Social Issue

Ethiopia is one of the most drought prone countries in the world, a problem exacerbated by climate change.

Having access to clean drinking water in rural communities represents a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Not only does this substantially reduce the incidence of diseases, it also reduces the burden of collecting water. With a well close to home, girls go to school instead of spending hours every day collecting water for their families.

Our Response

Our partner, Glimmer of Hope has a holistic approach to poverty reduction in rural Ethiopia. Since 2007, Netri has been supporting their initiatives to provide clean drinking water to communities they work with.

In 2021, Netri is contributing to their five-year project in the remote community of Debub Sodo in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia, including 17 wards and targeting 12,177 households.

Their holistic plan for the villages of Debub Sodo includes providing livelihood loans, ensuring access to education, supporting gender equity, ensuring access to clean water, and improving health facilities.

The local partner, the Guraghe Development and Cultural Association (GDCA) is responsible for the construction and management of this programme. Once the project is finished, the management and maintenance of the wells will be transferred to the village committees.

Netri’s donation will fund an estimated eleven shallow borehole wells and two Spring Protection Developments.

Expected Social Impact

Based on the needs assessment Glimmer completed, clean water is a high priority for the communities in Debub Sodo. This donation is expected to generate the following outcomes:

• Provision of clean drinking water to approximately 9 kebeles in the villages of Debub Sodo (water available within 1.5 km or about a 30-minute walk).
• Formation of community led committees, trained in water management and maintenance skills (WASHCOs) that will allow communities to sustainably maintain the wells after completion.
• Expected reduction in disease with the use of clean water, which also contributes to reduced costs for medical expenses and increased community self-esteem.
• Empowerment of girls by making their walk for water safer and less time consuming, allowing them to go to school.