Synthesizing the impact of armed conflicts on food security, livelihoods and social dynamics in Amhara region, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background: Armed conflicts cause food insecurity and famine by triggering the disruption and destruction of food systems. The conflict that erupted in northern Ethiopia lasted from 2020 to 2022 and affected millions of people. This resulted in severe damage to the food security, livelihoods and social dynamics of communities in the Amhara region.

Objective: This study synthesized the impact of the conflict in northern Ethiopia on food security, livelihoods and social dynamics livelihoods in there zones, South Wello, North Wello and North Shewa zones of the Amhara Region. The conflict management response and the scope of humanitarian assistance are also analyzed.

Methods: The study used a qualitative case study design. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and observation. Data were collected from local authorities, representatives of displaced people, government and non-government officials who responded to the crisis and from the community members who were directly affected by the conflict. The primary data were supplemented by a review of reports from credible secondary sources. The research used thematic and narrative analysis techniques to synthesize the impact of armed conflicts on food security, livelihoods, and social dynamics in Amhara region, Ethiopia.

Results: Over 5.5 million people found to be affected by acute food insecurity and over half a million people were internally displaced due to the Northern conflict. The monetary value of the damage caused by the armed conflict is estimated at $500 million, due to the damage to basic services and the loss of 14 million quintals of agricultural production. The conflict has disrupted food systems by damaging agricultural infrastructure, causing market distortions and causing food shortages. Livelihoods were threatened by the loss of jobs and the destruction of private and municipal property. The destruction of the basic infrastructure such as health, water and sanitation, agriculture and market institutions inevitably have lasting negative impacts on the overall productivity of the community. Communities' religious and traditional values, informal social networks ​​are affected by the impact of armed conflict, complicating communities' reconstruction efforts.

Conclusion and recommendation: The northern armed conflict has significant negative impacts on the food security, livelihoods and social dynamics of people in the Amhara region. Recognizing the multiple impacts of conflict livelihoods in the region is a critical step in developing effective responses. Government, non-governmental organizations, and community-based institutions should play a crucial role in building community resilience and support post-conflict reconstruction efforts. Future studies can capitalize on this qualitative finding and could design a large scale assessment using quantified data to further provide evidence on post-conflict reconstruction efforts.