The current drought in Ethiopia is believed to be the most severe in 30 years, with an estimated 10 million-plus people in need of emergency food aid. Persistent water shortages have resulted in poor harvests, loss of livestock, and food insecurity.
Working with Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia (HFHE), the JTI Foundation will help meet the need for clean water in the country’s Silitie district. In partnership with the community and local authorities, the project aims to improve access to water and to raise personal hygiene and environmental sanitation services for families affected by the drought.
7,500 ‘water-transportation backpacks’, each with a capacity of 20 liters, will be distributed to vulnerable and isolated households, along with 225,000 water purification treatments. This will make it easier and safer for people to collect drinking water from wells and carry it home.
The backpacks will be complemented with an awareness campaign covering water storage and treatment, led by the local ‘Kebeles’ – rural administrative units. The program will deliver 18 emergency sanitation and hygiene promotion sessions, and distribute information and educational materials with environmental sanitation messages.
HFHE estimate that this improved access to clean water will directly benefit 37,500 people in Silitie district.
Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia has helped more than 15,000 households since its inception in 1993. HFHE is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), which envisions a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Founded in 1976, HFHI has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than one million homes in over 40 countries worldwide. Over this time it has become a leading non-profit specializing in rebuilding communities, homes and lives after humanitarian crises. In particular, HFHI helps communities build resilience to cope with the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters.
OVER 20 YEARS OF INVESTMENT IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES
Countries where we have supported our partners’ work in response to a growing range of threats to life and livelihood
Million USD invested since 2001 to help communities better prepare for – and recover from – natural and man-made disasters
Projects addressing a broad range of challenges, including mine-clearance, emergency shelter, resilient housing solutions and capacity building
