From basic needs to the recovery of livelihoods: Local integration of people displaced by drought in Ethiopia

This report explores the current situation of internally displaced people (IDPs) three years after the last drought in 2017, looking at the same locations as the research carried out in 2019. It examines local integration efforts carried out through livelihood projects and how these can serve as durable solutions to displacement.

Findings are based on qualitative data collected in December 2020 among IDPs and host communities from Warder and Kebridehar woredas, local and regional authorities, UN agencies and NGOs. Key messages are:

1. People internally displaced by drought face three urgent needs: food, water and shelter.
2. The local integration of IDPs is the preferred and most easily achieved durable solution.
3. To achieve local integration, IDPs’ primary needs have to be met, their livelihoods have to be restored and alternative economic opportunities have to be generated.
4. Microfinance in support of livestock marketing through cooperatives shows promise.
5. Small-scale farming and day labour in small towns represent alternative economic opportunities.