Ethiopia: Hailemariam contradicts himself on food security

ESAT News (March 17, 2017)

Agricultural productivity has declined to 2.5 % from 7% due to the severe drought in the country but food security has been achieved, Hailemariam Desalegn said in a contradictory statement.

Addressing the parliament on Thursday, the prime minister said the drought in some regions of the country has negatively impacted agricultural production. But he said food security has been achieved, in what appears to be a contradictory statement.

The statement flies in the face of warning by aid agencies that nearly 6 million people need immediate food aid in Afar, Somali and southern Ethiopia regions. The situation could get worse if the next rain fails as predicted, according to the agencies.

The UN’s  Central Emergency Response Fund last month allocates US$18.5 million for Ethiopia’s fresh drought.

According to the UN the fund is released to enable critical aid for more than 785,000 people suffering from hunger, malnutrition and severe water shortages in Ethiopia’s Somali region – the worst drought-stricken part of the country.

Ethiopia’s Humanitarian Requirements Document seeks $948 million to respond to food and non-food needs.

UN warned that the El Niño effects is having a devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of over ten million Ethiopians.