Transforming WASH and Climate-Resilient Agriculture for a Sustainable Future in the Gamo Highlands, Ethiopia

The Gamo Highlands in Ethiopia face growing challenges related to water scarcity, inadequate sanitation, land degradation, and food insecurity. Rapid population growth, climate variability, and pressure on natural resources affect access to clean water, agricultural productivity, and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. These challenges are closely connected: water availability influences sanitation, health, crop production, and household resilience.

This project brings together climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene approaches with climate-resilient agricultural practices. It aims to improve access to safe water and sanitation while supporting more sustainable farming systems adapted to changing climatic conditions. The project combines research, education, outreach, and capacity development to strengthen local knowledge, institutional capacity, and community action.

A central component of the initiative is collaboration with local communities, farmers, water and agricultural authorities, researchers, and civil society organisations. Through participatory training, field demonstrations, community engagement, and applied research, the project seeks to support behavioural change, improve water-use efficiency, promote hygiene and sanitation, and strengthen food security in vulnerable communities.

The project is implemented through a partnership between Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Arba Minch University, and Join For Water, together with local stakeholders in the Gamo Highlands. Through this collaboration, the initiative aims to create stronger links between scientific research, education, community needs, and practical solutions for sustainable water management, sanitation, and climate-resilient agriculture.