In collaboration with WaterAid, Project Waterfall have been working in the Jabi Tehnan Woreda (region) in three Kebeles (villages), to provide this coffee-growing community with water, sanitation and hygiene services. After beginning in 2018 and facing challenges due to the COVID pandemic, the project was completed in March 2022. All of the funds from UK Coffee Week 2021 have been used to help fund this amazing project, so we want to say a huge thank you to all of our existing partners!
Ethiopia is considered the biological and cultural home of coffee. Coffee farming alone provides a livelihood for around 15 million Ethiopians: that’s 16% of the population. Yet only 39% of Ethiopia has access to basic safe water – just 7% has access to basic sanitation.
Thanks to donations raised through UK Coffee Week 2021, Project Waterfall has been able to provide:
- Improved access to safe water supply for 10,571 people
- Increased access to improved and basic sanitation for 10,416 people
- Increased knowledge, skills and awareness on hygiene for 10,571 people
Before this project, tap water close to home was not a reality. Kekeb, a 40-year-old coffee farmer with six children, told us how she had to walk 20 minutes to collect dirty water from a spring:
“Since water is not clean, my children get sick. The youngest one, Hulugeta, especially has stomach aches most of the time. We know it is because of the water, but we can’t do anything about it.”
Now, students and staff at the local high school and primary school have access to proper toilets, a shower and handwashing facilities. Local Health workers and promotors have a better understanding of hygiene and sanitation after taking part in informative workshops. Women in the area like Kekeb, will no longer have to spend time walking to collect unsafe water.
45-year-old mother of five Bizuayehu Anteneh, told us about the amazing impact having accessible clean water has had on her and her family:
“I am living a happy life! With the water that is installed near our house, I can now use my time effectively, look after my family’s hygiene and be energetic. This is what I was looking for and I am more than happy because I witness this.”
With training provided to the local government and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) associations founded, the newly built facilities will remain climate resistant and be properly maintained. Involving community members in the construction process has ensured that this community’s future generations will continue to have access to clean water.
