Ethiopia's northern regions have been hit by a drought that is estimated to be more terrible than that of 1984, which led to the deaths of over one million people. The United Nations and Save the Children are appealing for funds to save lives and ensure that Ethiopia's current developmental momentum remains on track. But how could this happen again? Thirty years ago a global humanitarian appeal raised many millions, and foreign NGOs established a host of infrastructure projects designed to prevent such a disaster recurring. Donor fatigue? The harsh truth is that Ethiopia is competing for international funds against the likes of war-torn Syria and Yemen, and a migrant crisis. In addition, the cogs of the bureaucratic donor system are not renowned for turning quickly. 400,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition and ten million more need food aid.