Although the rains for the 2003/2004 agriculture seasons were generally good and the country’s food production improved compared to the last 4 years, an estimated 7.2 million people still require relief food assistance in 2004. This is mainly due to the underlying structural problems with parts of the country remaining chronically food deficit areas. Some parts of the country experienced late arrival of rains which upon arrival caused devastating floods washing away some planted crops and causing serious erosion problems. Some areas are also facing grazing and water shortages for livestock.

In this appeal, the Ethiopia Orthodox Church – DICAC is proposing to provide rehabilitation assistance to supplement the relief program proposed for the drought-affected people in Mekdela in S.Wollo, Endamehone in S.Tigray. The rehabilitation assistance proposed includes provision of seeds, tools, small water development activities and restocking of livestock. The Rehabilitation provisions are integrated with local development activities in order to address the root causes of vulnerability to disaster in the targeted areas.

In the past the appeals for Ethiopia were submitted under the ACT/Joint Relief Programme (JRP) but this year, the situation has changed with ACT members submitting their individual appeals. Other ACT implementing members have indicated they might be part of the appeal at a later stage.

Project Completion Date:

31 May 2005

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested

US$

Total Appeal Target(s) 637,581

Less: Pledges/Contr. Recd. 0

Balance Requested from ACT Network 637,581

Signed by:

Thor-Arne Prois
Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office