heks

Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world. According to statistics from the UNO Human Development Index, which measures the level of development in a country in terms of life expectancy, level of education and living standards, Ethiopia is ranked in 157th place in a list of 169 countries. Over 85 per cent of the population in this enormous country live from subsistence farming. Basic crops are grown on tiny areas of land. Some of Ethiopia’s many ethnic population groups lead a semi-nomadic life with their herds of cattle.

Catastrophic periods of drought and long-running conflicts with neighbouring countries have hampered the economic development of rural areas. Rapid population growth means that the country faces additional major challenges with regard to food supply and the utilisation of natural resources.

Aims, points of focus, initiatives:

The HEKS aid strategy for Ethiopia is scheduled to run from 2011 to 2014 and places the focus of the work on rural development cooperation and humanitarian aid.

Development means working together to find ways out of poverty and creating the conditions for a life of dignity. Access to productive land and clean water must also be safeguarded for future generations. Organic farming methods must be able to withstand the consequences of climate change and catastrophic famines and droughts over the long term. HEKS is upgrading the water supply in villages where women and children often have to cover long distances to reach a well. Village communities are also being given assistance to protect arable areas from erosion by terracing sloping land and planting trees on it. A holistic approach that involves all population groups helps to avoid conflicts and allows HEKS to make a contribution to peace.

Humanitarian aid ensures the survival of the poorest sections of the population in times of great crisis. It is closely linked with development cooperation to prevent dependency and to encourage self-help and preventive measures. Close cooperation with the HEKS coordination office in Addis Ababa and with the local partner organisations ensures swift intervention wherever the need may suddenly arise.