Anticipating Drought & Protecting Livelihoods in South Omo
In anticipation of another severe drought in Ethiopia’s South Omo Zone, VSF-Germany activated multisectoral pre-agreed actions focusing on agricultural and veterinary support, and water access and hygiene promotion. Through access of inputs and services, the agro-pastoralist communities were able to protect their livelihoods ahead of the escalation of the crisis.
© VSF Germany
Project Overview
-
Multi-Sector Anticipatory Interventions (MSAI) in Dassenech and Bena-Tsemay Districts
Official Title
-
Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund (EHF) and UN OCHA
Donor
-
USD 500,000.64
Budget
-
18-10-2024 – 30-06-2025
Duration
Background
Years of extreme weather events have left communities in South Omo Zone increasingly vulnerable to food insecurity, water scarcity, and diseases—including those affecting both humans and animals. With the 2024 October–December rainy season projected to fail due to La Niña conditions, and the earlier March–May season having brought equally damaging heavy rains, livelihoods in Dassenech and Bena-Tsemay remain at high risk of crop and livestock losses and nutritional crises. As feed shortages weaken livestock, animals become more susceptible to disease, reducing both the availability of animal-source foods and the income derived from them. This, in turn, compounds household food insecurity and increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. As access to safe water also diminishes, women and children continue to face disproportionate burdens. Guided by Ethiopia’s national early warning system and Humanitarian Response Plan, VSF-Germany’s anticipatory actions are delivering targeted agricultural WASH and protection activities support to help households preserve critical assets and recover faster.
© VSF Germany
Project Description and Results
This integrated agriculture, WASH, and cash-for-work intervention is designed to protect 111,225 individuals in Dassenech and Bena-Tsemay from the compounding impacts of drought. In the agriculture sector, 2,790 people have received drought-tolerant seeds, farming tools, and emergency animal feed. An additional 465 households are benefiting from tailored agronomic training to enhance food production under dry conditions. Over 3,000 vulnerable pastoralists, including women and children, received emergency animal feed to safeguard their herds during the drought. A total of 154 metric tons of animal fodder was distributed, helping sustain core breeding stock and prevent further losses. In addition, 100 households were trained and supported to begin local fodder production, laying the foundation for more sustainable livestock feeding practices.
WASH activities are simultaneously restoring and upgrading critical water infrastructure. Four water schemes are being rehabilitated—two of which are being converted to solar-powered systems—ensuring sustainable water access for communities and livestock alike. Water treatment supplies have been distributed to 2,400 people, and over 4,800 individuals are receiving hygiene kits and public health messaging. Communal handwashing stations are under construction in high-priority locations to reduce disease outbreaks. Across all sectors, interventions are embedded with gender equity, Gender-Based Violence and Protection from Sexual Exploitation Abuse (GBV/PSEA) safeguards, and climate adaptation strategies to ensure inclusive and durable results.
Agricultural inputs and veterinary care are already improving food security and stabilizing household incomes. Emergency animal feed has reached more than 3,078 individuals, and 100 households participated in cash-for-work activities that focus on land rehabilitation. Food consumption scores are projected to increase by 40%, with household livelihood protection improving by up to 60%. In the WASH sector, an estimated 12,000 people will gain sustained access to safe drinking water, supported by trained water committees equipped to maintain the infrastructure.
Economic Impact and Sustainability
On the WASH side, solar-powered upgrades to rural water systems are already reducing operational costs while extending the life of the infrastructure. These solar-powered solutions eliminate dependence on diesel fuel for water pumps, providing significant advantages for communities. Unlike diesel, which costs money, is subject to price fluctuations, and is not always available at local gas stations, solar power offers a reliable and consistent energy source. Communities also save time and money previously spent on fuel transportation, often requiring motorcycles or other vehicles. The sustainable nature of solar power has improved water security during seasonal variations, allowing for more consistent access throughout the year. Additionally, the reduced maintenance requirements of solar systems have freed up community resources for other critical needs.
As part of the project’s anticipatory action approach, early interventions—including pre-positioning of emergency livestock feed (reducing the need for costly restocking), strengthening community water committees, applying chlorine for safe water treatment, and introducing cash-for-work schemes—reduced long-term recovery costs and mitigated the impacts of drought-related shocks. These anticipatory measures were particularly critical during dry seasons to limit disease outbreaks and improve household income. Local water committees were established and trained, gradually taking responsibility for system management, ensuring services continued beyond the project timeline. This community ownership model has fostered greater local engagement and supported both water infrastructure restoration and income generation for drought-affected families, offering immediate relief while contributing to long-term recovery.
By integrating gender protection, community accountability, and local capacity-building across all activities, the project is fostering ownership, equity, and resilience. The intervention leaves behind stronger systems and more inclusive opportunities for vulnerable communities to withstand future climate shocks with dignity.