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You can help families survive the
hunger crisis in Ethiopia 

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Right now, 1 in 6 people in Ethiopia don’t have enough food and millions of families have lost their livelihoods.

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The combined impact of a three-year drought, massive livestock loss, conflict, corruption and hyper-inflation continues to cause devastation. Less international assistance has been offered, with global attention being focused on Ukraine and the Middle East.

Time is of the essence. Your donation today can help save lives.  
 

How is Tearfund responding?

Drone footage from southern Ethiopia

In this remarkable drone footage, you can see how dry, barren and remote the region is after three failed rainy seasons in a row.  

This footage was captured in December as our partner, Terepeza Development Association (TDA), distributed food to vulnerable families in southern Ethiopia.  

TDA is the only NGO working in the area. With support from Kiwis just like you, they have been supporting these communities that feel forgotten by everyone else. 

More information about our response

What makes Tearfund different is our partnership with local communities. We believe communities know the issues they face better than anyone. That’s why we've partnered with Terepeza Development Association (TDA), a remarkable local Ethiopian organisation that has been active in the country for 30 years. 


Together with our donors, TDA has been delivering food directly to people impacted by this hunger crisis. Since September 2024, TDA has completed five food distributions to 10,000 of the most vulnerable people in southern Ethiopia. 


TDA is also supporting communities to build resilience and implement longer-term strategies to address food scarcity. To align with the anticipated rainy season, drought-resistant seeds have been distributed to help farmers grow essential crops, and goats have been provided to families to help rebuild herds. TDA has also delivered training in climate-smart farming techniques, enabling families to grow food even in areas with low rainfall. 


But recovery takes time, and rainfall is unpredictable. Your support-and prayers- are still needed to help people survive and rebuild their lives.  

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Kiya’s story

Kiya was one of those who has been receiving emergency food at TDA’s distributions. 

“I’ve been struggling to feed my children. After losing my livestock I became hopeless. God bought this food support to our community during this time of crisis. I have received maize and oil which will feed my children and help sustain us. I thank TDA and Tearfund New Zealand who are saving our lives during this hard time!” 

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December 2024

October 2024

September 2024

May 2024

 

More information about our partner 

Terepeza Development Association (TDA) is the community development arm of Wolaita Kale Heywet Church and has been working in Ethiopia for decades. They’ve been doing all they can to be God’s hands and feet in helping the most vulnerable people survive the current hunger crisis and their response has been extremely effective.  

In 2023, TDA provided life-saving food assistance to 11,000 of the most vulnerable people in southern Ethiopia. Some of these families told Tearfund staff that this support literally saved their lives.   

TDA’s integrity and effectiveness were highlighted when a government officer overseeing the humanitarian response told our team that TDA delivered that food aid on time, in the right quantity, and to the correct people. It’s notoriously difficult to provide relief in such a remote and fragile location, and this is evidence of our partner’s expertise. 

In addition to emergency food distributions when required, TDA have a successful history of working with communities across Ethiopia to develop sustainable farming and agricultural programmes. This work has included  training in how to increase crop yields in low rainfall areas, the establishment of Self-Help Groups, and the provision of supplies to get started. Our Tearfund staff have heard testimonies about how these programmes have increased household income, empowered women and resulted in more children being able to go to school. Again, this highlights the expertise of TDA and the impact we can have together.  

Join us in saving lives and rebuilding livelihoods today
 

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Read our latest blogs 

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Frequently Asked Questions 

How many people is your partner helping? 

Approximately 12,675 people will benefit from our partner’s response to the hunger crisis. 7,875 drought-affected will receive emergency food aid and 4800 individuals will benefit from the resiliency building part of the work. Our partner will work with local community leaders and stakeholders to identify those most in need of this support. 

How long will food support be provided the most vulnerable? 

TDA completed five food distributions to 10,000 of the most vulnerable from September 2024 to February 2025. They will now be focusing on helping families rebuild their livelihoods after mass livestock losses. This work has included distributing drought-resistant seeds and goats. TDA have also provided training sessions for farmers on how to maximise the provision of food from these distributions.

What are the long-term benefits of my donation beyond short-term food aid? 

In addition to providing food aid, your donation will also equip our partner TDA to provide drought-resistant seeds (like pigeon pea) and goats to families so they can rebuild their livelihoods.Training will also be provided to assist people in maximising their crop yields in this changing climate. 4800 individuals will benefit from this long-term resiliency building part of the project. 

Is your partner a Christian organisation? 

Our partner, Terepeza Development Association (TDA) was established in 1987 and is the community development arm of Wolaita Kale Heywot Church in Ethiopia. TDA has over 30-years' experience designing and implementing food security and resiliency building projects across Ethiopia. As a Christian organisation they live out Matthew 25:35 where Jesus says: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”  

TDA is led by Bereket Tassew, who has a strong faith and significant experience in working in complex humanitarian contexts, including Borena.  

Heavenly Father, 


We lift up East Africa to you and ask for your provision for those who are impacted by the severe hunger crisis.Grant rain for agriculture, sustaining livelihoods and food security, and strengthen those providing emergency food assistance. 


Protect our partner and others distributing aid across the country and empower communities into the future.May your love inspire compassion as together as we seek to serve our brothers and sisters in their time of need.  


Amen.