Rescue Draught Affected 500 Vulnerable Household of Konso People

Project Summary
This project plans to provide emergency assistance of essential food and nonfood items critical to subsistence for 500 vulnerable households affected by recurrent drought and displaced in Konso minority ethnic group in South Western Ethiopia. The assistance will be provided to critically needy households in consultation and selection with local government stakeholders, the affected community leaders and existing development partners.
Challenges
The Konso people are located in South Western Ethiopia. They are farmers, living in fortified villages surrounded by their farming land. The Konso developed a defensive style of building, with villages on hilltops, protected by fortifications around them.
The dry stone terrace agriculture is an indigenous adaptation to the dry environment of Konso that is mountainous, barren and rocky. Their natural and cultural heritages are registered as world heritage under UNESCO.
The community of Konso tribe who are marginalized in Southern region is affected by recurrent shortage of rain. Consequently, the people are displaced and migrating in search for water, food, shelter and social services available. The vulnerable group like pregnant and lactating women, children, elders and the disabled are in need of immediate lifesaving assistance. If immediate actions are denied their lives and livelihoods are at risk.
Solution
Now, an immediate responses is required to provide the most urgent and lifesaving help of food and non-food items. This assistance will help the vulnerable group to protect from hunger, diseases, and livelihood recovery. Priority will be given to support economically vulnerable households who are most affected by the drought with no alternative coping strategies. The provision of basic food and nonfood items will complement basic survival needs and support livelihoods and sustain their lives.
Long term Impact
The project will help 500 household members get out of the critical effect of the draught, lack of basic supplies and survive until better and long term means of mitigation action in place. Until then, the vulnerable groups are protected from vulnerabilities from diseases, insecurity, dignity, hunger, and lack of assets.