Suffering food insecurity
Droughts, climate change, war and government corruption are the four main causes of food insecurity in third-world countries. Ethiopia, however, is unlike any other country, as its citizens are enduring the repercussions of government fraud, a recent civil war and an ongoing drought. The fallout of these events has resulted in the starvation of over 20 million Ethiopians.
A 2023 report by Statista revealed the shocking number of 22.8 million people facing food insecurity in Ethiopia, and of that number, 3.9 million are children fighting severe malnutrition. But what is perhaps most saddening is that while most countries undergoing a famine receive aid from neighboring countries or allies like the U.S., government corruption prevents Ethiopia from receiving such aid.
The aftermath of the Tigray War left Ethiopia in a humanitarian crisis. Organizations like the U.N. World Food Programme and the U.S. Agency for International Development stepped in to provide assistance to the country in dire need. Yet, Ethiopian government officials have been found guilty of stealing the aid intended to be distributed to the people, according to The Guardian.
The Ethiopian officials’ lack of care and compassion for its people in need has translated into suspended humanitarian aid by the WFP and the USAID. As food insecurities grow rampant across the eastern African country, Ethiopians are denied the food assistance they need due to Ethiopian officials’ constant theft and deceit.
The unstable government and evident corruption are stunting the growth of the third-world country, leaving rural parts of Ethiopia more desolate than others. However, despite the lack of government intervention, Ethiopia still needs help.
According to OCHA Services, Ethiopia is one of the world’s most food-dependent countries, making its people a necessary target for humanitarian relief efforts — especially as the country continues to endure the worst drought Africa has seen in decades.
What can be done?
The World Health Organization notes that nutrition-related factors are linked to 45% of deaths in children. Malnutrition is a prevalent problem, and the effects of such a crisis extend to people outside of Ethiopia. The ongoing famine impacts agricultural workers in various countries, and the restricted economic growth of Ethiopia prohibits the growth of other communities.
The U.S. has the ability and means to provide necessary support to Ethiopia. Moreover, large non-profit organizations are not the only ones capable of resolving the hunger crisis. The first step to providing necessary support is to spread awareness.
Supporting Ethiopia on its journey to end extreme hunger can come in a variety of ways: sending financial support to major non-profits, lobbying for more economic legislations that will stimulate growth and benefit the people, or donating nutrient-rich foods.
Many people recognize Ethiopia as a supplier of rich and tasteful coffee, but beyond the goods they supply us with, they’re also a country in desperate need of help.
However you decide to support this country in need, you have already completed the first step: gaining awareness. And with awareness and the proper tools — which America has — we can more efficiently provide for this country.
Daniel is an opinion writer for the Liberty Champion. Follow her on X