Ethiopia: El Niño-Linked Rainfall Deficits Threaten Ethiopia's Main Harvest Season, Accounting for Over 85 Percent of National Crop Production

What the report says

Ethiopia is heading into its main Meher harvest season under heavy pressure from rainfall deficits linked to El Niño, according to Addis Standard reporting distributed by AllAfrica. Citing the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), the article says rains during the June-to-September kiremt and karan/karma seasons were among the poorest on record, with drought conditions spreading across much of the country and rainfall running more than 50% below average in many areas.

The poor rains delayed planting and hurt crop development in northern, central and eastern Ethiopia. FEWS NET said the Meher harvest, which produces more than 85% of national crop output, is expected to come in below average, a development that could reduce household food stocks and income from farm labor. The report highlighted severe conditions in places such as eastern Tigray and areas along the Tekeze River, where some farmers reportedly replanted after failed crop establishment. It also noted wilted maize and stunted sorghum in some lowland areas of East and West Hararghe.

Beyond farming areas, the update described weak pasture and water conditions in Afar and in southern and southeastern pastoral zones, with lower milk production and livestock income. FEWS NET expects Crisis-level food insecurity to continue in many affected areas through January 2027, while some households may face Emergency conditions. The article also said Ethiopia is entering the 2026-2027 El Niño period amid broader humanitarian strain from conflict, displacement, drought and repeated disruptions to agriculture.