Relief intervention by Joint Relief Partnership (JRP)

Weather prediction for September to December indicates that over northern and western Ethiopia there is the likelihood of near normal to above normal rainfall. However, flooding and hailstorms could occur in the northern parts of Ethiopia due to the predicted above-normal rains, and crops that will be ready for harvest might be adversely affected. Concerning southern pastoral areas (Borena, S. Omo and Somali region), as Sep-Dec is an important season for them, if rains will be as predicted (below normal), then this will be the 4th poor season which could be disastrous for the area.

USAID/FEWS NET and EC-LFSU said poor rainfall distribution, since beginning of March, has made this year one of the lowest rainfall years in recent times. It was indicated in the last Sitrep that towards the end of the belg season in mid-April and early May, rainfall was well distributed over most of the country and this has assisted farmers in planting long cycle crops for the meher season. Since June, however, rainfall has been poorly distributed in many areas, from Tigray in the north to Borena and southeastern SNNPR in the south, drying up long cycle crops in many lowland areas in the east and southeast.

Therefore, production prospect is one of pessimism and a cause for concern. Following the failed harvest, the optimism expressed during the last sitrep over the meher cultivation period, as rainfall was well distributed, especially in the western half of the country does not hold true anymore. Because, by the end of June and through most of July, below average rainfall continued to persist, particularly in the agricultural areas in the eastern half of the country. The current seasonal trend does not bode well for improved food security in the eastern half of the country, and the likelihood that the emergency food aid program will continue well into 2001, is now quite high. Due to prolonged rainfall deficiency, East and West Hararghe have already reported that long cycle maize and sorghum crops have failed.

According to WFP, the figures of monthly caseloads or number of people needing emergency food assistance vary from September to October. During this month, the caseload is over 9.4 million people. There is, however, the expectation of a slight decline in the month that follows. In October, the caseload could be around 8,614,699 people.

The UN Special envoy for Drought in the Horn of Africa, Ms. Catherine Bertini, made a return visit to Ethiopia on 22-24 September. Ms. Bertini, who is also the Director of WFP said, "Although famine has been averted in Ethiopia, the crisis is still with us." She also said that unless donors meet their pledges, the crisis may stay and people could not return to "normal lives."

Logistics are greatly improved. According to Ms. Bertini, infrastructure problem that used to cause breakdowns in the food pipeline last April have been resolved satisfactorily. Concerns such as whether the Djibouti Port had the capacity to handle the food aid coming in and inland transportation are now no cause for worries. For instance, the average dispatch of NGOs in the country from Djibouti to the main distribution points is 3,500Mt per day.

2.1 Overview of the JRP programme
The status of the confirmed food pledges to the JRP is now 92,413 MT of assorted food. This includes an additional 110MT of High Energy Biscuits that has been secured for distribution to children with malnutrition. The fact that the total confirmed pledge stands less than the one mentioned in the last sitrep (93,048Mt) was due to the second tranche of USAID food which was grain only. The food did not carry 159Mt of veg. oil and 476Mt of supp. food with it, reducing the planned amount of the shipment from 5,396Mt to the actual delivery of 4,761Mt.

Meanwhile, following the JRP members' submission of relief programmes to CRS for Jan-June 2001, CRS is finalising the appeal to USAID for endorsement. Its total request in the FY2001 is 61,723Mt of food. ECS's allocation in its areas of operation in S. Tigray will be 28,527Mt. In Amhara region, where EOC and EECMY are running distribution centres in different weredas, a request is made for 19,302Mt. In East Hararghe of Oromiya region, HCS ‘s request is for 13,894Mt. The request is based on the increasing likelihood that food shortages experienced at the moment are expected to continue well into 2001.

The JRP Forum is in the process of being established. Following the submission of applications from ACT members present in Ethiopia, JRP members will propose organisations that will be eligible for membership in the Forum.

