US Launches $60 Million Highlands Resilience Activity to Support Vulnerable Households in Ethiopia

The United States government has launched a new $60 million initiative called the Highlands Resilience Activity to support 120,000 vulnerable households in Ethiopia. The five-year project, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to improve food security and resilience in the Ethiopian highlands.

The Highlands Resilience Activity will focus on four main areas: sustainable livelihoods, natural resource management, nutrition, and social protection. The project will work with local communities to develop sustainable agricultural practices, improve access to clean water and sanitation, and promote healthy nutrition practices. It will also provide social safety nets for the most vulnerable households, including cash transfers and food assistance.

Why this matters: The Ethiopian highlands are home to some of the country's most vulnerable populations, who are often affected by droughts, floods, and other natural disasters. The Highlands Resilience Activity represents a significant investment by the U.S. government to support these communities and improve their resilience to shocks.

Ethiopia has been facing several challenges in recent years, including political instability, ethnic conflicts, and the ongoing war in the Tigray region. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the country's economy and food security. In this context, the Highlands Resilience Activity is a welcome initiative that could make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable households.

The project will be implemented by a consortium of international and local organizations, including CARE, World Vision, and the Relief Society of Tigray. It will work closely with the Ethiopian government and local communities to ensure that the interventions are sustainable and aligned with national priorities.

At the launch event for the Highlands Resilience Activity, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Tracey Ann Jacobson emphasized the importance of building resilience in the face of climate change and other challenges. "This activity will help vulnerable households in the Ethiopian highlands to build their resilience to shocks and stresses, and to improve their food security and nutrition," she said.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. launches $60M Highlands Resilience Activity to support 120,000 vulnerable households in Ethiopia.
• The project focuses on sustainable livelihoods, natural resource management, nutrition, and social protection.
• Aims to improve food security and resilience in the Ethiopian highlands, a vulnerable region.
• Implemented by international and local organizations, in partnership with the Ethiopian government.
• Builds resilience against climate change, conflicts, and other challenges facing Ethiopia.