Ethiopia: Tens of thousands of people receive seeds and fertilizers in conflict-affected regions

From 19 May to 21 June 2025, the ICRC, in cooperation with volunteers from the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), carried out large-scale distribution of seeds and fertilizers to strengthen food security among vulnerable families across the Tigray, Amhara and Oromia regions. Some 10,500 families received more than 450 metric tons of climate adapted seeds and 1,550 metric tons of fertilizers. 

“In these remote and hard-hit areas, farmers lack access to quality seeds and fertilizers. Supply chains are disrupted and the situation has worsened due to recurrent droughts. It is particularly critical in Ayna Bugna and Lasta municipalities of North Wollo in Amhara, as well as in various areas of Tigray,” said Simone Casabianca-Aeschlimann, the ICRC’s Head of Delegation for Ethiopia.

Fantaye Negash, who heads a family of nine in Eirba, a village in Chercher Woreda of Southern Tigray, was among those who received support from the ICRC after losing his home and farming tools when he was forced to flee because of the conflict. “Rebuilding our lives is not easy,” he said. “We had to start from scratch. With no access to seeds or fertilizers, and prices out of reach, cultivating was very hard. Now I hope for a good rainy season and to harvest enough to feed my family.” 

The ICRC tailored the assistance to each region’s agroclimatic conditions and crop-specific fertilizer needs. In vulnerable communities of Tigray’s Northwestern and Southern zones, families such as Fantaye’s each received 100 kg of fertilizers, 10 kg of sorghum or teff, and 12 kg of haricot bean seed, while the assistance was slightly different to adapt to the realities of communities in Amhara and Oromia.

Overall, this humanitarian assistance should allow these communities to cultivate about 6,500 hectares of land, for an anticipated production of 17,000 metric tons of maize, haricots, beans, wheat, sorghum and teff, a small grain that is a staple crop in Ethiopia. 

Birhane Misganaw, a 30-year-old woman lives with her seven family members in Ayna Bugna, a remote part of Amhara’s North Wollo zone that has been isolated for a long time.  “We used to be able to buy seeds and fertilizers to farm our land. But in the past three years, because of the conflicts and other problems, we couldn’t get any. We don’t have enough food and poverty is coming to us”, she said. 

In Tigray, explosive remnants of war are still scattered in agricultural land, making it dangerous to farm. This situation is further jeopardizing rural families’ food security. In response, in four areas of the Northwestern zone, the ICRC and ERCS conducted a series of risk awareness sessions to coincide with the distribution of seeds and fertilizers. 855 farmers were reached, thereby helping them to cultivate safely.  

“Our teams have a good access to remote conflict-affected communities such as those who benefited from these vital distributions,” Ms Casabianca-Aeschlimann said. “Continued dialogue is necessary with all arms carriers concerned. Their understanding of our strictly neutral and impartial approach is key to ensuring safe access to those who are most vulnerable.”