his study examines a history of drought and famine in Semada wäräda from, 1974-1991. Studies were conducted on the history of drought and famine and the role of relief organizations in Ethiopia. However, there is no any study made on the history of drought and famine in Semada wäräda. Semada is one of the chronically food insecure and vulnerable wäräda in the Amhara National Regional States. The largest portion of the Wäräda experiences frequent crop failure and vulnerable to food shortage. Therefore, interests in this topic originated from the intention to examine the history of drought and famine, its impact on human and livestock, coping mechanisms, role of relief organizations and governmental bodies in mitigating the problem in Semada wäräda. To investigate the state of drought and famine in the history of wäräda, data was gathered from key informants, archival materials, and written documents. The archival sources in several government offices in Semada wäräda and North Gondar were consulted. Along with, collection of archival data information were collected from Knowledgeable persons in various qäbälé were systematically interviewed. All data which were collected from these sources were discussed under various themes. The research describes the cause, consequence and responses or adjustment of the local people and relief activities provided to mitigated drought and famine in the wäräda. Thus, drought and famine occurred in the district of Semada since the 1970s. From this without time intervals the problem were continuously stayed and affected the people. The famine year in 1984/85 was very severe and left unforgettable memory over the history of Semada wäräda compared with other years. Large numbers of people were died because of drought and related unknown transmition disease, agricultural activities in the district were interrupted due to loss of livestock, most victim societies was migrated in to other less affected areas and they lost their live along the road. The people to pass the bad time they eat taboo wild fruits and plants such as aluma, akerma, and Dägälѐ. Finally, the study showed the actions taken by government like resettlement and villagization programs were able to solve the