Help Rural Ethiopians Improve Access to Water

Three years after severe drought conditions affected close to 14 million Ethiopians, many rural communities are still struggling to recover. Poor agricultural habits and dangerously depleted natural resources have compounded the issues leading to chronic drought in many parts of the country. Pictured here, rural farmers plant seeds as part of CHF's sustainable development approach teaching villagers to farm in more efficient ways to alleviate the environmental conditions that cause drought.

Rural farmers, such as this woman, are learning new techniques and reviving old traditions to improve their community's access to clean water and reliable food sources. Thus far, 2,600 farmers have received materials and technical assistance for increased yield and improved irrigation.

14,959 beneficiaries have participated in seed fairs that include water resource development training and HIV awareness workshops.

Without ready access to clean water, women and children are forced to travel long distances in often dangerous conditions to collect water from far away reservoirs, such as this one. Constructing a community deep-well assures year-round access to up to 700 households to clean, potable water.