particularly by using the Agricultural Task Force (ATF) platform, managed to raise about 35 million US$ for the sector. Coordinated, timely and effective interventions are now closely monitored.
What does FAO learn from the El Nino response in Ethiopia?
Quantitative and qualitative early assessments followed by continued analyses are critical. Using up-to-date information, FAO and partners should always be ahead of the curve. Readiness and planning of “on the shelf projects” plays a critical role. In addition, a sound technical coordination and reaching out to partners has significantly helped the solicitation of resources and facilitating coordinated interventions. We must think ahead and work with farmers and pastoralists now to increase resilience for the next large flooding and drought.
What is the way forward?
We are preparing contingency plan, for the possible La Nina impact from August until the last quarter of 2016. This requires a close monitoring of the current situation and based on what has happened during the last La Nina occurrence in South Omo, Borena and Southern Somali Zones. FAO is also thinking ahead and develop a Resilience response plan to support Government and population efforts.