Ethiopia

Rich in natural beauty, ancient history and cultural diversity, Ethiopia is also one of the world's poorest countries. Landlocked in the Horn of Africa, the country is home to a dense population of 76 million people. Most Ethiopians are farmers or herders struggling to feed their families due to the country's recurring droughts and famines. CRS works side by side with Ethiopians in need, helping them to escape poverty by increasing their food supplies and improving their ability to withstand disasters.

CRS has been working in Ethiopia since 1958. One of CRS' largest country programs, with 123 employees, CRS Ethiopia implements program activities in nine of Ethiopia's 10 regions, directly benefiting more than 589,000 Ethiopians without regard to religion or ethnicity.

By working closely with local partners, including the Ethiopian Catholic Church, CRS leverages a powerful network across the country that supports service delivery in both urban and rural areas. Key program areas include water and sanitation; emergency preparedness and recovery; agriculture and livelihoods, including microfinance; and HIV and AIDS.