Ethiopia’s Famine Crisis: Historical Echoes and the Current Catastrophe in Amhara
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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia’s Amhara region has reached alarming levels, with millions facing acute food insecurity categorized as IPC Phases 3 (Crisis) and 4 (Emergency). This dire situation mirrors historical patterns of famine in Ethiopia, particularly in the northern highlands, where climatic shocks and conflict have frequently intersected to devastating effect.
Historical Context: Lessons from Ethiopia’s Long Battle with Famine
Ethiopia’s experience with famine has been shaped by a deadly mix of environmental shocks, political inertia, and systemic inequities. Recurring episodes, such as the famines of 1972-75 and 1984-85, underscore the country’s vulnerability to both natural and man-made disasters.
The 1972-75 Famine: North at the Epicenter
The famine of the early 1970s began with crop failures in Tigray and Wollo due to the erratic behavior of the belg and meher rains. By 1972, food shortages gripped the lowlands, particularly in Wollo,Tigray and parts of Shewa, triggering mass migration and roadside destitution. Government denial compounded the suffering, with authorities branding reports of distress as “fabrications.” Only after international media, led by journalists like Jonathan Dimbleby, exposed the severity of the crisis did aid efforts gain momentum. By then, the famine had begun spreading southward to Harerghe, leaving a trail of devastation.
The 1984-85 Famine: A National Catastrophe
Often compared to the “Great Famine” of the late 19th century, the famine of the 1980s was exacerbated by drought and civil war. Regions like Wollo, Gonder, and Gojjam were hit hardest. Relief efforts were delayed by government preoccupation with political celebrations and a lack of international urgency. Mortality estimates ranged from hundreds of thousands to over a million, with the famine’s scale only fully recognized after international media attention turned it into a global cause.
These episodes highlight Ethiopia’s historical struggle with delayed responses, inadequate planning, war and the politicization of aid—themes that echo in the current crisis.
The Current Crisis in Amhara: A Disturbing Parallel
Amhara once again finds itself at the center of a devastating famine. Conflict between federal forces and Fano militias, compounded by climatic shocks and economic instability, has left millions in precarious conditions. In Bugna Woreda alone, over 7,000 children and 3,000 pregnant mothers are malnourished, with health systems nearing collapse.
IPC Classifications in Amhara Region
- Phase 4 (Emergency): Widespread malnutrition is evident, and immediate action is needed to prevent further loss of life.
- Phase 3 (Crisis): Households face food consumption gaps, forced to sell assets or reduce intake to survive.
While the meher harvest has provided temporary relief, ongoing conflict and restricted humanitarian access continue to deepen the crisis.
Key Drivers of the Current Crisis
1. War and Displacement
As in previous famines, war in Amhara has disrupted agricultural activities and displaced thousands. The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) has concentrated efforts in South Wollo, East Gojjam, and South Gondar, exacerbating food insecurity. Farmers face difficulties accessing fields, while markets remain inaccessible due to roadblocks and insecurity.
2. Climatic Shocks
Erratic rainfall patterns, similar to the droughts of the 1970s and 1980s, have devastated agricultural outputs. Rainfall deficits of up to 70% have reduced water and pasture availability, particularly along Ethiopia’s southern and southeastern borders.
3. Blockage of Agricultural Inputs and Economic Instability
The Ethiopian government has faced widespread criticism for its alleged role in exacerbating Amhara’s food insecurity by blocking the distribution of essential agricultural inputs. Recent months have witnessed widespread protests across the region, as farmers demand timely access to fertilizers critical for planting. As the main agricultural season approaches, fears of missing critical planting timelines grow, further threatening subsistence farming—a primary livelihood for many in the region. Reports from local farmers and field workers suggest that the government’s deliberate restriction of fertilizer distribution in rural areas is being used as a punitive measure against the Amhara population, intensifying what many see as a man-made famine.
These policies, combined with the already dire economic conditions, have left farmers unable to cultivate crops, deepening their vulnerability. High inflation and a depreciating Ethiopian birr have further driven up the cost of staple foods, making them inaccessible for many. Government price controls and subsidies have done little to alleviate these burdens, as systemic inefficiencies and political considerations undermine their effectiveness.
High inflation and a depreciating Ethiopian birr have driven up the cost of staple foods, making them inaccessible for many. Government price controls and subsidies have had limited success in alleviating household burdens.
4. Insufficient Humanitarian Assistance
Aid distribution remains critically low. While humanitarian efforts reached two million people in October, this represents a 40% decline from earlier months. Accusations of politicized aid distribution further undermine trust between affected populations and authorities.
Comparing Past and Present Crises
| Historical Famines | Current Famine in Amhara |
|---|---|
| Drought as a primary driver | Drought, erratic rainfall and blockage of Agricultural inputs |
| Political reluctance to act | Delayed, Political reluctance to act and politicized aid |
| Conflict exacerbating hunger | Ongoing war with Amhara FANO fighters |
| Inadequate infrastructure | Blocked roads, disrupted markets |
| Delayed international response | Insufficient and delayed international humanitarian support |
The crisis in Amhara has reached a tipping point. Experts emphasize that coordinated action is imperative to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. One independent food security analyst underscores the need for immediate humanitarian assistance, stating that this is not just about delivering food but about saving lives in a region that has been systematically neglected.”
Humanitarian agencies must prioritize scaling up operations in IPC Phase 4 regions, such as Bugna Woreda, to address acute malnutrition and prevent further loss of life. Political barriers to aid distribution must be dismantled, with international actors holding the Ethiopian government accountable for equitable resource allocation.
A historian of Ethiopian famines draws parallels to the country’s past crises, noting that from Wollo in the 1970s to today’s Bugna, the patterns are disturbingly similar—a lethal mix of climate shocks, political mismanagement, and delayed responses. The historian adds that systemic reforms in governance, coupled with sustainable agricultural practices, are critical for breaking this cycle.
Conflict resolution is equally crucial. One conflict resolution expert emphasizes that without peace in Amhara, no amount of aid will resolve the structural issues underpinning this crisis.
The international community must also address economic instability in Ethiopia. As inflation erodes purchasing power and the Ethiopian birr continues to depreciate, measures to stabilize the economy are urgently needed. Experts suggest prioritizing investments in market infrastructure, irrigation, and drought-resistant crops to build resilience against future famines.
Amhara’s current crisis is a stark reminder of Ethiopia’s historical vulnerabilities to famine. The echoes of Wollo’s suffering in the 1970s resonate loudly today. Without immediate and coordinated action, Amhara risks becoming another devastating chapter in Ethiopia’s history of hunger. As Professor Dawit aptly puts it, “This is a man-made famine, and man—not just nature—must take responsibility for ending it.”
