The government of Ireland on Tuesday announced that it will provide an additional €2 million to drought affected people in Ethiopia. According to Irish Aid in Addis Ababa, the latest announcement was made by Seán Sherlock, the Irish Minister for Development, Trade Promotion and North South Co-operation. The funding brings Ireland’s total contribution to meeting the urgent needs of those affected by this devastating drought to €5.5 million this year, Irish Aid noted. In addition, Ireland is providing over €26 million through the bilateral aid program in Ethiopia to address poverty, vulnerability and hunger, it was indicated. Ireland is involved in many long-term development programs aimed at helping vulnerable rural communities to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. The programs include innovations in watershed management, crop rotation and the introduction of new technologies to boost crop yields. As a result of these projects, in addition to many other long-term programs to assist vulnerable farmers and rural families to cope with the short-term (but often drastic) consequences of sudden climate shocks, Ethiopia is recognized as a leader in preparing for climate change, Irish Aid elaborated. Irish Aid added that one key Ethiopian project that Ireland supports is the Productive Safety Nets Program which provides food and cash to millions of people each year to assist them during the lean months ahead of harvest. In 2016, some 8 million people are expected to benefit from this program, which is seen by many analysts as an excellent example of collaboration between of Irish Aid, the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, the World Bank and many other international partners.