Ethiopia

Ethiopia is facing a complex humanitarian crisis driven by recurrent climatic shocks such as droughts, floods, and landslides, compounded by ongoing conflict and insecurity. These overlapping challenges have caused widespread displacement, leaving many in overcrowded, unsafe, or inadequate shelters, which heightens health and protection risks. Vulnerable groups, including women, girls, older persons, and individuals with disabilities, are disproportionately affected, often struggling to access essential assistance.

The lingering effects of past crises have strained limited resources, exacerbating the urgent need for adequate shelter and NFIs. Displaced populations, whether from long-term or recent displacement due to climate shocks or conflict, face significant challenges in rebuilding their lives. Protracted displacement, insufficient shelter options, and limited access to humanitarian aid underscore the need for a coordinated and inclusive response to protect the dignity, safety, and well-being of Ethiopia’s most vulnerable populations.

Shelter and NFI response efforts face significant challenges, as needs far exceed available resources and capacities. Displaced individuals live in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions whether in collective centers, informal settlements, or shared homes with host communities. Returnees also face hardships, with many homes damaged or destroyed by conflict, leaving them in urgent need of emergency shelter repairs and essential household items. However, humanitarian aid and recovery support in these areas remain critically low.

As of 28 February 2025, the Cluster has reached 4% (85K) of its 2.1M targeted population through completed activities, with an additional 2% (47K) expected to be reached through ongoing operations and available stock. This leaves a gap of 94% (1.9M) still in need of urgent assistance. Progress to date has been achieved with secured funding of 5% (USD 5.7M) out of the required USD 104.6M, resulting in a funding shortfall of 95% (USD 98.9M).

The top five donors contributing to the secured funding are EHF, BHA,ECHO, ICRC and CERF.

Among the interventions, IDPs (in-kind and cash-based initiatives) account for the largest share (95%) of the assisted population, while shelter-related activities for both internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees have covered 21% of the responses.