Famine has hit Ethiopia once again. In parts of the country heavy rains and flash floods have washed crops away, while elsewhere drought has caused crops to wither.

The problem has been exacerbated by the distribution of Ethiopia’s population: most of the country’s 80 million population lives in rural areas so land is now being overworked to the point that it can no longer sustain crops. However, families are prevented from re-locating to seek work in cities because of a government policy, thought to have been implemented out of a fear of rising unemployment and subsequent unrest in urban areas.

An associated issue is that, even where food is available, a family’s lack of purchasing power means they often cannot afford to buy enough food.
As we went to press, it was being estimated that 6.2 million people were facing severe hunger, with that figure expected to rise by millions more in subsequent months.

A contact in Ethiopia told USPG: ‘It is always the marginalised that are most at risk. Many are going to be starving. The UN put the number of people at risk at 44 per cent of the population. Staggering! Everyone is talking about it and many are trying to respond somehow. Please pray for Ethiopia.’

Meanwhile, in western Ethiopia, a government programme to relocate communities has resulted in tribal conflict as communities struggle to access limited food, clean water and shelter.

Lord, make us worthy partners:
Of the saints – in faith and witness;
Of each other – in the sharing of the Spirit’s gifts;
And of Jesus – in his mission to the strife-torn world.
John Kingsnorth

This week's prayers

Sunday 7

Third Sunday of Lent This week we pray for the people of Ethiopia as they face hunger and starvation caused by a combination of ecological and man-made factors. Pray for the efforts of the church and aid agencies to save lives.

Monday 8

Pray for displaced communities in western Ethiopia, on the Sudan border. Pray for an end to conflicts and that food, water and shelter can be found for everyone.

Tuesday 9

Give thanks for progress with building a new Anglican centre in the Gambella region. Give thanks for volunteer Sam Moody, from Greenwich, who is helping to manage the project.

Wednesday 10

Give thanks for the flourishing spiritual life that has inspired new Anglican missions in Matar, Pilwal and Nininyang and to Annuak villages, all spearheaded by young Annuak leaders.

Thursday 11

Give thanks for the new library in Addis Ababa. Pray that it will be successful in helping provide under-privileged urban children with an education.

Friday 12

Pray for Ethiopia’s Anglican clergy who rely overseas donations to pay them a salary so that they can devote time to their congregations, rather focusing on subsistence farming to support their families.

Saturday 13

Remember USPG Mission Companions Bishop Andrew and Janice Proud who work tirelessly to encourage their colleagues and support the work of the Anglican Church in Ethiopia.