
Ethiopia
Country Program
Ethiopia is one of the world’s fastest-growing countries with an estimated population of 110 million people. Yet despite increased economic growth in the past decade, Ethiopia still ranks near the bottom of the Human Development Index. In the country since 1973, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) responds to crises and needs by assisting refugees, Internally Displaced People (IDPs), and vulnerable local communities. In 2021, the country program supported more than 313,000 persons through psycho-social, livelihoods, food security, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), environmental protection, and Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) projects.
Ethiopia is dealing with the effects of climate change, internal unrest, and the conflict in Tigray. The 20-month conflict came to an end in early November 2022, with a peace agreement between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Humanitarian work resumed quickly after that even if the area still struggles from the lack of many critical services, eg. banks. In addition to the emergency operations in Tigray, LWF builds people's resilience and runs projects for longer-term livelihoods and food security work, like distribution of seeds. In Tigray, LWF World Service works together with DASSC, the diaconal agency of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Mekane Yesus, an LWF member church.
Updated: 30 January 2023
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Photo: LWF