Irish Aid - Making A Difference In Ethiopia

As a result of rainfall failure, poor crop production and high food prices, last year 13.8 million Ethiopians (over 18% of the population) suffered from food shortages.

Minister Power's visit focuses on Ireland's assistance, particularly for the Tigray region where Ireland supports a wide range of projects to increase food production and promote rural livelihoods.

Speaking from Tigray, Minister Power said: "The scale of the challenge here, with hunger a real threat for millions of Ethiopians, puts our own situation into perspective.

"However, I take great hope from the enormous progress as a result of Ireland's support for improved farming techniques and irrigation.

"An innovative 'safety nets' scheme, supported by Irish Aid, is providing food and income to seven million Ethiopians annually in return for work on regional development projects.

"The security provided by this 'net', a real innovation in Africa, ensures millions avoid hunger and malnutrition. Our work in Ethiopia is an excellent example of the support for small farmers and rural communities recommended by the Hunger Task Force. This is the Hunger Task Force in action."

The Hunger Task Force in its recent report recommended the Government make the eradication of hunger a cornerstone of the Irish Aid programme and a key component of its foreign policy.

In particular, it recommended Irish Aid support smallholders and women farmers to produce more food and improve rural infrastructure; strengthen agricultural research; and target infant and maternal malnutrition.