A sustainable housing solution for climate-displaced communities in Ethiopia

Ethiopia experiences frequent droughts and extreme weather events that disrupt livelihoods, reduce livestock populations and lead to internal displacement (IOM, 2023). In the Somali-Ethiopian zone, many climate-displaced individuals live in challenging conditions including at the Kersemele Kebele IDP camp. This camp is home to around 1,200 people, primarily semi-nomadic pastoralists, who have lost their livestock due to the drying of wells, linked to climate change.

The shelters in Kersemele are made of branches and tarpaulins providing limited protection from environmental conditions and contributing to mental and physical health concerns. Women in particular face heightened vulnerability due to high temperatures, plastic pollution from discarded materials and limited access to adequate sanitation, which can further affect their well-being and autonomy.

Inadequate housing can also have broader consequences on the social, cognitive, physical and emotional development of both children and adults. Addressing these issues through sustainable and adaptable interventions could help reduce risks and improve living conditions in emergency settings (Alordury, 2017).

Action for the Needy Ethiopia in collaboration with a multidisciplinary research team presents a new approach to emergency housing through a project at the Kersemele Kebele site in Ethiopia. This initiative aims to address the needs of climate-displaced populations by designing adaptable and sustainable housing solutions that integrate local resources and community involvement.

The project is structured around four key pillars:

1. Prefabrication and self-construction: Housing units are prefabricated using locally available materials and assembled on-site by community members fostering participation and capacity building.

2. Scalability for reconstruction: The modular design supports longer-term development by transitioning camps from temporary shelters to more stable village-like settlements.

3. Natural ventilation: A site-specific ventilation system ensures thermal comfort and efficient air circulation.

4. Privacy and Security: The design prioritizes resident safety and privacy while facilitating social interaction through communal spaces.

A total of 22 emergency shelters and one permanent bamboo shelter were built to meet both emergency shelter needs and the current demand for autonomy among displaced persons.

The project pioneered an innovative construction approach that treated bamboo as primary materials. This model enhances durability, structural stability, and environmental sustainability while remaining cost-effective – about 300€ per shelter, compared to 700 for existing alternative solutions - and adaptable to local climatic and cultural contexts. The implementation of the project has made it possible to mobilize and reinforce complementary local expertise: architecture, community expertise, and logistics.

Finally, the initiative generated valuable data and insights for the team project on construction feasibility, cost, material performance, and community acceptance.