2.2 Detail of activities
Amhara
EOC has distributed two months ration (July-Aug) of USAID food to 20,000 beneficiaries in Debark while 8009 beneficiaries in Janamora wereda have received three months ration (July-Sept). In Chenek relief center, 36,174 beneficiaries in Janamora wereda have received full ration of wheat for three months (July-Sept), 17,908 beneficiaries have taken full ration of veg. oil for the same period while the remaining 18,265 beneficiaries did not get veg. oil at all and 26,396 beneficiaries did not receive supplementary food. This was due to the bad road condition that prevented the transportation of oil and supp. food to the relief center (as mentioned in last sitrep). While waiting for the allocation from Kombolcha, EOC has distributed for Debark beneficiaries Sept-Oct rations with the stock they had.

The 630 MT of grain EOC borrowed from the region has not been paid back. However, EOC plans to pay it back from the grain stock it has in Kombolcha.

EOC is intending to assist 81,345 people in South Gondar in the 2 centers of Kemkem and Fogera for 3 months (Oct–Dec 2000). Resources are not yet received. These weredas need food aid because of the belg failure and since there are no other NGOs in the areas. The two weredas are EOC's traditional areas of operation as well.

Through ACT International funding, EOC has received 1.2 million Birr for the local purchase of fertilizer, selected seeds and tools for the two weredas of Debark and Janamora beneficiaries in North Gondar.

EECMY is distributing in one wereda in N. Shewa at this moment a monthly ration of 163.25Mt of food to 13,060 beneficiaries for four months (Sept-Dec). The original plan of distribution was for 19,000 beneficiaries for 3 months. However, because no new allocation of food is expected to reach the weredas, the distribution months are raised to four months.

204,931 people in N.Wollo will receive food from the 13,313Mt of USAID/CRS assorted foods (from 3rd allocation). The distribution will be made by EECMY/LWF for Sept-December.

1,569MT of EU grain (wheat) will be distributed by EECMY/LWF to 41,840 beneficiaries in Sakota wereda of Wag Hamera zone. The distribution will be for Oct-Dec.

EECMY/LWF distribution in the 10 sites in North Wollo zone for September to 168,428 beneficiaries is already started with the stock at hand.

Oromiya
From Christian Aid funds of 100,000 pounds, EECMY/LWF has locally purchased 700MT of maize for distribution in Rayitu wereda of Bale zone. The purchase was more than the planned, which was 450Mt. This was due to cheaper market prices of maize in the country.

From the CA funds to locally purchase 2,760Mt of grain and 96MT of supplementary food allocated for distribution in Meda Wolabu wereda of Bale zone by EECMY/ Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) over 900Mt of grain has been sent to Meda Wolabu while the rest is stored in the Shashemene PDP, as the stores in Meda Wolabu have limited capacity. Distribution was planned to begin in August and was to last until December. However, since the regional DPPB has already distributed food ration for the beneficiaries in August, EECMY/NCA started to distribute the food by the end of September. There is, therefore, enough food available through January 2001.

Malnourished children in Dire Mega wereda of Borena zone received 10MT of High Energy Biscuits by EECMY/South Ethiopia Synods (SES).

Hararghe Catholic Secretariat (HCS) is still distributing food rations from the USAID/CRS allocation since May to 71,578 beneficiaries in Fedis, Meta, Gorogotu Kombolcha and Jarso weredas. The food in Jarso is from EU/LWF allocation. All these distributions will last till December.

EU food of 1,435Mt of grain is being distributed in Hager Mariam/Borena to 114,780 people (Sept-Dec.)

Somali
As part of the NCA grant of 4.7 million birr, EECMY will locally purchase 400Mt of grain to distribute to 10,666 beneficiaries in Elkare and Chereti weredas of Afder zone. The distribution is for October to December.

15MT of BP-5 High Energy Biscuits are to be distributed by EECMY in Afder/Liben to malnourished children in supplementary feeding centres. A further distribution of the High Energy biscuits was allocated on September 20. EECMY distributed the Finchurchaid 142MT famix allocated to 68,684 beneficiaries in Afder/Liben in August.

HCS will distribute 3,135Mt of assorted foods in Shinile and the Somali weredas of Aysha, Denbel and Erer to 47,150 beneficiaries for the period Sept.-Dec.

Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR)
The NCA 4.7 million birr will also be used to locally purchase 300Mt of grain to be distributed to 8,000 beneficiaries in Gisma locality of Hamer Bena wereda of S.Omo zone for Oct.-Dec.

As the situation is very serious and further resources are yet to be secured, EECMY has made a two-time distribution of 220Mt of maize in Sidama zone and another distribution of 110Mt of maize in Hadiya zone.

EECMY/LWF is transporting 15MT of high-energy biscuits to Gisma wereda of S. Omo zone. An additional 50Mt of high-energy biscuits has been allocated to malnourished children in Sidama, Konso and Rayitu weredas. The distribution will be handled by EECMY/LWF/NCA. The 300MT of famix that was reserved for emergency from the 1100Mt locally purchased by the Finnchurch Aid fund is allocated to Rayitu and Ginnir weredas in Bale, Hagere Mariam wereda in Borena, Sidama and Konso feeding centres in SNNPR.

Tigray
ECS has secured USAID food for 150,900 beneficiaries in Samre Sahrti, Enderta and Hintalowajrat weredas of South Tigray. The food is for distribution from September to November. This food was originally allocated to 184,252 beneficiaries in Alamata, Raya Azebo and Korem weredas. However, since the 6,600Mt Caritas network grain is also earmarked to the same three weredas, food aid overlapping was observed. Following CRS (food consignee) discussion with DPPB and DPPC, the allocated wheat, grain and oil was then diverted to the 150,900 beneficiaries. The 6,600Mt grain distribution is accompanied with the 330Mt locally purchased famix with the Finnchurch Aid fund.

An allocation of 10MT of high-energy biscuits is also made to S.Tigray.

Other Relief activities by partners

Oromiya
HCS has conducted a nutritional survey of Shinile, in coordination with UNICEF, the result of which will be made available in the coming week.

SNNPR
EECMY has used Evangelical Lutheran Mission (ELM) fund to locally purchase 30MT of haricot bean seeds for 4,500 beneficiaries in Sidama zone. Another 25Mt and 20Mt of seeds has been allocated to Illibabur and S.Omo respectively. Transportation of the seeds is completed. EECMY also plans to purchase 200 farm oxen.

3. Further information

• Dutch Interchurch Aid (DIA) has approved 65,000 USD for the JRP operation through LWF. The DIA office here in the country has suggested the earmarking of the food either to S. Omo or Somali region. As DIA has conducted a nutritional survey in S. Omo, the food distribution there could be a follow-up to this.
• EECMY/LWF, as part of their rehabilitation program, have purchased the following seeds and non-food items for distribution:

1. 259Mt of haricot bean seed was purchased and being transported to Borena for distribution along with farm tools. Distribution will be completed within this week.
2. 140Mt of seed (70.5Mt teff and 70Mt haricot bean) was also purchased for Ginir wereda of Bale. Distribution will be completed at the end of this week. (CA donation).
3. 260Mt of chickpeas was purchased and transported to the three weredas of N.Wollo (Gubalafto, Habru and Kobo). Distribution is almost completed.
4. 198.2Mt of chickpeas and 26.8Mt of lentils have been purchased and transported to Basona Worana wereda of N.Shewa.

In total, 44,745 pieces of different farm tools were purchased and being distributed in EECMY/LWF different operational areas.

The JRP provides emergency humanitarian relief in Ethiopia through a partnership of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Ethiopian Catholic Church, Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, Catholic Relief Services and Lutheran World Federation. The JRP partnership is supported by the Action by Churches Together (ACT) International and Caritas Internationalis networks.

ACT International is a worldwide network of churches and related agencies meeting human needs through coordinated emergency response. The ACT Coordination Office is based with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Switzerland.

Caritas Internationalis, (C.I.) is based in Rome, Italy and has 156 member organizations active in 194 countries and territories. All Caritas efforts are meant to improve the quality of life, striving for a more just and fraternal world.

ACT members and associates present in Ethiopia
Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Dutch Inter Church Aid (DIA), Danchurch Aid (DCA), Bread for the World (BfW), Christian Aid, Canadian Food Grain Bank (CFGB), Mennonite Mission Ethiopia (MME)