In the rural community of Terhonge Kebele, Ethiopia, women and girls once faced long and perilous journeys to collect water. However, a transformation has occurred over the past four years. Supported by the Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) and backed by the World Bank, residents constructed a 10,500-cubic-meter community pond. This new water source supports irrigation across 96 hectares of land and facilitates a sustainable system for poultry and fish farming.
The impact is significant: girls now attend school instead of fetching water, while women can focus on farming and family life. "We’ve gained more than water," one woman expressed.
The success in Terhonge inspired neighboring communities. There are now 58 ponds in Nor Woreda, with three in Terhonge alone. Getu Kora, FSRP’s Program Coordinator, noted that farmers from another kebele raised ETB 180,000 (~$1,423) in one day to dig their own pond.
Terhonge serves as a learning center for nearby villages. The project aims to empower women and youth through job opportunities and leadership roles.
In Ferejat Kebele, farmer Fereja Hussien uses a diesel-powered pump to irrigate land near a river. His association's improved potato harvests yielded ETB 36,000 in profits, which they reinvested into savings and community development.
Elsewhere in Sidama Region’s Toga Kebele, Chanco residents benefit from a gravity-fed water distribution system that brings water directly to households. "It used to take half a day to carry water up the hill," said one resident. "Now, the tap is right at our doorsteps."
These initiatives contribute to building resilience against climate shocks and population growth challenges facing Ethiopia.
Written by Hayalsew Yilma, Senior Irrigation Specialist, World Bank