Ethiopia has long been associated with extreme climate events. From devastating droughts and famines – particularly in 1984 and 2003 – to the severe flooding in 2006, it has emerged not only as one of the countries most affected by a changing climate, but also as one of the African nations most committed to dealing with climate change. Strong political leadership and an understanding of the importance of climate finance have driven Ethiopia’s commitment to the goals of sustainable development.

People at all levels of Ethiopian society have noticed changes in the climate, with 70–80% of the agrarian population already affected. There is an awareness that the traditional weather patterns have changed and that there is a need to do things differently and adapt to the new conditions. While local media outlets have updated, warned and advised Ethiopians on the changes in the climate, there is also recognition that the Government is trying to address the issue, with government and donor support working on the ground to assist people to adapt to climate change.

Coupled with this action on the ground, the Government of Ethiopia has put efforts into improving its finance architecture, an area of work that CDKN has supported.

This edition of Climate and Development Outlook: Stories of change from CDKN – Ethiopia Special Edition takes a tour of CDKN’s programme throughout this diverse country. It features articles on:

• Enhancing Ethiopia's capacity to attract and channel climate finance, and strengthening the ability of government ministries to design, manage and coordinate climate change programmes.
• Supporting the Government in delivering its Nationally Determined Contribution (following Ethiopia’s 2015 submission of its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, the first by a Least Developed Country).
• Strengthening the skills of Ethiopian climate change negotiators to navigate international processes and positively influence outcomes of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• Supporting government ministries to manage and disseminate information about the Climate Resilient Green Economy strategy, and increasing the prominence of the strategy's ambitions and achievements both nationally and internationally.

Picture: UNAMID