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Sustainable support to persons displaced by conflict and natural disasters and their host communities in Afar region of Ethiopia

Ethiopia faces a complex crisis driven by prolonged internal conflicts, natural hazards and socio-economic pressures. These factors have caused large-scale internal displacement and increased vulnerability. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees face protection risks, disrupted livelihoods, food insecurity, inadequate shelter and limited access to essential services, while host communities face additional pressure on already scarce resources and services.

Through its Individual Measures (IM3) Programme, the European Union supports displaced populations and host communities in Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz and Tigray. Within this wider programme, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) implements a dedicated project in Afar, working in five target woredas/sites with regional and local authorities and other partners.

Afar, home to around 4 million people, continues to face the effects of past conflict and recurrent droughts, floods and earthquakes. Arid conditions and irregular rainfall make water scarcity a persistent challenge. Livestock is central to pastoral and agropastoral livelihoods, while conflict and climate shocks have damaged infrastructure, livelihoods and basic services, including WASH and health facilities.

The AICS project therefore uses an area-based approach that combines livelihoods, skills development, access to finance and WASH support. Interventions are adapted to local climatic, environmental, socio-economic and cultural conditions, including water scarcity, flooding and high fluoride levels.
Canal rehabilitation through Cash for Work: In Afambo, rehabilitation of a flood-damaged canal impro
© European Union

In line with the EU-IM3 Programme Strategy and Results Framework, the project contributes to two main outcomes:

• Outcome 1: Improved living conditions of IDPs and host communities through better access to livelihoods, financial support and economic opportunities.

• Outcome 2: Improved access to gender- and disability-sensitive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services.

Following a joint assessment with the Afar Regional Government, AICS selected Afambo, Chifra and Telalak for livelihoods, access-to-finance and WASH activities, while Adadale Polytechnic College in Asayita and Asale TVET College in Aba’ala were selected for targeted TVET interventions.

Support is tailored to local conditions and focuses on livelihoods and job creation, economic opportunities and financial tools suited to the cultural and religious context, and WASH services adapted to water scarcity, flooding and high fluoride levels.

LIVELIHOODS & TVET

• Assess labour markets and income-generating opportunities and identify viable self- and wage-employment pathways.

• Develop gender-responsive and inclusive TVET curricula and short courses; strengthen vocational guidance, life skills and counselling.

• Train TVET instructors and local trainers in technical, pedagogical, soft and green-technology skills.

• Facilitate apprenticeships, traineeships, job fairs and links between trainees, employers and local businesses.

• Strengthen the Bureau of Labour and Skills, woreda structures, employment stakeholders and multi-stakeholder coordination.

• Rehabilitate or construct TVET facilities, including WASH, water-harvesting and solar infrastructure, and provide equipment and learning resources.

• Develop self-financing business models and green solutions for TVET colleges and strengthen One Stop Service Centres.

AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK & RESILIENT LIVELIHOODS

• Provide training and technical support on sustainable agriculture, climate-smart practices, improved crop varieties, soil and water conservation, and sustainable land and water management.

• Rehabilitate or construct productive infrastructure, including irrigation canals, embankments and farmers’ training centres, and provide cash-for-work linked to rehabilitation and maintenance.

• Support improved animal husbandry, livestock health, adapted breeds and community-based animal health services.

• Support diversified income activities, including fodder production, apiculture, poultry and traditional handicrafts, with a focus on women and youth.

• Strengthen producer groups, cooperatives, business-to-business links and access to markets.

MARKETS & PRIVATE-SECTOR LINKAGES

• Assess market systems and private-sector opportunities and strengthen links between producers, businesses, employers and financial actors.

• Organise agricultural trade fairs and market days to expand market access and commercial opportunities.

ACCESS TO FINANCE

• Assess financial opportunities, barriers and the specific needs of target groups.

• Provide financial literacy, coaching, incubation and capacity building.

• Identify or develop culturally appropriate financial products and accessible disbursement mechanisms, including consideration of informal financial services.

• Develop an exit strategy to strengthen local ownership and sustainability.

WASH

• Rehabilitate, maintain and upgrade gender-sensitive and environmentally sustainable water-supply systems.

• Rehabilitate or construct sanitation and waste-disposal facilities in communities, health facilities and educational institutions.

• Monitor water-source quality and productivity and establish gender- and disability-sensitive WASH committees.

• Train local workers, plumbers and entrepreneurs on WASH-related income opportunities and identify actors with potential to access additional financing.

• Carry out hygiene-promotion activities and distribute WASH and basic menstrual-hygiene kits.

Result

• More inclusive skills training and diversified employment opportunities, particularly for youth, persons with disabilities, women and people in vulnerable situations.

• Inclusive training through target TVET institutions and demand-driven outreach courses in target woredas and kebeles.

• More employment and self-employment opportunities, including jobs linked to infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation.

• Stronger agricultural and livestock resilience through sustainable practices and better market access.

• Improved availability of financial services and funding sources for IDPs and host communities, with particular attention to female IDPs.

• Stronger financial inclusion through innovative financing approaches for vulnerable communities.

• Improved availability, management and maintenance of WASH services.

• Improved hygiene and sanitation practices.