Drought destroys 252,500 hectares of crops in Tigray
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on RFI
More than 252,500 hectares of crops are reported to have been burned or destroyed by drought in Tigray in 2026, according to Ethiopian regional authorities. Rainfall from June to August was less than 60% of the seasonal average in the east of the region, RFI reports.
More than 252,500 hectares of crops are reported to have been burned or destroyed by drought in Tigray in 2026, according to regional authorities quoted by RFI. In the east of this region in northern Ethiopia, rainfall recorded between June and August was less than 60% of the seasonal average.
The drought is also affecting livestock. Mehari Kendeya, a farmer in Tigray, told RFI that his cattle, previously sold for up to 120,000 birr (652 euros), are now worth only around 20,000 birr (110 euros) because of the lack of fodder and food. Gebrehiwot Gebru, a member of the NGO Rest, said large areas of eastern and southern Tigray are affected and called for assistance for residents.
The agricultural crisis comes as fighting resumed in Tigray in late September, following the outbreak of a new conflict on 23 September. It follows the fighting in Tigray announced on 30 September, followed by the teff harvest in Tigray, supported by the Ethiopian army on 27 October.
