Ethiopia
LWF Response in Tigray, Small Ruminant Beneficiary, Mechare, Raya Azebo, South Tigray.
In 2024, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Ethiopia program continued its commitment to responding to urgent humanitarian needs while supporting long-term development goals across five regions: Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Somali, and Gambella. Guided by three core programmatic areas: protection and social cohesion, quality service and livelihoods, the program reached 447,154 people (227,092 female, 220,062 male), with a focus on vulnerable communities, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and people with disabilities. In response to the northern Ethiopia conflict and ongoing drought, LWF prioritized life-saving humanitarian interventions, resilience building, and environmental sustainability.
Through 29 projects, LWF Ethiopia strengthened community capacities through training, small-scale irrigation, organic agriculture, vocational education, and women's savings groups. Partnerships with government, academic institutions, and international NGOs played a key role in implementing impactful and integrated solutions.
“I am profoundly thankful for their donation. It has renewed my hope for a better future.”
Local voices, local actions
Aloe Vera Soap Initiative in East Bale
In Ginir woreda, Oromia region, ten women came together to form a soap-making group under the LWF-supported Nature+ project. Faced with limited income opportunities and environmental degradation, the group was trained to grow Aloe Vera, a drought-resistant plant that stabilizes soil and holds commercial potential. Using Aloe Vera gel, the women began producing handmade soap—adding fragrances and colors based on market demand. Not only did the project enhance local income, but it also contributed to soil conservation.
One member shared, “We are protecting our land while earning money. Our soap is now known in nearby villages.” This initiative highlights how local resources, when linked with training and value-chain development, can create sustainable livelihoods, empower women, and protect the environment.
Members of the Aloe Vera soap-making group in Ginir woreda preparing their products for market sale.
"The conservation agriculture techniques I learned helped improve my harvest and protect the soil. I am more hopeful now."
Support our humanitarian and development projects in Ethiopia
Help LWF World Service in our mission to empower people around the world. We will use your contribution where the needs are most urgent.
Jobs
LWF World Service is regularly looking for new staff to work in the field. A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. Our work is people-centred and community-based.
Contacts
Matendo Lokiru Yohana, Regional Program Coordinator (Geneva)
Email: [email protected]
Sophie Gebreyes, Country Representative in Ethiopia
Email: [email protected]
LWF national office in Ethiopia:
Tel: 011 1 55 03 08, 011 1 55 62 04, 011 1 55 62 22
P.o.Box: 40132
Enquiries: [email protected]
Partners
- Act Alliance
- Act Church of Sweden (ACoS)
- Alongside Hope
- Australian Aid
- Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS)
- Bread for the World (BfW)
- Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB)
- Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR)
- Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund (EMF)
- Ethiopia RRM
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
- European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid
- Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM)
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- German National Committee of the Lutheran World Federation
- Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
- Government of Iceland, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Icelandic Church Aid (ICA)
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)
- International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- Irish Aid
- Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Radio Help
- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)