Project Waterfall, in partnership with WaterAid UK, began working in the Jabi Tehnan district of Ethiopia in 2018.
Jabi Tehnan is situated in the north-west of Ethiopia, in the heart of the Amhara region. 38% of the people in this district rely on coffee for their livelihood.
Ethiopia is known as the biological and cultural home of coffee, however it’s also one of the countries most affected by the water crisis. 75% of people don’t have access to clean drinking water, and 95% of the rural population don’t have access to decent sanitation.
This project has the ambitious goal to bring clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to over 10,000 people by 2022. Here’s what we’ve achieved so far…
Chekol Mebrate, 45, and his wife Zimam Fettene, 25, both coffee farmers, and their family in Woyinima village, Jabi Tehnan, West Gojjam, Ethiopia, December 2018. Photo taken by Genaye Eshetu / WaterAid
SEPTEMBER 2018 - MARCH 2019
2 water points were constructed from an existing water source. This improved access to safe water for 700 people.
Sanitation interventions took place in households and increased basic sanitation for more than 1,500 people.
Hygiene behavioural change promotional activities were run. These increased knowledge, skills, and awareness on hygiene behaviours for more than 1,500 people.
Training was given to the Woreda (district) WASH Team and mWater who are responsible for WASH decision making across local government offices. This is aimed at improving government systems and enhancing accountabilities.
APRIL 2019 - SEPTEMBER 2019:
A water supply system was constructed and is now benefitting 5,871 people. This construction involved building a collection chamber, generator house, concrete water reservoir and 6 water points in the Woyinma community.
Two ventilated improved pit latrines with handwashing facilities, one water point, and one water tank were constructed in Woyinma primary school, benefitting 1,424 people.
587 households have renovated their toilets through community sanitation promotion initiatives, which has benefited 2,025 people.
Two WASH clubs were established in local schools, encouraging the younger generation to learn and become representatives in their community for clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
Children in Woyinima village, Jabi Tehnan, West Gojjam, Ethiopia, December 2018. Photo taken by Genaye Eshetu / WaterAid
THIS IS JUST THE START…
By 2022, we will have reached over 10,000 people with clean water. If you’d like to get involved and support this project you can sign up to one of the initiatives below:
Take part in UK Coffee Week 2020
Fundraise year-round in your coffee shop or restaurant