Ethiopia

A multi-sectoral response to humanitarian crises

Through GOAL’s strong partnerships with donors and our long history of rapid response programming in Ethiopia, we can quickly access emergency funding. This allows us to respond quickly and effectively to crises in diverse and often hard-to-reach locations. We use this to deliver multi-sectoral humanitarian responses to address the effects of sudden and slow-onset crises.

Most often, this response includes shelter, protection, emergency nutrition, health and WASH support. We also provide non-food items and unconditional cash transfers to address the needs of affected groups – including drought-affected, internally displaced and refugee communities. This includes people impacted by the current drought and hunger crisis impacting much of East Africa in 2023.

Our support to South Sudanese refugees in Gambella and Eritrean refugees in Berhale and Asayita refugee camps has focused on the provision of life saving and humanitarian operations. GOAL Ethiopia established lifesaving and emergency operations in Tigray region responding to the humanitarian needs of the internally displaced and communities with the heightened conflict and war in that region.

From emergency nutrition to long-term health

GOAL is a leader in emergency nutrition response in Ethiopia. As part of this, our team is piloting an innovative approach in East Hararghe Zone - building government capacity to manage spikes in malnutrition without external support. We also promote the ‘Families understand and can do MUAC’ (Mid Upper Arm Circumference) and are working to implement Community-based Management of At-Risk Mother and Infants (CMAMI). This helps families and caregivers identify malnutrition whilst also providing systemic support to prevent and manage new cases.

Looking beyond emergency response, GOAL works with local communities to improve health-seeking behaviour. We also provide training, mentoring and logistical support to the Ministry of Health to strengthen health, nutrition and WASH systems and ensure quality service delivery. 

Sustainable livelihoods to enhance food security

Achieving Food & Nutrition Security is not possible without also focusing on Sustainable Livelihoods. It is for this reason that GOAL Ethiopia is working to build the resilience of pastoral communities, pastoral drop-outs and smallholder farmers so that they can better absorb shocks and stresses.

This sees GOAL focus on livestock health, the introduction of climate smart agriculture and other technologies to boost productivity, output and quality. Value chain analysis enables targeted market developments, with business training giving entrepreneurs the skills they need to maximise profits and growth. This is enhanced by increased access to financial services and employment so that families can invest in agriculture, provide for their families and contribute to the delivery of nutritional food sources. 

Reintegrating vulnerable youth in Ethiopia’s cities

In addition to agricultural enterprise for Food & Nutrition Security, GOAL Ethiopia runs a programme for urban street children and youth in Addis Ababa and Hawassa. Drop-in and rehabilitation centres provide access to basic services including sanitation, education, counselling and recreational activities. Psycho-social support then works to address the challenges of street life and link vulnerable young people to appropriate support networks.

Vocational training, job placements, business skills training and small grants promote economic empowerment and support community reintegration. This gives young people in Addis Ababa and Hawassa the chance to access further education and build the business skills they need to leave their street life behind.