In West Hararghe Zone, situated in Oromia region, conflict and persistent drought induced by climate change has deteriorated the well-being for the zone, home to 2.8 million people. The poor recent rains from March to September worsened the food security of the drought affected community.  In addition, women and girls are forced to travel long distances to collect water, exposing them to sexual assault and harassment. Displacement followed by resource-based conflict across the border with Afar and Somali regions has been reported. 

Outcomes 

1. Livelihood assets of disaster-affected vulnerable households and communities are protected from further deterioration. 
2. Improved access to nutrition services aimed at preventing, identifying and treating severe and moderate acute malnutrition among children under 5 and Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLW). 
3. Improved access and enhanced essential gender-based violence (GBV) response services for drought and conflict affected communities in West Haraghe Zone 
4. Strengthened water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and practices leading to improved health and well-being of vulnerable communities.
   

Main Activities  

• The proposed activities are integrated multisectoral interventions in the areas of livelihoods, nutrition and health, WASH and GBV/Protection.  
• The livelihood intervention focuses on provision of multi- purpose cash assistance.  
• For sustainable recovery, CARE will also establish Village Saving Loan Associations in Emergencies (VSLAiE) groups for vulnerable women in order to increase their access and control over resources and use their collective power to overcome barriers.  
• Nutrition and health components focus on treatment of Moderate Acute Malnutrition and Severe Acute Malnutrition through provision of essential food supply as well as strengthening existing systems.  
• GBV/protection activities are mainstreamed within the sectors.  
• In addition, the intervention focuses on capacity building of frontline health care workers, community members, and government stakeholders on the prevention and response of GBV issues. CARE will also provide dignity kits and emergency cash assistance.  
• Lastly, WASH interventions focus on rehabilitation of water schemes in an environmentally friendly manner.