In response to Ethiopia's food crisis, ActionAid has decided to deliver emergency food aid for mothers and children in Kombolcha, about 540km east of the capital Addis Ababa. The first deliveries will be on Monday or Tuesday next week (16/17 June).

Abebe Wagaw, who leads ActionAid Ethiopia’s emergency work, said: 

"Action is needed now, to prevent much worse hunger in July and August. The international community must respond rapidly to appeals for help."

Ethiopia is currently facing severe food shortages as a result of a combination of drought, crop failure and high world food prices. The government has said that 4.5 million people need emergency food aid. This figure does not include more than 8 million Ethiopians in drought-prone areas who regularly receive food or cash from a government programme.

Food prices have increased by 25% since March. Teff, the major staple food in urban areas, has more than doubled in price, along with other grains.

Kombolcha will be the first place to receive emergency aid following a round of assessments carried out by ActionAid in areas where the agency has long-term development projects. Partner organisations are carrying out assessments and preparing to deliver emergency aid in places where ActionAid does not work directly.

Zenebu Tesema struggles to feed her children
In Seru Abbas village, about 300km southeast of the capital, 50-year old single mother Zenebu Tesema described how rising prices have destroyed the small business she set up with 500 birr (£26.50) from a women's self-help group. Any food she can buy now goes to her nine children.

"The price of food items is soaring," she said.

"I am obliged to quit buying and selling the small things as I have nothing to feed my children. I prefer to buy food for the family no matter how long this will feed us. I used the money I got on loan from the women’s credit and saving group, as this is the only money I had."