Gode in Somali region has been selected by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for a solar-powered irrigation scheme to sustain year-round food production and empower drought-prone communities to weather climate shocks
Defined as 'Climate proofing food security in Ethiopia’s drought prone lowland areas' or IFTIIN, the project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank.
IFTIIN, which signifies 'light' or 'hope' in the Somali language, has been designed to support 17,000 pastoral and agro-pastoral families spanning several woredas in the Somali region. Women, youth and farmers will be espcially supported by the project in line with national priorities. Beneficiaries will get increased water access and support for crop and livestock production. Multiple income streams will open up for families and local institutions will be empowered to support communities in managing climate shocks.
“WFP’s vision in Ethiopia is to support the Government’s shift toward resilient, self-reliant food systems,” said Zlatan Milisic, WFP representative and country director in Ethiopia. “By working closely with government institutions, we are strengthening national systems and embedding resilience approaches that are community-led and locally owned. Through IFTIIN, we are investing in irrigation, markets and livelihoods so communities can absorb climate shocks and reduce long-term reliance on humanitarian assistance. Today’s inauguration is that strategic vision in action.”
Solar-powered irrigation to support Somalian communities
Women, youth and farmers will be espcially supported by the project.
