Without water, we won’t survive

Ethiopia is experiencing its worst drought in 50 years. The El Niño weather system, exacerbated by climate change, comes off the back of 12-18 months of erratic or failed rains. It has dried up many water sources, and left families that were already poor and vulnerable with nothing. Hundreds of thousands of livestock have died. Malnutrition is at alarming levels.

Habodo, an Ethiopian farmer, used to have 200 goats and 10 camels – they were her means of income. Now most of Habodo’s animals have died due to a lack of water and pasture.

“The water is retreating deeper and deeper [when wells are dug]. We live by water, our cattle live by water. Without water we are no more. If we can sustain our lives, it is because Oxfam gave us water. My greatest fear is if the trucks stop bringing water. What will happen to us?”

The people’s greatest need is for water. They are sharing the small amounts they have with others in desperate need, and with their animals too.

Your gift to Oxfam could ensure people have clean, safe water to drink, help build toilets and handwashing facilities to help prevent the spread of deadly disease, and help provide food for families like Habodo’s.

No one should have to go through the suffering that Habodo has had to endure. Please make the most generous gift you can today. You’ll help Oxfam continue our work with the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, in Ethiopia and other areas with the greatest need.

Written by Ann Witteveen, Humanitarian Manager, Oxfam Canada