Ethiopia: Drought Threatens Livelihoods of Irob Minority Community in Eastern Tigray

What the report says

A drought is increasingly threatening the livelihoods of the Irob community in eastern Tigray, according to Addis Standard’s report distributed by AllAfrica. Local authorities say the prolonged rainfall shortage is putting livestock and crop production at risk, with possible consequences including animal deaths, disease and starvation. The Irob are a minority community whose economy depends heavily on farming and livestock, making the dry spell especially serious.

The article says a delegation from the Tigray Bureau of Agriculture and Natural Resources visited Irob District to assess conditions and discuss the impact of the drought, which officials linked to El Niño-related weather patterns. Bureau head Alembrhan Harifeyo called for urgent, coordinated action, including stronger local response and cooperation with philanthropic groups. Officials said the bureau is providing medical supplies to help monitor animal health, while district authorities reported growing pressure on livestock from lack of water and fodder.

Agricultural and research officials recommended water-conservation measures, careful livestock management and expanded planting of cactus pear, known locally as beles, as an alternative feed source. The report also places Irob’s situation in a wider regional context, noting that drought and other climate shocks have affected parts of Tigray amid conflict, displacement and food insecurity.

The story adds that similar warnings have been raised in nearby districts, underscoring the broader strain on rural livelihoods across Tigray. It also reflects wider concerns in Ethiopia about possible El Niño-linked drought conditions, which humanitarian agencies have said could worsen food insecurity and agricultural losses.