5.7m People Affected by Severe Drought Need Food Assistance: WFP

Feb 12 , 2022


[ssba-buttons]

The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that 5.7 million people affected by severe drought need food assistance in eastern Ethiopia. The organisation plans to support 2.9 million people with food relief in the Somali Regional State and around 600,000 children and mothers with nutritional and preventative treatments against malnutrition. This emergency response will be complemented by expanding microinsurance support for up to 18,000 at-risk pastoralists, reads a press release from the organisation. The WFP is also seeking to include 50,000 children in its school meals programme, which supports 87,000 children across 254 schools in other drought-affected regions of Oromia and the Southern Regional State. According to the press release issued by WFP, 13 million people are facing drought-induced hunger in the Horn of Africa. Close to three million and four million people are in need of assistance in Kenya and Somalia, respectively, according to its estimates.


Radar

Ministry Showcases Arada Branch Revenue Gains

Arada District's Land Development & Administration Branch pulled in over 150 million Br in just 70 days, beating its 90-day target. Most of the revenue came from annual lease collections and service fees. The office also billed 126 property owners for roof and fence valuations, already securing 20 million Br of the expected 46 million Br. Officials issued warnings to 15 allottees slow to start construction and recommended land right revocations in 11 cases. Leaders credited a more efficient...


Radar

Ministry Backs Blended Finance for Micro, Small Enterprises

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is partnering with Ministry of Finance to expand financial access for micro and small enterprises through blended finance and digital tools. Off-balance-sheet facilities are designed to attract private investors and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) by reducing risk and improving capital flow. Digital platforms, including mobile money and digital IDs, will lower transaction costs and broaden reach. The initiative supports job creation and...


Radar

National Electricity Network Set for Upgrade

Ethiopia Electric Utility (EEU) plans to expand the national electricity grid by 8,689 km in the 2026 fiscal year, Yohannes Tonja, head of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, said. The rollout includes 86,789 km of medium-voltage lines, 92,572 km of low-voltage lines, and pre-maintenance on transformers. EEU will also rehabilitate 1,218 km of medium-voltage lines, install 1,893 transformers, and upgrade 308.7 km of low-voltage infrastructure. Operational targets include cutting power interrup...