The African Development Bank (AfDB), through the African Development Fund (ADF), has approved a U.S.$13.95 million grant for the first phase of a livelihood improvement project for pastoralist communities in Ethiopia.

The funds, which will be invested in the Borana Resilient Water Development for Livelihood Programme, are expected to enhance access to climate-resilient, gender-sensitive integrated and sustainable water and sanitation services.

The programme, according to the bank, will bolster access to water supplies in Elweya, Dubluk, and Yabelo districts and will be implanted in partnership with the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA).

‘The bank’s support is a coordinated response with the government of Ethiopia to mitigate water, sanitation and climate challenges, develop sustainable water structures, and improve socioeconomic outcomes in Borana’, AfDB’s Director of Water Development and Sanitation, Osward Chanda, said in a statement.

Ethiopia is experiencing one of the most severe droughts in the last 40 years following four consecutive failed rainy seasons since late 2020.

This has driven shortages in water and pasture availability, further leading to deteriorating livestock body conditions and livestock deaths.

Also, about 8.1 million people across the south and eastern parts of Ethiopia are said to have been impacted by the prolonged drought.

According to the bank, phase one of the Borana programme will be implemented in over four years and is expected to lead to improved health outcomes, nutrition and food security.

Photo source: AfDB