History

The Joint Programme was started in 1997 in an effort to approach some of the problems in North Wollo in an integrated way. North Wollo has been severely affected by droughts and famines during the last 30 years and was among the worst hit areas during the big famine in 1984/85. Wollo has received relief food on a regular basis since 1974 and since 1984 almost every year relief food distribution is neccesary.

A joint mission representing Danish Red Cross, Danchurchaid, Save the Children/Denmark and DANIDA visited Ethiopia in September 1996. In agreement with Ethiopian Red Cross Society(ERCS) Lutheran World Federation, Ethiopia/Ethiopian Church Mekane Yesus, the organisations decided to focus a joint Danish development oriented relief/rehabilitation programme in North Wollo.

Two woredas (an administrative unit of the local government) were selected by the Zonal Authorities as programme areas, named Habru and Kobo with approximately 360.000 people of which more than 40% was estimated below 14 years old.

Owing to climatic, social and historic factors many Ethiopian people have settled on the highlands and the population growth has been very high. The areas are environmentally vulnerable, soil degradation a serious problem, forests have almost disappeared and the land available for each household is reduced.

The educational standard was very low in Wollo and the level of illiteracy very high.

The health situation and the coverage through the health system was very bad.

The Programme is now in the 3rd Phase running to mid-2004.