Economy

El Niño-linked rainfall deficits threaten Ethiopia’s main harvest season

Addis Standard · 2 weeks ago · Read the Full Story on Addis Standard
El Niño-linked rainfall deficits threaten Ethiopia’s main harvest season
AI SUMMARY

Severe El Niño-linked rainfall deficits across Ethiopia threaten the main meher harvest season, raising food security concerns and prompting urgent calls for humanitarian assistance.

  • Historically poor rainfall linked to El Niño has led to deficits exceeding 50% of average across much of Ethiopia.
  • The June-to-September kiremt and karan/karma rainy seasons were among the poorest on record, delaying planting and damaging crop development in northern, central, and eastern regions.
  • The main meher harvest, which accounts for over 85% of national crop production, is expected to be below average.
  • FEWS NET expects Crisis (IPC Phase 3) food security outcomes to persist across many drought-affected cropping and pastoral areas through January 2027.
  • Wajirat district authorities in Tigray and residents in Afar's Kori Woreda reported severe water shortages, livestock deaths, and mounting hunger risks.
  • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is seeking US$50 million to assist 4.66 million people across 114 woredas affected by the pre-El Niño and drought conditions from June 2026 to March 2027.