Ethiopia: “We can finally stop worrying about our next meal” – conflict-affected farmers in North Wollo, Amhara

2026-02-16 · Source: International Committee of the Red Cross · Field: Agriculture & Food Systems — Crop Science & Plant Technology, Agricultural Sustainability & Climate, Agricultural Economics & Policy · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, short

Summary

In 2025, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provided critical agricultural support to over 5,000 households, benefiting more than 30,000 people in the conflict-affected Lasta and Bugna Woredas of North Wollo, Amhara region, Ethiopia. This intervention, which included the distribution of wheat and teff seeds and fertilizers in June, aimed to restore food security and build long-term resilience for farmers impacted by conflict and climate change. Farmers reported significant improvements, with many doubling or tripling their production, enabling them to meet consumption needs for the entire year and save seeds for future seasons. Similar assistance was extended to an additional 33,000 individuals in Oromia and Tigray regions, fostering stability and reducing reliance on negative coping mechanisms like migration.

Key takeaway

For humanitarian organizations and policymakers addressing food insecurity in conflict zones, this initiative demonstrates that direct agricultural input, such as seed and fertilizer distribution, can rapidly restore food security and foster community stability. You should prioritize interventions that enable local food production to reduce dependency on external aid and mitigate negative coping strategies like forced migration.

Key insights

Targeted agricultural aid significantly boosts food security and resilience in conflict-affected regions.

Principles

• Timely seed and fertilizer distribution restores food security.
• Increased local food production reduces reliance on migration.

Method

The ICRC distributed wheat and teff seeds along with fertilizers to conflict-affected farmers, enabling them to resume agricultural activities and achieve higher yields, thereby improving household food consumption and seed saving.

In practice

• Distribute high-quality seeds and fertilizers.
• Focus on conflict-affected rural communities.

Topics

• Food Security
• Humanitarian Aid
• Conflict-Affected Regions
• Agricultural Support
• Ethiopia

Best for: General Interest, Domain Expert, Policy Maker

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by International Committee of the Red Cross.