1983–85 famine in Ethiopia

Ethiopia famine 1984.jpg Affected regions in Ethiopia during the famine

The 1983–1985 famine in Ethiopia was a devastating humanitarian crisis that resulted in widespread starvation and death. It is often remembered for the global response it elicited, including the famous Live Aid concert organized to raise funds for relief efforts.

Background

The famine was primarily caused by a combination of severe drought and political factors. Ethiopia, during this period, was under the rule of the Derg, a Marxist-Leninist military junta that had overthrown the monarchy in 1974. The government's policies, including forced resettlement and collectivization, exacerbated the effects of the drought.

Drought

The drought that struck Ethiopia in the early 1980s was one of the worst in the country's history. It affected the northern regions of Tigray and Wollo most severely, areas that were already vulnerable due to their arid climate and poor infrastructure.

Political Instability

The Ethiopian Civil War was ongoing during this period, further complicating relief efforts. The conflict between the Derg and various rebel groups, including the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), disrupted agricultural production and distribution of aid.

Impact

The famine led to the deaths of an estimated 400,000 to 1,000,000 people. The international community responded with significant humanitarian aid, but logistical challenges and government restrictions hindered the distribution of food and medical supplies.

International Response

The famine gained global attention through media coverage, particularly the BBC's Michael Buerk, whose reports brought the crisis into the living rooms of millions worldwide. This led to a surge in international aid and the organization of the Live Aid concert in 1985, which raised over $125 million for famine relief.

Criticism and Controversy

The Ethiopian government's handling of the famine has been widely criticized. The Derg's policies, including the forced resettlement of people from the north to the south, were seen as exacerbating the crisis. Additionally, there were allegations that aid was diverted to support military efforts against rebel groups.

Legacy

The 1983–1985 famine in Ethiopia had a lasting impact on the country and the world. It highlighted the need for better early warning systems and more effective international responses to humanitarian crises. It also led to increased scrutiny of the role of government policies in exacerbating natural disasters.

Also see

• Ethiopian Civil War
• Live Aid
• Derg
• Tigray People's Liberation Front
• History of Ethiopia